Most Commonly Asked Questions About the Newborn Period, Answered: Nappy Changes, Wind, and More
Preparing to bring a new baby into the world is one of life's most special experiences for parents-to-be. Alongside the happiness of this exciting wait, curiosity and questions naturally come along too. In this article, we wanted to support you in getting through this period with more confidence and calm by answering the most commonly asked questions about the newborn period.
How Often Should a Baby's Nappy Be Changed?
Newborn babies have very delicate skin, and leaving a nappy unchanged for too long can lead to nappy rash or irritation. This is why it's recommended to change the nappy roughly every 2-3 hours in the early months, that is, at least 6-7 times a day. Even though your baby may not react to a dirty nappy in the early days, it's worth checking before every feed in particular.
As your baby grows, this frequency decreases a little. After 6 months, changing every 3-4 hours is generally enough. That said, there's no fixed rule; you should always check their nappy whenever you notice them becoming unsettled.
The direction of cleaning while changing a nappy matters greatly too. Wiping from front to back is a critical step for preventing urinary tract infections. These small but important details protect your baby's skin and make daily life far easier for you.
What Is a Percentile?
A percentile is a concept that describes a baby's growth curve. Experts look at three basic measurements to assess a baby's healthy development: height, weight and head circumference. This data is plotted onto growth curves known as "percentile charts." Percentile charts are an important tool that shows where your baby's development stands compared to others their age. However, because every population has a different genetic make-up, these charts can vary from country to country; each country uses growth curves drawn from data specific to its own population.
Each line on a growth curve shows what percentage range babies of a certain age and sex fall into in terms of height and weight. For example, by looking at your baby's age in months and their weight, you can see which percentile line they fall on and track whether their development is progressing within the expected range.
Babies' development can vary from one individual to another. If you feel your baby's development is behind or ahead of the expected line, you can consult a paediatrician for a proper assessment.
What Is Newborn Wind/Colic?
Wind in newborns is the unsettledness and stomach pain caused by air building up in the digestive system. Because the digestive system isn't yet fully developed, babies can swallow air while feeding, or gas can form during the digestion of milk. This is particularly common in the first months and is largely a natural process.
Symptoms:
- Unsettled crying after feeding
- Bloating in the stomach
- Pulling their legs up towards their tummy
- Difficulty settling to sleep
What Can Parents Do for Newborn Wind?
Keep your baby upright while feeding, and burp them after every feed. A tummy massage, leg exercises or a warm bath can also help ease things.
If the mother is breastfeeding, her own diet matters too. Foods that cause wind can affect the baby through breast milk. This is why paying attention to the mother's diet can help reduce the baby's discomfort. If symptoms are very severe or last a long time, you should consult a doctor.
When Should a Newborn Baby Be Bathed?
A baby's first bath is one of the things parents wonder about most. Experts recommend against bathing within the first 24 hours after birth, to help the baby maintain their body temperature and reduce the risk of infection.
Experts hold differing views on this topic. Some doctors consider it safer to wait until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off completely before the first bath. During this time, keeping the baby clean can be achieved by gently wiping them with a soft sponge or cloth dipped in warm water.
According to the other view, bathing can begin even before the cord falls off. What matters is not leaving the umbilical area wet for long periods, and drying it carefully after bathing.
Because every baby's situation can differ, the safest approach is to follow your own doctor's advice on when and how to give the first bath.
How Should Umbilical Cord Care Be Done?
In newborn babies, the umbilical cord stump usually falls off on its own within 1-2 weeks after birth. Keeping the umbilical area clean and dry during this time matters greatly for healthy healing.
While putting your baby's nappy on, you can fold the front down slightly below the cord to help it get air. In most cases, dry care alone is enough until the cord falls off. However, if the cord comes into contact with urine or stool, it can be gently cleaned with warm water and soap and dried thoroughly. Airing the area after cleaning can also help it dry.
If you notice redness, discharge, bleeding, swelling or an unpleasant smell around the umbilical area, it's worth seeing your doctor without delay. You can also consult your doctor for the right care methods any time you're unsure.
What Is the Newborn Moro Reflex?
The Moro reflex is a natural response present in babies from birth, commonly known as the "startle reflex." When your baby hears a sudden noise or is moved abruptly, they may quickly fling their arms and legs outward and then draw them back in. This response is, in fact, a reflection of the body's instinct to protect itself.
The reflex is present from birth and is at its most noticeable during the newborn period. Over time, as muscles strengthen and balance develops, the effect of the reflex decreases. In most babies, it disappears completely by around 5 or 6 months, giving way to more controlled movements.
Suggestions for Reducing the Moro Reflex
Swaddling your baby can give them a sense of security.
Move gently, not abruptly, when picking them up or putting them down.
Choose a calm environment, away from noise and sudden sounds.
Skin-to-skin contact can increase your baby's sense of calm.
Wrapping your baby in soft, comfortable clothing can help them feel more secure. Sleepsuits with a cape-like design can be useful here, allowing your baby to move comfortably while their wrapping structure supports a sense of security. This can help make the sudden startles caused by the Moro reflex feel milder.
The Moro reflex is a natural part of a baby's development. However, if the reflex is very intense, continues for a long time, or noticeably disturbs your baby's comfort, it's worth consulting your doctor.
Why Does a Newborn Baby Cry?
Because babies can't yet express themselves in words, they communicate their needs through crying. The main reasons for crying include:
Hunger: If they're bringing their hand to their mouth or constantly trying to suck, they may be hungry.
Thirst: If they're breastfed, you can meet this need by feeding them.
Sleep: When tired, they may cry to ask for help getting to sleep. Singing a lullaby or stroking their back can help.
Need to be held: They need physical contact. Picking them up can help them settle.
Fear: Sudden noises or bright lights can startle your baby. Moving them to a calmer environment can help.
Wind (colic): Long crying spells, particularly starting in the evening, can be caused by wind. Gentle rocking or picking them up can help.
Ways to Soothe a Crying Baby
Lay them on your shoulder and pat their back.
Make use of lullabies, music or rhythmic sounds.
Make skin-to-skin contact, and talk to them.
Get them some fresh air, or take a short walk.
Swaddle them, or give them a massage after a warm bath.
These methods can help soothe your baby; but if the crying is very intense or goes on for a long time, it's worth consulting a specialist.
How Should Breast Milk Be Stored?
Breast milk is the most natural and valuable source of nutrition for your baby. But it isn't always possible to breastfeed fresh every time. This is why expressing milk and storing it under the right conditions offers mothers a practical solution, while also ensuring your baby can feed safely whenever they need to.
Points to Consider When Storing Breast Milk
Use clean containers: Always store milk in sterilised bottles, glass jars, or specialised breast milk storage bags.
Short-term storage at room temperature: Expressed milk can be kept at room temperature (around 25°C) for up to 3-4 hours.
Safe storage in the fridge: Can be used for up to 3 days on the fridge shelf at +4°C.
Long-term storage in the freezer: Can be stored for up to 6 months in a deep freezer at -18°C.
Thawing method: Avoid using a microwave to thaw frozen milk. Instead, you can let the milk thaw slowly in the fridge, or warm it in a container of warm water.
A Small Note
When storing breast milk, always write the date it was expressed on the container. This way, you can easily remember to use the milk expressed earliest first. Also, if you're unsure about the storage conditions, the safest approach is not to give the milk to your baby.
Breast milk is a unique source of nutrition for your baby. By applying the right storage methods, you can protect this valuable food in the healthiest way and confidently support your baby's development.
👉 Remember, every baby's needs are different. For the most accurate information on storing and using breast milk, you can consult your doctor or a lactation consultant.
How Often Can I Breastfeed My Newborn Baby?
Babies' stomach capacity is quite small in the first weeks after birth. This is why, particularly in the first 4 weeks of life, feeding every 2-3 hours, including at night, can be beneficial. This helps ensure your baby is fed enough and supports your milk supply too.
Between 1-3 months, some babies can sleep for 4-5 hours uninterrupted at night. In this case, it can be enough to feed your baby whenever they wake on their own. However, it's important not to delay feeding when they show signs of hunger or become unsettled.
Every baby's feeding pattern can differ. Some may want to feed more frequently, while others prefer longer intervals. This is why, rather than sticking to strict time intervals, following your baby's hunger signals (such as bringing their hands to their mouth, smacking their lips, or becoming unsettled) can be the best approach.
👉 Remember, this information is general guidance. To better understand your baby's particular needs, you can get support from a lactation consultant and consult your doctor to work out the routine that suits you best.
How Should a Baby's Laundry Be Washed?
Because babies' skin is very delicate, taking care when washing their clothes matters greatly. Here are a few points worth keeping in mind:
Choice of detergent: Detergents or natural soaps free of chemicals such as parabens, fragrance or SLS, with organic content, can be preferred.
Use of fabric softener: Fabric softener shouldn't be used, as it can cause skin irritation.
Rinsing: Care should be taken to rinse clothes thoroughly with plenty of water.
Washing temperature: Generally, washing at 30-40 degrees is fine. Coloured and white clothes should be washed separately, and any stiff labels should be cut out.
Drying: Drying outdoors, where possible, can be healthier.
Washing separately: Baby clothes should be washed separately from adult clothing.
Checking for stains: A pre-wash can be done for stained items.
👉 These suggestions are general information. If your baby has a particular skin sensitivity, it's worth consulting your paediatrician about the choice of detergent and washing method.
Should We Iron Baby Clothes?
Babies' skin is far more delicate than adults'. This is why it matters not just that clothes are clean, but that they're hygienic too. Ironing helps flatten clothes as well as helping remove any detergent residue and germs that may remain on the fabric.
Particularly during the newborn period, when the baby's immune system isn't yet fully developed, ironing can provide an extra step of sterilisation. Because cotton fabrics withstand high heat well, ironing is a safe method from a hygiene perspective. It's generally recommended to continue ironing baby clothes for the first 6-12 months; however, this can vary depending on the baby's health and their surroundings.
The newborn period is both an exciting and a curiosity-filled time for parents. Having the right information can help you meet your baby's needs more comfortably.
Remember, every baby's development is different. The suggestions here are general information; for the most accurate approach, you can consult your doctor or a specialist. 🌿👶