The birth of a baby totally changes the routine of parents, who may feel overwhelmed and have doubts about how to act and take care of the baby. Dr. Bosch, a specialist in Pediatrics, gives some perinatal advice below.
First of all, parents should go for a weight check and a first visit to the pediatric nurse within 48-72 hours after discharge from the hospital after delivery.
How should the umbilical cord be dressed?
The umbilical cord should be washed daily (once a day), with a gauze soaked in water and neutral soap, with a very small amount of soap, dragging any organic debris that may be present. Afterwards, it should be dried well with a clean gauze.
It is very important to keep the umbilical cord clean and dry, and outside the diaper. If it smells bad, has secretions or bleeds, the pediatrician should be consulted.
The baby can be bathed, taking care that the cord is not soaked for too long (no more than 5 minutes), making sure that it is dry afterwards. It will normally fall off between 5 and 15 days.
How to maintain the diaper area and how are the first bowel movements?
The diaper should be checked at least at the beginning of each feeding and changed if there is urination or stool. It is necessary to clean the area with soap and water and then apply protective cream, if necessary (in case of irritation, etc.). In the case of girls, the front and back should always be cleaned thoroughly.
During the first 24-48 hours, stools are usually black and thick, which is called meconium. The following days they will be yellow or greenish (transitional stool) and then yellow. The number of times bowel movements occur is variable, ranging from once after each feeding to once every 2-3 days.
When and how to cut the nails?
It is very important not to cut the nails with scissors. If necessary, they should be filed gently with a previously used cardboard file. Avoid putting gloves or mittens on babies.
How to bathe the newborn baby?
While the umbilical cord is still attached, the bath should not last more than 5 minutes, and the cord should always remain dry and outside the diaper. Once the umbilical cord falls off, the bath has no time limit, it can be daily, with soap and water every 48 hours.
How to dress the baby?
It is important to avoid ties, cords, safety pins and pieces of clothing that shed hair. Clothes with very small buttons should also be avoided because of the risk of choking.
As for fabrics, it is always better to use clothes made of natural fibers (cotton or linen), which favor perspiration and prevent skin irritation.
In addition, the baby should always wear underwear (T-shirt + panties or bodysuit), in addition to clothing appropriate to the season.
How to deal with spitting up, gas, sneezing and hiccups?
After feedings or when crying, the baby swallows air, which can cause discomfort. Sometimes, when burping, a little milk may come out (regurgitation), which is totally normal and unimportant.
On the other hand, infant colic may appear from the second week of life. And, sneezing and hiccups are totally normal.
What should the baby’s room be like?
A newborn baby’s room should be quiet and, if possible, with natural light. It is important to maintain a comfortable temperature, around 20 degrees Celsius. In addition, the room should be aired daily and pets should be kept out of the room. However, there are many parents who opt for the baby to share their room for the first few months, or until the family wishes.
What will baby’s sleep be like in the first few weeks?
During the first weeks of life, the baby sleeps most of the time, but only intermittently. As he/she gets older, he/she will be awake more during the day and the period of nighttime sleep increases.
On the other hand, the baby should sleep on its back and without a cushion. When awake, he can be on his stomach or on his side, but always under adult supervision, avoiding flattening of the back of the head.
Is a pacifier recommended?
The pacifier is not necessary but, if used, if breastfeeding is chosen, it is best not to offer it to the baby until breastfeeding is well established.
The pacifier should be in one piece and should be washed frequently with soap and water. It is not recommended to use chains around the neck or safety pins to hold it.
The pacifier should never be put in an adult’s mouth to clean it, nor should it be smeared with sugar or honey.
What is hearing and metabolic screening?
Before discharge, the baby’s heel prick is performed to rule out metabolic and/or congenital diseases.
An auditory study is also carried out with Central Evoked Auditory Potentials (PAETC), which is used to detect cases of hypoacusis (deafness).
Is a vitamin D supplement necessary?
Vitamin D supplementation should only be used if the pediatrician considers it advisable.
What habits should be avoided in the baby’s environment?
Of course, smoking should never be done in the baby’s environment.