Parenting is a life-changing experience filled with wonder and many difficult questions. New parents frequently find themselves searching for answers, from the first days of pregnancy through the precious moments of caring for a newborn baby. You can depend on our team of experts at Crème de la Crème for answers to all of your questions regarding pregnancy and prenatal care, infant care, child care, and more. Find a location nearest to you and schedule a tour today. For now, let’s take a look at some of the most frequent inquiries made by first-time parents and our responses.
Common Questions From New Parents
Infant care can involve a series of expected and unexpected challenges. Researching frequently asked questions may assist you in gaining knowledge and confidence, ensuring your child’s wellness and growth, and reducing your worry and uncertainty.
It’s crucial to remember that each infant is unique, so be prepared to learn and make adjustments as you start your parenting journey. That said, here are some of the most common questions among new parents.
How Much Sleep Should My Infant Get?
Even though babies can sleep for 14 to 17 hours per day, newborn naps are generally infrequent and unreliable. Be patient and ensure that your little one has an optimal resting environment by putting them to bed on their back and keeping the cot free of toys and loose blankets. With the help of an established nightly routine, healthy sleeping habits are likely to develop.
How Often Should I Change My Newborn’s Diapers?
Change your newborn’s diaper every two to three hours or whenever it becomes soiled or wet. Because babies’ bladders are so small, frequent diaper changes may be necessary to maintain cleanliness and prevent discomfort. It’s important to pay attention to your baby’s discomfort signals, such as fussiness or crying, since these might be clues that it’s time for a diaper change. To ensure comfort and uninterrupted sleep for your child, it’s recommended to change your baby’s diapers as frequently as required at night.
How Frequently Should I Bathe My Infant?
You should bathe your baby a few times each week, as once a day may be too harsh on their skin. Use mild, fragrance-free baby soap and shampoo, and make sure the bathwater is at a suitable temperature, about 98-100 degrees Fahrenheit. When bathing your infant, always hold their head and neck and pat them dry with a soft cloth.
How Can I Avoid Diaper Rash and What Causes It?
Diaper rash can develop after prolonged contact with the irritants, friction, or moisture in diapers. Use hypoallergenic, breathable diapers, change them as soon as possible, and maintain a dry, clean diaper area.
How Do I Care for My Baby’s Umbilical Cord Stump?
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump needs simple but crucial maintenance. Keep it clean and dry, and avoid soaking it in water while having a bath. Fold the diaper down to expose the stump to the air so that it may dry. The stump should naturally detach over the first few weeks. If you notice any infection-related signs, such as redness, pus, or an offensive odor, consult your pediatrician straight away.
Why Is My Infant Crying More Than Usual?
Infants cry for many different reasons, such as because they are hungry, uncomfortable, or sleepy. Mostly, they use it for communication, but events such as teething and colic can also cause more frequent crying. Before considering more serious factors, ensure basic requirements are being met and consider your child’s development stage. Soothing white noise and gentle rocking may be all your child needs to relieve colic.
What If My Infant Is Nursing More Than Usual?
Babies can sometimes nurse more often for periods of time, known as cluster feeding. Sometimes, cluster feeding precedes an improvement in your infant’s sleeping cycle. As long as your baby seems healthy and happy, you have nothing to worry about.
How Do I Care For My Baby’s Sensitive Skin?
To protect your baby’s fragile skin, gentle practices are required. Use hypoallergenic and odorless cleansing and care products, such as soap and lotion, to lower the chance of irritation, and make sure to only use lukewarm water at bath time and dry gently afterward. Use diaper cream containing zinc oxide and fragrance-free wipes to provide a barrier against moisture and diaper rash while changing diapers.
What Happens if My Newborn Doesn’t Burp?
Burping is a crucial element of feeding. When babies feed, they may swallow air, resulting in discomfort, indigestion, and spit-up. If the burping procedure is carried out correctly, the baby will feel more at ease and be less prone to spit-up or fuss.
How Can I Make Tummy Time Fun for Babies?
Making tummy time enjoyable for newborns is crucial for their development. To do this, start early, hold short but regular sessions, and gradually extend them. Engage your child by being near them, using colorful toys, and complimenting appropriate behaviors. Be patient so that your baby may benefit from tummy time while building muscle and coordination. Take breaks if your infant starts to cry, and then try again later.
How Should I Switch My Baby to Pureed Foods?
When switching from nursing to pureed foods, start with the first meal of the day. Include one teaspoon of puree daily, and if all goes well, gradually increase the amount by another teaspoon per week. If your baby seems cranky while getting used to solid food, experiment with giving the pureed meal after a milk feeding.
Call or Schedule a Tour With Us
We hope your mind is more at ease about the life changes that come with parenting. Crème de la Crème can assist with many of the common questions you have about your new infant. We offer programs proven to assist your child’s intellectual and social growth, proudly setting the highest standard for developmental and education programs, beginning with preschool and continuing through early school grades. Schedule a tour after finding the nearest location in your area to learn more about our after-school, preschool, and day care programs.
person holding baby’s hand in close up photography by Hu Chen is licensed with Unsplash License