MOM, MEET BABY.
All about your new bundle of joy...
WHAT TO EXPECT
Having a newborn is like entering a whole new world. From how they look to sleep and diaper changes, it's important to know what to expect so you can prepare ahead of time. Consider this your initial guide to the basics!
SAFE SLEEP
When it comes to safe sleep, you should always follow the guidelines set by the American Academy of Pediatrics. This means that babies should be placed on their back when they sleep, usually swaddled in one thin blanket. Nothing should be in the crib - no pillows, blankets, or toys. Avoid leaving anything loose or fluffy with your baby, as this can come up next to baby's face.
SPECIAL TERMS, SCREENINGS & TESTS
Sometimes hospital staff use tricky terminology which can be difficult to understand. Babies also undergo a lot of screenings and tests their first few days of life. Read about some of the most common tests and terminology to expect and what they mean.
SPECIAL TERMS
Apgars and Transitioning
Apgar is a term used to describe how newborns immediately respond to the birthing process on a scale of 0 to 10, while transitioning refers to the period during which your baby becomes accustomed to life outside the womb.
Birth Weight
Birth weight is divided into three different categories based on the baby's size and gestational age: Small for Gestational Age (SGA), Appropriate for Gestational Age (AGA), and Large for Gestational Age (LGA).
Baby Medications
There are three baby medications that are typically offered to all newborns at the hospital: Vitamin K, Erythromycin, and Hepatitis B Vaccine.
Late Preterm Infant
A Late Preterm Infant (LPI) is a term used to describe babies born between 34+0 and 36+6 weeks. These babies are tricky for parents and hospitals because they often look like a full term baby, but need additional assistance with things like feeding or staying warm.
NAS Scoring
Babies who were exposed to alcohol or narcotics during pregnancy may experience withdrawals after being born. Withdrawal severity is monitored through a method called "Neonatal Abstinence Syndrome Scoring."
SCREENING AND TESTS
24 HOUR SCREENING
Newborns typically undergo a screening process at or around 24 hours to monitor jaundice, heart function, and possible metabolic disorders.
HEARING SCREEN
Your baby should receive a hearing screen within the first few days of life to help provide early detection on any possible issues. You will want your baby to be content, calm and asleep during a hearing screen to give him the best chance to pass!
JAUNDICE
Jaundice is caused by bilirubin, or broken down red blood cells, in the blood. Almost every baby has some degree of jaundice. When your baby has this condition, you will notice that their eyes and skin have a yellow tint, and they are often extra sleepy.
CAR SEAT TEST
Sometimes when babies are really small or born early, they have difficulties in car seats. Hospitals perform Car Seat Tests to simulate their response to being in a car seat, before actually going home.
CARING FOR YOUR NEWBORN
Caring for a new tiny human can be tricky. There are lots of topics which sound simple enough, until you go to do it and realize it's a little more complicated than you thought. From baby baths to circumcisions and beyond, this section is meant to guide you on all the basics!
BABY BATHS
Many hospitals and doctors have policies and preferences for a baby’s first bath! For example, many hospitals have a “Wait for 8” campaign which recommends waiting a minimum of 8 to 24 hours after birth before bathing for a healthy baby.
UMBILICAL CORD CARE
Newborns keep a small portion of the umbilical cord attached to them after birth. This cord will initially be very moist, but will dry and fall off on its own in about 7 to 10 days.
ROOMING IN
"Rooming In" is a term used to describe moms and babies staying together in the same room both at the hospital and when they go home. With rooming in, the baby should sleep in a bassinet while mom sleeps in her own bed.
SKIN TO SKIN
Skin to skin is a practice describing your naked baby laying vertically on your bare chest, with their head on your chest. Skin to skin helps regulate your little one’s heartrate, breathing, and temperature, improves feeds, and facilitates bonding.
CAR SEAT
If you have a baby, you will also need a car seat! There are countless to choose from on the market, and each have their own specifications to review.
SPITTING UP
Babies are notorious for spitting up. While it does not affect every baby, chances are that it will happen to your little bundle of joy! It may begin at the hospital, or more commonly after you go home. The most important thing is to know what to expect, and the steps to take to help your little one.
CIRCUMCISION
One of the most common questions for new parents of little boys is if he will be circumcised. Since there is no medical indication for having a circumcision, parents should decide based on their culture, personal beliefs, and circumstance.
CARE OF THE UNCIRCUMCISED PENIS
New parents have so much to think about, it's easy to forget to ask how to care for your newborn's penis if you choose to not circumcise. Fortunately, care is more low-maintenance than you may have ever realized!
SKIN SURPRISES
HOME SWEET HOME
Once you get home, you'll begin to learn your new routine of life with baby. From doctor's appointments to soothing techniques and "exercising" your baby, here are a few things to make your transition home a little smoother.
FOLLOW-UP APPOINTMENTS
After you leave the hospital, expect to see your baby’s pediatrician 1 to 2 days after discharge. You should call to set up your baby’s appointment after they’ve been born, but before you go home.
PACIFIERS
Babies have a natural desire to suckle, and this need can be met by breastfeeding or pacifiers. There are many different types of pacifiers, so your baby may be particular on which one they prefer.
SWADDLING
Swaddling your newborn is a wonderful method you can use to help calm your baby to sleep. You can use one thin swaddle blanket to wrap your baby like a burrito, or specific swaddles (like the Halo brand) that have velcro to help keep your little Houdini from coming out. Your baby can wear pajamas underneath the swaddle, or just a diaper.
DRESSING YOUR NEWBORN
One of parents’ favorite things to do is dressing their baby for the first time! How to dress your baby depends largely on the current weather and climate, and parent personal preference. Try to dress your newborn in about one layer more than what you would feel comfortable in.
TUMMY TIME
Tummy time is a term used to describe placing a newborn or small baby on their stomach to help the baby strengthen their back and neck muscles. Think of it as baby's first workout.
