Things To Know About Newborns
There are things that are good to know about newborns, but that not everyone knows. These are things that maybe no one will tell you while you are pregnant, but that you will soon realize when the baby is born.
When a couple decides to become parents and hold the newborn in their arms for the first time, it is probably the best feeling they will experience in their entire lives.
But the opportunity comes with some surprises!
Your child’s appearance may surprise you
Your baby’s head may not look like you expected it to. Maybe you thought it would look all around?
In fact, your baby had to go through the birth canal to end up in your arms. The flexible legs in the head can be reshaped slightly to make it easier to penetrate.
Do not worry if your child has a slightly egg-shaped head. It is only temporary and within a few days the head will get the round shape you imagined.
Your baby will not smile until it is six weeks old
It can be a little frustrating for parents to have to miss sleep to take care of a child when it is not even smiling!
But it only lasts for the first six weeks. Remember that during these first weeks of life it is important to take care of the newborn and give it all his love.
Thanks to all your effort, your child will form a fantastic bond with you.
Remember that after the sixth week you will see your baby’s amazing smile, so be patient!
Be careful with the umbilical cord
An important thing to know about newborns is that when you bathe your baby, you should be extra careful with the umbilical cord, because it should preferably fall off by itself. You must not force it. It can hurt the baby very much and even lead to umbilical hernia.
When bathing the baby, do not get the area wet. Washing the body with a sponge is a great way to bathe the newborn without touching the navel.
Do not worry about the navel getting dirty, because it will not be a umbilical cord. If it gets wet, wipe it off gently.
It will take about two weeks for it to fall off.
Be especially careful with your baby’s head
The baby’s head has some soft areas called fontanelles. The skull is not completely closed because it must be flexible to allow the baby to pass through the birth canal.
It is good to know about newborns when you are going to pick up your baby, put on his clothes, bathe him or something else.
You can comb your hair and caress your head, but keep in mind that the area is very sensitive. During the first two years of life, it will become stronger and less sensitive, and your baby will have a normal skull.
Your child will let you know when it is measured
Your child will let you know when they need to eat. Newborns usually eat every two to three hours, but if you are breastfeeding, it may be more frequent.
To know if the baby has received enough nutrition, pay attention to the signals it gives you. When your baby gets full, it can get grumpy and you should stop feeding it.
It is important to be able to read the baby’s body language to feed it as much as it needs (to understand when it is hungry or full).
You will also know if you are eating enough, because your baby should gain 5-8% of his body weight during the first week of life. You will also know if they pee and poop enough every day (you will change 5-6 diapers daily).
Your baby will have dry skin
Another thing to know about newborns is that when they are born they have a smooth and silky skin, but over time it will change and the skin will become drier.
It is therefore important to apply a moisturizing cream on the newborn’s sensitive skin.
You will also notice that your child cries a lot – that is the only way he can communicate with you. It will sleep a lot and want constant love and care.
Do not worry, the phase will pass quite quickly!
