Newborn care guide: from birth to one month old
When becoming parents for the first time, faced with the soft and delicate little life, most new parents are flustered and at a loss. Don’t worry~ This super detailed newborn care guide will comprehensively sort out the key points from the birth of your baby to the full month of your baby’s life, helping you to easily overcome the many difficulties in the early stages of parenting and embark on a scientific parenting journey.
1. Physiological characteristics of newborns: Unveiling the secrets of the mysterious little life
1. The mystery of weight change
After birth, a baby’s weight doesn’t surge steadily, but rather follows a unique pattern of fluctuations. Typically, a physiological weight loss occurs within the first 3-4 days , typically no more than 10% of birth weight. This is normal! This is because newborns, upon arrival, need to excrete meconium and excess water through urination and defecation. Combined with low colostrum production and minimal food intake, this temporary weight loss is natural. Be patient; around the 7th day, your baby’s appetite will develop, and their weight will steadily recover, returning them to their birth starting point, just like Zhuangzhuang.
(2) Special signs: “Minor abnormalities” that do not cause alarm
Mongolian spots (blue marks on the buttocks): Some newborns, especially those of East Asian descent, may develop bluish markings on their buttocks or waist. These are Mongolian spots. Like an ink painting beneath the baby’s skin, they are caused by a cluster of specialized pigment cells. Despite their frightening color, they require no treatment. As the baby grows, these marks will gradually fade and disappear, seemingly as if by magic, without any impact on the baby’s health.
Milia (small white spots on the nose): A baby’s delicate nose often has pinpoint-sized white papules scattered across it. These are called milia. They develop when a newborn’s sebaceous glands overproduce, blocking the pores with fine keratin, preventing the sebum from “breaking through.” Parents should be careful not to squeeze these spots, as this can cause infection. With regular cleansing and dry skin, these small white spots will soon disappear on their own, leaving your baby with a smooth nose.
False menstruation (vaginal bleeding in baby girls): The birth of a new life is the aftermath of maternal hormones. After birth, due to the sudden withdrawal of maternal estrogen, some baby girls experience a small amount of vaginal bleeding, known as a “false menstruation.” The bleeding is minimal and generally stops on its own after a few days. This is a physiological response of the baby’s reproductive system to hormonal changes. Parents should not panic; simply keep the baby’s vulva clean.
(3) Primitive Reflexes: Innate “Instinct Codes”
Feeding reflex : Gently touch the corner of your baby’s mouth, and they’ll subconsciously turn their head and open their mouth. This is their way of saying, “I’m hungry! I want to feed!” This innate instinct to seek food is a powerful aid in the successful initiation of breastfeeding. When this reflex occurs, it’s the perfect time to feed, so mothers should seize it.
Grasp reflex : Gently place your finger in your baby’s palm, and watch as they instantly grasp it, as if grasping a lifeline, clenching their hand tightly and not letting go. This is their earliest grasping practice, and while instinctive, it’s the beginning of their future fine motor development. Don’t underestimate this little strength; they can hold on tight.
Startle reflex : A sudden noise, a bright change in light, or an unexpected shake can cause a baby to instantly “flutter,” flinging their arms and arching their body. This is the startle reflex at work. It’s a baby’s instinctive response to external stimuli, as if to say, “Oh my! What’s going on?” Don’t worry; as your baby’s nervous system develops, this reflex will gradually weaken and eventually disappear by 3-4 months.
2. Golden rule of daily care: give your baby all-round care
(1) Umbilical cord care : the top priority after your baby’s umbilical cord is cut
After birth, the umbilical cord, the “lifeline” connecting the baby to the mother, is tied and severed. The remaining umbilical cord stump requires careful care to prevent infection. Generally, the umbilical cord falls off naturally within 1-2 weeks after birth. During care, the base of the umbilical cord should be disinfected twice daily with 75% alcohol or iodine, being gentle and ensuring thorough disinfection.
It is important to fold down the front of the diaper when changing a newborn to prevent urine or feces from soaking and rubbing against the umbilical cord, increasing the risk of infection. If you notice redness, swelling, bleeding, or even purulent discharge around the umbilical cord, these are warning signs and you must take your baby to the doctor immediately without delay.
(2) Bathing tips: Let your baby enjoy the bath time
The room temperature is maintained at 26-28℃, creating a comfortable temperature like spring; the water temperature should be precisely controlled at 38-40℃. Mothers may wish to test the water temperature with the inside of their elbows, because the skin in this area is thin and sensitive to temperature, and can more accurately judge whether the water temperature is appropriate.
Before the umbilical cord falls off, do not immerse the baby’s entire body in water to prevent infection. A sponge bath is best. Use a warm, damp towel to gently wipe the baby’s neck, armpits, groin and other skin folds, which are prone to accumulating dirt and are difficult to dry.
Body wash shouldn’t be used too frequently; once or twice a week is sufficient. Babies have delicate skin, and excessive use of body wash can damage the natural sebum layer on the surface, causing dryness and itchiness. Rinse thoroughly with clean water daily to keep your baby’s skin clean and healthy.
3. Jaundice Observation : Distinguishing between “Small Problems” and “Big Trouble”
Physiological jaundice: Most newborns experience this “little test.” Usually, two to three days after birth, a baby’s skin and sclera (whites of the eyes) begin to turn slightly yellow. This is the onset of physiological jaundice. Don’t worry, it’s due to the nature of bilirubin metabolism in newborns and generally subsides within 7 to 10 days. For example, my son Zhuangzhuang had typical physiological jaundice. We adopted a “more feeding, more excretion” strategy, encouraging frequent breastfeeding and bowel movements to promote bilirubin excretion. We also took him out in the sun every day (being careful to avoid direct sunlight in his eyes). After about a week, the jaundice subsided.
Pathological jaundice: This requires parents to be extra vigilant! If your baby develops jaundice within 24 hours of birth, persists for more than two weeks, or returns after jaundice subsides, it’s likely pathological jaundice. It could be due to serious causes such as hemolysis, infection, or hepatobiliary disease. Immediate medical attention is crucial. Professional examinations to determine the cause and prompt treatment are essential to protect your baby’s liver and other vital organs from damage.
3. Solutions to high-frequency problems: Be your baby’s “emergency rescuer”
1. Red buttocks: Protecting your baby’s buttocks
After each bowel movement, gently rinse your baby’s bottom with warm water. Avoid rubbing vigorously to avoid damaging the delicate skin. After rinsing, let the bottom air dry naturally or gently wipe it with a soft cotton towel to give the skin a dry “rest.”
Apply a layer of diaper rash cream containing zinc oxide, which is the “killer” of diaper rash. Zinc oxide can form a protective film on the surface of the baby’s skin, blocking the irritation of feces and urine on the skin, just like putting on a “protective armor” for the baby’s bottom.
If the diaper rash is more severe, you may want to temporarily stop using wet wipes and instead use clean water and a soft cotton towel to gently wipe the area. This is because the additives in some wet wipes may irritate the baby’s already fragile skin and aggravate the symptoms of diaper rash.
(2) Colic : Tips for comforting your baby
The airplane hold is a go-to for colic. Rest your baby’s head on your left shoulder, curl their body naturally into an airplane-wing position, and gently pat their back. This position helps expel excess gas and relieve abdominal pain caused by flatulence. Simultaneously, play some continuous, rhythmic white noise, such as a simulated heartbeat or the gentle sound of running water, to instantly calm your baby, bringing them back to the peaceful environment of the womb.
Gently massage the baby’s abdomen in a clockwise direction to help expel gas according to the direction of the intestines. The massage should be gentle so that the baby does not feel resistance. You can also hum a soothing song while massaging to let the baby relax with the gentle touch and sound waves.
Breastfeeding mothers should be mindful of their dietary restrictions during this period. Avoid foods that can cause gas, such as dairy products, beans, onions, and coffee. These ingredients can be passed to the baby through breast milk and exacerbate colic symptoms. Temporarily suppressing your taste buds can help your baby feel less pain.
(3) Oral thrush : A small cleaning battle in the mouth
Nystatin is a commonly used medication for thrush. Apply nystatin to the white spots in your baby’s mouth as directed by your doctor, usually 2-3 times a day. Be gentle when applying to avoid damaging your baby’s oral mucosa.
Feeding utensils such as baby bottles and nipples must be strictly boiled and disinfected after each use to kill any residual fungi and block the “fuse” that causes recurrent thrush at the source.
Before breastfeeding, mothers should clean their nipples with warm water to keep them clean. If the nipples are contaminated with fungus, they may be transmitted to the baby during breastfeeding. Therefore, this step may seem simple, but it is actually a key line of defense in preventing oral thrush.
4. Key points for safe sleep: creating a safe dreamland for your baby
1. The ABC Principle : A Simple Yet Crucial Sleep Rule
Alone (sleeping in a crib): Providing your baby with a dedicated crib is the first step to ensuring safe sleep. The crib should meet safety standards, be free of excessive decorations, and be located at an appropriate distance from the bed to facilitate care while preventing the baby from being accidentally crushed or trapped in the crib, which could be dangerous.
Back (Supine Position): The back position is the best sleeping position for newborns. Compared to sleeping on the stomach or side, it minimizes the risk of sudden death syndrome (SIDS) and allows the baby to breathe more easily. While some parents worry about their baby choking, serious choking is generally not a problem if the baby is burped properly after feeding.
Crib (empty bed): Keep the crib clean and free of soft items like plush toys, pillows, and thick quilts. These seemingly harmless items can actually be a potential threat to your baby’s sleep. If they cover their mouth or nose, they could cause suffocation. Simplicity is the key to safety.
(2) Intimate care for special circumstances
If your baby has a pronounced startle reflex and is often startled awake by your own sudden startles, new parents can cleverly utilize a swaddle. Wrapping your baby in a “small bundle” simulates the confined, secure space of the mother’s womb, giving them a sense of security and allowing them to fall into a more peaceful, deep sleep. However, be sure to ensure the swaddle is neither too tight nor too constricting, as this could affect circulation and normal movement.
