Here some advice on how to care for your baby:
FEEDINGS
- You can breastfeed your baby whenever they want (in the image: correct latch to mother’s breast).
- If they seem satisfied after feeding, if they pee at least 4-5 times every day, and if they grow well when the pediatrician checks them, it means that they’re eating enough.
- If they stop peeing, if they cry all day, or if they’re not growing well, they might not be eating enough. Talk to your pediatrician. The baby will probably need formula milk.
- Formula milk, if needed, can be given up to 6-7 times during the day. You can use any brand, formula milk “type 1” (from 0 to 6 months).
- Seek medical attention if your baby persistently refuses to feed.
- Your baby will be able to start tasting foods other than milk, between 4 to 6 months of age. As formula milk, you can use milk "type 2" from 6 to 12 months.
After 12 month, normal cow milk.
If you want to read more, there is a blog post on starting solid foods, in English: https://pediatrachicca.blogspot.com/2022/05/weaning-easy-english-tips-can-be.html
VITAMINS
- You must give your baby vitamin D every day, at least until 12 months of age (maybe also 18-24 months). You can use: DiBase 2 drops every day, or any other brand.
- Put the vitamin directly into the baby’s mouth, not in the bottle with formula milk.
BELLY BUTTON and UMBILICAL CORD
- The umbilical cord stump will fall off when your baby is around 7 to 15 days old.
- You must keep it dry until it falls off. Try to put the diaper under the belly button so that it doesn’t get wet with pee (see image).
- You will need to apply disinfectant (hydrogen peroxide) or other medications to the umbilical stump, only if your pediatrician advise you to.
- It’s normal to see just a couple of drops of clear discharge, or of blood, coming from the umbilical stump.
- You must contact your pediatrician if the skin around the belly button becomes very red and swollen or with plenty of pus discharge (see image).
BATHING AND SKINCARE
- Your baby can take their first bath the day after their umbilical stump has fallen off.
- To wash your baby, use specific baby products or delicate products for dermatitis (a body wash and a hydrating cream).
- It’s normal for babies to have a little skin rash (see image). It will go away with time, there’s nothing you can do about it.
- It’s normal for babies to have a slightly more red or yellowish skin tone. Only if your baby’s skin suddenly becomes much more yellow than before, ask your pediatrician to check them.
- For the diaper area, try to wash your baby often, don’t use baby wipes every time (they are irritating). Use a diaper cream containing Zinc Oxide (apply only a thin layer, not a thick layer of white cream). There are hundreds of brands, such as: Connettivina baby, or many, many others. Don’t use talc.
- If your baby develops a very bright pink or red rash in the diaper area, contact your pediatrician, because it needs treatment (see image).
PEE and POO
- Babies must pee at least 4-5 times a day.
- They must poo at least 1 time every 1- 2 days (or they can poo many times a day).
- If they don’t poo for 2-3 days, you can use a micro enema for infants that you can buy at a pharmacy (for example Melilax...)
- Babies’ normal stool can range in colour from yellow to ochre, brown, green (see image):
- It is not normal if the stools are white or light grey, black, or red with blood. If you have doubts, take a picture to show your pediatrician.
SLEEPING
- Babies usually wake up to feed during the night. They can gradually reduce the night feedings as they grow up.
- You can keep your baby in your bedroom until they are 6 to 12 months old, then you can start letting them sleep in their own bedroom.
- Don’t let your baby sleep in your bed, though: it’s safer to sleep in his own crib/cot.
- You must always place your baby on their back, when they’re sleeping. When they’ll be around 4 to 6 months old, they’ll be able to turn on their own: by that time, they can sleep as they wish.
- You can lift the bed slightly to prevent regurgitation and reflux.
- Don’t use pillows and soft toys in the crib/cot.
- If you notice that your baby always rests on one side, try to get them to turn to the other side, when they’re awake.
GOING OUTSIDE
- You can take your baby outside for a walk, also during the winter. It’s safer to go for a walk outside, than to stay in a room full of people, or in a public indoor space full of people.
- People who have a cough or a cold can easily transmit the infection to your baby.
- To go outside in winter, make sure the baby is wearing warm winter clothing, a hat, and gloves.
OTHER
- Never smoke if your baby is present, nor inside your house or your car, even when the baby is not present.
- Never shake your baby: it can cause severe brain damage. Never shake them to try and make them stop crying or coughing, nor for any other reason.
- Seek medical attention if your baby develops a cough or a fever in their first few months of life (up to 4-5 months).
Older children instead can be observed at home for a few days, before contacting a doctor.
- Remember that babies cry often, and it is usually normal: they just want to be held, reassured, or get your attention. Check if they need to be fed, or if they need their diaper changed. Consider asking for medical attention only if your baby cries persistently and cannot be soothed in any way, if the cry is different than usual, if he seems in pain.
Hoping this was helpful, I wish you and your baby a good start, in the exciting journey of life!
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