Tips for Newborns

yurmom · March 2014

Baby Got Colic on YouTube/iTunes is a creepy ass video but is amazeballs for white noise if your baby is freaking out. I downloaded it to ITunes and put it on repeat on my iPod Touch and put it next to DD in the car seat because she hated the seat.

Doesn't work for everyone but some babies love it!

I would also download a white noise app to your phone.

pfeilele · March 2014

Haven't read all the responses but:

Don't put lotion on your baby for the first two weeks. Their glands aren't fully developed and I guess it messes with that. At least that's what every single nurse told me. I still rarely put it on DS and his skin is fine. They also said not to cut their nails for two weeks - use a nail file. I forget the reasoning behind this.

Don't get up with them every single time they make a noise. I got up with DS more than I needed to because I didn't want my husband to wake up. Let them try to sleep on their own.

Don't change a diaper in the middle of the night unless it's poop. Maybe this makes me a bad mom, but it helped him fall asleep faster because there wasn't as much stimulation. He also isn't the type to freak about being wet so I guess that matters.

Baby washcloths are great for preventing little boys from peeing a HUGE arc across the room. It's amazing the power they have with such tiny equipment!

Smell their head as much as you possibly can. The smell of your kid is pure heaven, and that newborn smell doesn't last forever.

Zutano booties are wonderful and stay on baby feet. Aden and Anais four layer sleeping bags are so awesome and warm for those who are done being swaddled.

That's all I've got... I feel like you need to learn who your kid is and other people's advice is all relative.

TexasGirl81 · March 2014

dlsexton said:
Baby Got Colic on YouTube/iTunes is a creepy ass video but is amazeballs for white noise if your baby is freaking out. I downloaded it to ITunes and put it on repeat on my iPod Touch and put it next to DD in the car seat because she hated the seat.

Doesn't work for everyone but some babies love it!

I would also download a white noise app to your phone.

@dlsexton
In the words or Chris Tucker, "you can't get no righter!"
This was a lifesaver on many occasions.

coasties_girl · March 2014

I don't think anyone has mentioned it yet but newborns have squishy heads as their skulls haven't hardened obviously. Keep an eye on the back of their head. DS always slept with his head off to one side and one day we noticed his head was lopsided. Per pediatrician reccomendation we rolled up receiving blankets and propped him up a little on alternating sides while he slept. If you don't keep an eye on it their skulls will set lopsided.

Also, if in the night your baby will not stop crying, take the baby outside for a minute. The temperature change was enough to stun DS into taking a breath and stop crying. Though, if its literally freezing outside, you might want to go with a different plan, lol

AKB090609 · March 2014

It is normal for baby girls to have a 'period' in the first few days, but not all do. Some babies 'lactate' in the first few weeks. Both are normal, but may freak you or DH out if you don't know it's a possibility.

You don't need to run for every peep a newborn makes, they are noisy little things and often are not wake just because they made a noise. Waiting a few seconds is NOT the same as sleep training (which is not something to consider until 6ish months).

And some new mom tips as well...

It can hurt like a bitch when your milk is coming in, like the pain in my back/shoulders was worse than the c-section.

A c-section is not the end of the world, but the quicker you get up and walk around the better.

If your hospital gives you one of the giant water glasses keep it, they are great when you are stuck on the couch with a new baby for hours, also buy snacks and keep them in the places you nurse.

It is okay to ask for help if you want or need it, it is also just fine to tell people to GTFO, do what you need to do for you. Everyone will still think the baby is super cute in a week or two when you feel a little better.

TexasGirl81 · March 2014

Also, our ped made us aware of these crystals (looks like they pee blood in their diapers) that may show up in girls and boys diapers in the first few days or weeks.

Some FTM have no idea and they naturally get very worried. Here's a link to explain a bit more.
https://pediatrics.answers.com/infant-care/common-causes-of-urate-crystals-in-an-infants-diaper

katnipeverclean · March 2014

You are the only expert on your child. Take all advice with a grain of salt realizing the giver's experiences colors their advice.

IE: The never waking a sleeping baby thing. DD did about 100,000 times better on a set feeding and sleeping schedule. You know what I did? I woke my sleeping baby. It worked for us and my child, but my BFF is the complete opposite. It did not work for her babies.

There is no one size fits all guide to parenting. Trust me, if there was I would own it. People who tell you one thing about parenting makes you a bad parent are wrong. They are judgemental or wrong. Unless, you know, you're seriously abusing your kid.

If you think you have PPD, PPA or PPD/A seek help immediately. If you feel you may be at risk tell your support system to be on the lookout for you. These disorders strike across all socio economic and racial backgrounds.

Breastfeeding is not the ultimate act of love. Love comes in many forms and not all of it from the breast. Formula is not poison.

When researching anything check your sources and for the love of Pete learn the difference between correlation and causation.

yurmom · March 2014

SarahVol131 said:

You are the only expert on your child. Take all advice with a grain of salt realizing the giver's experiences colors their advice.

IE: The never waking a sleeping baby thing. DD did about 100,000 times better on a set feeding and sleeping schedule. You know what I did? I woke my sleeping baby. It worked for us and my child, but my BFF is the complete opposite. It did not work for her babies.

There is no one size fits all guide to parenting. Trust me, if there was I would own it. People who tell you one thing about parenting makes you a bad parent are wrong. They are judgemental or wrong. Unless, you know, you're seriously abusing your kid.

If you think you have PPD, PPA or PPD/A seek help immediately. If you feel you may be at risk tell your support system to be on the lookout for you. These disorders strike across all socio economic and racial backgrounds.

Breastfeeding is not the ultimate act of love. Love comes in many forms and not all of it from the breast. Formula is not poison.

When researching anything check your sources and for the love of Pete learn the difference between correlation and causation.

I second this, some babies (and parents) do really well with a schedule. The first couple weeks were a free for all but then we transitioned into an Eat, Activity, Sleep "schedule" and this really helped me to not feel like I was in the Twilight Zone and kinda get into a routine. Again, schedules aren't for everyone.

TurtleMonsters · March 2014

So much great advice.

Trust your gut. If you think something is up, and everyone is telling you "it's normal, baby's do that",and you don't feel it is, trust your own instincts. Ds spent many ill months due to multiple allergies, and an autoimmune condition. Extreme colic might mean "something" is up.

really DO take naps when they do. seriously.

If BFing, don't give up. Just when you think you can't do it any more, stick it out just a little bit longer.

alyssa719 · March 2014

Babies aren't as breakable as you think they are. I'm not saying fling them around, but you don't need to put a bubble around them either.

I know this has been said a million times, but you're not a failure if you don't breast feed. Don't listen so much to people who say this. Also, you're not killing the world/baby/whatever if you don't cloth diaper, or don't make your own food, or whatever else.

Like the PPs have said, take a million pictures. I didn't because I hated how *I* looked and regret it now so much...

JAMPUP · March 2014

All great tips I found joining a wholesale club (BJ's or costco) I don't have many walmarts Around me so these places had the best pricing for formula and diapers and best part is you don't have to run out every other day because they are in bulk.... Late night nursing was lonely for me but try to enjoy the alone time it goes too fast!! Even with your red blood shot eyes lol Getting through the first 6 weeks was the hardest adjustment with out first LO once you get to know each other better life calms down enjoy the good and the bad and do what works for you and you LO you are the mom and you know best

Skeemer · March 2014

I have another one -

Don't let the doctors & nurses make you feel crazy if you sense something isn't just right with your child. Yes, you are new at this. But they still don't know everything.

DS's tear ducts were stopped up, as many newborns do, but I didn't know. He cried TERRIBLE for a day & I called the nurses line. They told me if it's an emergency to go to the ER. I honest to God didn't know if it was or not. He wasn't broken...he wasn't hungry...was he supposed to be crying like that?! Anyway, this of course happened on the weekend. On Monday I called the nurse that I knew would tell me straight (she wasn't working the weekend) & she called in $5 eye drops. The second those drops touched his eyes he quit crying. I felt like an idiot & a horrible parent for "letting" him cry in pain for 2 days. It's not my proudest mommy moment but I seriously had no idea what to do & the snotty nurse on call wasn't helpful at all.

Don't let people make you feel stupid. Grow your spine. If you're wrong, you're wrong but at least you know you tried. Annnnd...you'll have the moments you feel like you were a terrible parent. One time I was so tired after I bathed DS that I rubbed lotion on him. The next morning I figured out I had put baby soap on him & left it all night. ( Now DH & I laugh about it but at the time I felt so dumb. Try to cut yourself some slack. Goofy things will happen & your child will still be alright. You got this.

Skeemer · March 2014

Sorry to add one more but I didn't want to edit my previous long post -

Be aware that post partum depression can happen to even the most wonderful mothers who love their newborns so very much. I struggled with it & felt so guilty because I was depressed a lot during what should have been the happiest time of my life. But the truth is that adjusting to motherhood & a new tiny person to love can be very stressful & emotional. This doesn't make you a bad mother & it's nothing you can help.

I talked to a friend who suggested I may be experiencing post partum depression. I decided to call my doctor & the next day she had called in a light prescription to help me adjust. If you need to take medication there is nothing wrong with it & there's nothing wrong with you. I took medicine for about 6 months & slowly came off of it. So please don't be afraid of this experience & don't blame yourself if it's something you go through. Everything will be okay.

purpleXdandelion · March 2014

Mix half water and half white vinegar in a spray bottle. When baby spits up on anything: carpet, rocking chair, etc...spray that on and give it a little scrub. It smells funny at first from the vinegar but it really is magical and leaves no spit up smell or stain!! Cheap and no chemicals!

Huahine · March 2014

If someone offers to come stay with you to help out, seriously consider taking them up on it.

My mom was with us for two weeks after DS1 was born. Her BTDT attitude was so helpful when I was losing my shit with worry for a baby that was losing weight instead of gaining, the pain of those first weeks of breastfeeding and exhaustion from my C-section recovery. She literally laughed at the pee/poop count spreadsheet that the hospital gave us - we still filled it out but knew to take it with a grain of salt. She cooked for us, cleaned, did laundry, held DS1 so I could shower, and left us alone when we needed nuclear family time - all in a two bedroom apartment.

kmawb · March 2014

catarntina said:

I downloaded a free app on my phone (Android) called "White Noise Lite." It worked really well for DS. White noise pretty much calmed him down instantly. The app was great because I didn't need a special machine. If he was upset, I could just pull out my phone and turn on the app. Plus it's free.

I have the Sleep Machine App on my iPhone (free as well) and it has white noise plus a ton of other soothing sounds (just in case your baby isn't keen on white noise).

kmawb · March 2014

I will add:

- Don't confine yourself to the house for the first few weeks. Get out and take baby for a walk even if it's just a short one down the block - the fresh air will do wonders for the both of you. Plus as an added bonus if your baby has jaundice a bit of sun exposure (just a few minutes) a day will help them.

shanaynerz · March 2014

All of this advice is awesome. But also, as others have said, it's advice. What's worked for us may not work for you. Take everything you read/hear with a grain of salt.

My advice though would be to swaddle for the first 4 months. It makes a HUGE difference.

Use a white noise machine or get an album off iTunes (that's what we did).

Take LOTS of pictures. I looked back at DD yesterday and it's amazing how much she's changed.

Don't let anyone make you feel guilty about any of your choices with your child.

As PPs said, much of it honestly is common sense and you'll figure it out. The first three months are the hardest, but then you really find a groove and it does get easier. It's an adjustment for everyone, including your LO! They can't be spoiled, so love them up!

EllaSmella · March 2014

Newborns don't have bedtimes and they don't take regular naps. They sleep in small spurts pretty much round the clock at first. Don't try to institute a routine early on - you'll drive yourself nuts.

There are really cute "outfits" that come in newborn sizes. However, your newborn may never get out of their pajamas (flooted sleepers etc) and that's totally fine too. Don't go overboard on the "real" clothing when they're really small.

If you're nursing, download some games to your phone/iPad to keep yourself awake and night when you're nursing. Newborns take a really long time to nurse and you'll be really tired.

alyssa719 · March 2014

Oh, I forgot to add... instead of investing in a white noise machine or app... turn the radio/television on and find a static station. My (childless) brother taught me that one. Sometimes old school is just as good as fancy new gadgets.

lilly&rose · March 2015

Try not to associate boob with sleep as early as possible. Make sure baby eats before bath or change.
We also use a baby deedee sleep sack for dd which has shoulder snaps and middle zipper. I would always lay it open in her crib before starting bt. Once asleep/drowsy i would put her in the sack snap, zip witthout waking her up. That why we love babydeedee.com!!

lilly&rose · March 2015

baby deedee sleeping bags are so comfy. Shoulder snaps are too good with a small baby who generally falls asleep while nursing.
I used to lay open the sack in her crib before starting bt. great thred

KatWAG · March 2015

@lilly&rose this thread is a year old.

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