Newborn Secrets

So they sent you home with this tiny human but seem to have forgotten to send along a copy of the owner's manual. Caring for your newborn can seem like a daunting task. You don't even speak the same language in the beginning. It's okay, momma, you will learn. Your baby will learn.

Here are some things I would put in the owner's manual for a newborn if I was the author for it.

1. Baby has been snug and warm in your womb for 9 months. They never had to be too cold nor too hot. It is going to take some time for them to learn how to regulate their core body temperature. Dressing your baby for the temperature of the space they are in is important. You can consult a "TOG sleep chart" but a good rule of thumb is to dress baby one step more than you are dressed. If your in shorts and t-shirt, dress baby in long sleeves, long pants and socks or a footed outfit. Keep a blanket nearby in case baby seems chilled.

2. Newborns will spend a majority of their time sleeping. It's important to wake baby every 2-3 hours to feed them. If breastfeeding, during the first 6 weeks, wake baby every two hours in order to establish a strong milk supply. Ideally, baby and mom should be resting together the first 2 weeks so baby can access to mom's breast as often as possible. Remember, in the beginning, their tummy is not much bigger than a walnut.

3. Learn to recognize hunger and sleep cues. Watching for these rather than watching a clock is best for baby. A newborn should never be held to strict feeding and sleeping schedule. This is actually an unhealthy practice.

4. Those tiny fingernails can be very long and very sharp when baby is born. They are also paper thin which can make them difficult to safely cut. It is best to file them with an emery board. Try to avoid covering baby's hands with mittens as having access to their hands is important. They use their hands to self-sooth (sucking on fingers) and to communicate hunger (bringing hands to their mouth).

5. Babies ideally should be with mom, dad or a trusted caregiver when sleeping in the early weeks of life. They don't even see themselves as separate beings until 6 months old. When putting baby down asleep, it should be on their back and on a firm surface free of any stuffed animals, pillows, loose blankets.

6. A sleeping newborn squeaks, grunts and makes all kinds of noises while sleeping. This is a normal part of active sleep. Pause a minute before trying to sooth them as they may still be asleep and will settle back into deep sleep on their own. Sometimes just placing your warm hand on their abdomen is enough to help them settle.

7. Newborns don't have the muscle to pass gas/ poop as easily as adults. Their body has never has to do these things prior to being born. The feeling may be scary to them. Knowing a few burping and gas-relieving exercises can be helpful and even welcomed by your baby. One technique is to gently move baby's legs as if they are riding a bicycle.