I’m still scared I’ll drop the baby. Do other dads feel like this? FAQ
I’m still scared I’ll drop the baby. Do other dads feel like this? q2whn78ivz
This is a normal and natural feeling and affects the majority of all new dads (and many mums!) Babies
seem to be such fragile little creatures, especially because of their size compared to you. However.
they are in fact quite resilient to inept handling and are a lot stronger than they look Remember the
tough journey they have just undergone to be born! If you have so far avoided handling your baby much,
try to overcome your fears by watching your partner or midwife change your baby or bathe him, then
offer to help so that you can give your partner a rest Once you have changed a few nappies, or done
some winding sessions, you will find that your confidence in handling your baby begins to grow quickly.
The more contact you have with your baby, the more confident over time you will become, and your
partner will also benefit from the added support and help you are providing and from knowing that she
can feel confident leaving -you in charge of the baby sometimes.
Our baby screams whenever he goes near water. How can we make bathing him less stressful?
There is no right or wrong way to bathe a baby
but with a little care and organization it can actually become quite a playful and fun experience (see
p 250-251). This may seem hard to believe at the moment, and it is certainly the case that many newborn
babies initially scream throughout their bathtime. However the main reason why babies do this is
because they don’t like to feel cold. To keep your baby comfortable during a bathing session, make sure
that the room you bathe him in is sufficiently warm and draught-free, which will
help him to relax and feel less distressed. Also always gather everything you need ready before the
bathing session so that you don’t have to go and fetch items mid-way through a session, leaving your
baby lying on a towel and letting him get cold.
If you are feeling stressed during your baby’s bathtime, he may be sensing this, which could be adding
to his upset. The biggest fear that mums and dads have is of dropping their baby while bathing him, so
you could initially try bathing at ground level to help you to build your confidence Also, remember to
communicate with your baby all the time while you are bathing him — talking to him constantly in a
soothing tone, or singing to him, will help to distract and reassure him and in turn you are likely to
feel far more relaxed, which will have a positive effect on your baby
If you are still concerned about handling your baby, then seek help from your partner. if he or she is
more confident, or talk to -your community midwife who will be more than happy to offer you additional
advice and support
Our newborn sleeps so much -it’s wonderful, but should I be waking him for a feed?
While many newborn babies sleep for what seems to be a very short amount of time, some do sleep for
quite long periods. One factor that may influence how long your baby sleeps is how he is fed. The
makeup of formula milk is very different to that of breast milk and sits in a baby’s stomach for
longer. So formula-fed babies tend to sleep for longer periods and are, in fact, encouraged to do so to
prevent overfeeding and constipation. However, a bottlefed baby shouldn’t be left without a feed for
more than six hours and it is recommended that bottlefed babies should have no fewer than six feeds.
Holding your newborn
New parents, particularly first-timers, sometimes worry about picking their baby up or carrying them
properly. However, newborn babies are not as fragile as you think. Although, of course, you still need
to take care when handling your baby, it’s best to trust in your ability The more you practise, the
easier it will become and you will find that your confidence will soon grow with experience The main
point to remember is that babies need to be supported at the head and lower body as their muscle tone
is not developed enough to support themselves The same principle applies if you are cradling your baby,
holding your baby upright over your shoulder, or sitting him on your lap.
Once you have been shown the
technique by your midwife, you might like to practise without being watched
Bathing and washing
There are differing views on how to bathe and wash a baby, but the general opinion seems to be that
less is more. Some say it is unnecessary to bathe your baby for the first month, others say if you want
to, just use water and, if you wish, pH-neutral balanced products. Always read the label and avoid
anything with sulphur in it Your baby’s newborn skin is so delicate and thin that if you use harsh or
highly perfumed products the skin’s protective barriers can be damaged: skin may then become dry and
more vulnerable to infection. A baby’s skin also absorbs certain chemicals that may contribute to
conditions like eczema and asthma later in life.
When should I bathe my baby?
The vernix, the waxy-like substance that covers your baby at birth, should
be left to absorb into his skin as it is
Topping and tailing
the most amazing moisturizer. If your baby’s hair needs a wash, just use water and a baby comb to
remove any debris. You can ”top and tail’ your baby in the first few days of life, using cotton wool
(organic if possible) and water, gently washing his face (being careful around the delicate area of the
eyes) and nappy area. This allows your baby’s skin to adjust to the outside world Later, when you bathe
your baby, hold him gently in water two or three times a week.
What should I use to clean my baby? Use water and cotton wool in the first month. If your baby’s eyes
become sticky, use cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water to clean them - gently wipe the eyes with
an in-to-out movement, using a new piece of cotton wool for each wipe. Use cotton wool to wipe around
the outside of the ears and nose.
I’m scared to touch my baby’s cord stump - should I clean it?
The cord stump is the end of the umbilicus that housed the arteries and veins that fed your baby and
removed his waste products in pregnancy It is common for parents to not want to touch the stump.
However, the stump can become infected as its base can become moist. and harmful bacteria that live
naturally on our skin may grow in this moist area before it falls off, usually by the tenth day, If the
cord stump is clean, there is no need to touch it, but if it becomes soiled, it should be cleaned with
damp cotton wool. Once the stump has fallen off, the “wound” needs cleaning until it heals, as the
navel and surrounding area can also become inflamed. If the stumps smells offensive or is sticky,
contact your midwife or doctor.
What is meconium?
Meconium is a waste product from your baby’s bowels It is dark brown/green in colour and its texture is
quite sticky and globular. Meconium is formed from as early as 12 weeks gestation and contains dead
skin cells and debris from the amniotic fluid that the baby swallows and digests throughout pregnancy.
It is usually expelled after birth in the first few stools, but it can be passed in pregnancy or labour
when it may be a sign that the baby is distressed. If meconium is seen before the birth, the baby will
be monitored carefully during the labour and birth
How often should I change my baby’s nappy?
Your baby’s own toilet habits will dictate how often to change his nappies However, you should check
his nappy fairly regularly, as wetness and the ammonia contained in urine and the digestive enzymes in
stools can quickly irritate a baby’s sensitive skin Some babies need changing around 6-8 times a day,
while others require a nappy change as often as 10-12 times a day, for example, breastfed babies who
poo much more frequently than bottlefed babies As your baby gets older, he will need changing less
frequently.
Is there anything I should look out for when changing his nappy?
A baby’s urine is pale after birth and then darkens within the next few days. There may be a
pinky-orange stain in your baby’s nappy, which is concentrated urine from when he was in the uterus and
is quite normal. As long as your baby passes urine at least four times a day and there is no blood
present, there is nothing for you to worry about The black-green meconium passed after the birth (see
left) gradually changes to a yellow colour as normal digestion begins.
Breastfed babies tend to pass stools that are runny and mustard-yellow, which can look similar to
diarrhoea, while a formula-fed baby’s stools will be much firmer and a seedy pale yellow. Some babies
have a bowel movement with every feed, as feeding stimulates peristalsis, or muscular contractions, in
the gut; others, particularly bottledfed babies, may only pass a stool once a week. If your baby’s
stool is hard and dry, or there is any mucus or blood in the stool, talk to your doctor.
How should we deal with nappy rash?
Nappy rash is sore for the baby, but also distressing for parents, who may feel that they should have
been able to prevent it. There are several reasons for nappy rash, including if the baby’s urine or
stools are concentrated, causing them to be more of an irritant; if a barrier cream has not been used;
or if the baby has a thrush infection that is irritating the nappy rash Also, changing a baby’s nappy
too regularly can sometimes be harmful as the baby may be sensitive to the wipes being used.
The most usual way to deal with nappy rash is to “air” the bottom as often as is practical. After
thorough handwashing, clean your baby’s bottom carefully with cotton wool and warm tap water and/or
emollient creams, which lubricate the skin and stop it becoming too dry and avoid soaps or wipes Then
leave your baby without a nappy on an absorbent mat or towel for a while When you change his nappy.
Nappy changing
Although you may feel a bit hesitant at first about changing your baby’s nappies, and many babies
protest strongly when having their nappy changed, you will soon master the technique and learn how to
change his nappy quickly and with the minimum of
fuss. The key to successful and stress-free changing is to have everything ready before you start.
Choose somewhere warm and draught-free to change your baby; you may also want to lay down a towel on
top of the changing mat for extra comfort
CLEANING THE NAPPY AREA:
apply an emollient or barrier cream thinly so that it protects the skin but does not prevent the nappy
from soaking up urine. Suitable ointments and creams include zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. Another
ointment called metanium ointment contains titanium dioxide, which seems to be effective in healing
Happy rash, although it does have a strange smell and can stain fabric.
Occasionally, a moderate or severe nappy rash may be infected In this case, treatment with antibiotics
may be necessary Also, to reduce inflammation, a corticosteroid cream may be suggested for application
once a day, to reduce the inflammation of the nappy rash and give the rash a better chance to heal. An
antifungal cream will also be recommended as many moderate to severe rashes are infected with the
bacteria Candida albicans. If the rash persists after 7-10 days, the doctor may recommend an antifungal
syrup to try
to treat the whole bowel for thrush infection. If this occurs, you should also apply an antifungal
cream to your nipples if you are breastfeeding. Although unusual, if the nappy rash still shows no sign
of healing, your doctor may refer your baby to a dermatologist.
Should we use baby wipes or just cotton wool when changing a nappy?
Most midwives would advise that you stick to warm water and cotton wool balls, preferably organic, to
clean your newborn baby when changing his nappies Any soaps, perfumed or otherwise, or baby wipes
should be used with caution as, although baby products are designed to be kinder on a baby’s sensitive
skin, they can still irritate the skin if overused or not washed off and dried properly. It’s best to
avoid baby wipes altogether until your baby is a few months old.
My baby’s scalp has become scaly. Is this cradle cap and what should I do about it?
Cradle cap, or seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a common condition in young babies, appearing as yellow,
scaly patches on the scalp. This condition is harmless and will clear up on its own over time However,
if you are concerned that it is unsightly gently massage some olive oil into the scalp, leave this on
overnight, and then wash your baby’s hair in the morning with a mild baby shampoo: most of the flakes
should disappear Don’t pick at the scales as this could damage the skin and increase the chance of
infection.
What temperature should our house be when we bring our new baby home?
Babies find it hard to maintain their body temperature Maternity units are notoriously hot as they are
dealing with babies who have just been born and are still quite wet from the delivery. Once you are
home, the guidelines are to maintain room temperature at around 16-20°C (62-68°F) and you may find
purchasing a room thermometer helpful. Babies are at risk of cot death (see p.276) if they become too
hot due to being in a warm room or being overwrapped.
However, the room temperature is a guideline only and you should learn to check for other signs that
your baby is too hot or too cold. As a guide, a baby’s hands and feet feel cool and their heads feel
hot as they tend to lose heat through their heads Check his temperature by feeling your baby’s chest
with the back of your hand, not your fingers, as these may be cold. If your baby feels warm to touch,
he is probably warm enough If he is hot or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or a blanket or sheet. If
he is cold, add a layer. Duvets are not recommended until your baby is at least a year old, to avoid
overheating.
If your baby is unwell, hot, and shivery, your immediate reaction may be to wrap and cuddle him, but
this can make him too hot Instead, remove a few layers so that your baby can cool down. Seek medical
help straight away if your baby has a temperature over 39°C (102 2°F) or if he is particularly
unresponsive and listless.
How should I place my baby in the cot?
The Foundation for Sudden Infant Death (FSID) recommends that your baby should be placed with his feet
towards the bottom of the cot to prevent him wriggling under the blankets and possibly suffocating
himself (see p 276). Light cotton blankets and sheets, available in cot sizes, should be used rather
than quilts or duvets, so that layers can be built up or taken off. The blankets and sheets should be
tucked under the baby’s arms so that your baby is less likely to pull them over his face. Swaddling is
another method of wrapping your baby which some babies find comforting (see p.257).
Is it OK to swaddle our baby? There seem to be conflicting opinions.
Swaddling means wrapping your baby in a light cotton blanket or sheet, the idea being to keep him
feeling warm and secure in the outside world (see p 257). The baby is so well wrapped that his arms and
legs are ‘’strapped” to his sides, restricting movement of the limbs. There are differing views as to
whether a baby should be swaddled The practice is very popular in Asian and Eastern European areas. Its
popularity is also on the rise in the UK, especially since parents have been encouraged to put babies
in their own cots to sleep rather than bedsharing to prevent cot death. It is also thought that the
swaddling may help a baby to sleep comfortably on his back.
The FSID warns of the risks of overheating a baby so any swaddling should be done with a light cotton
sheet or blanket and the room must not be too warm. On the other hand, some believe that swaddled
babies risk getting cold as they cannot maintain their temperature by moving.
Should my baby wear his hat indoors?
One factor known to increase the risk of cot death
is an overheated baby Although babies lose excess heat from their heads and it is a good idea to cover
a baby’s head outside if it is cold or windy, the baby’s hat should be removed indoors or when you
enter an area that is warm, such as on a bus or going into a shop, even if it means waking your baby
There are some exceptions. If a baby was born prematurely, had a very low birth weight, or has
difficulty maintaining his temperature, then they may need to wear a hat indoors. However, once these
babies area healthy weight or able to maintain their body temperature, this no longer applies
He screams when I undress him. What can I do?
Babies use crying as their means of communication. It may be that when you undress him, he is either
protesting that he is cold or that he does not like the feeling of air on his skin, which he is unused
to after been snuggled in the womb for nine months Try to keep the changing time as short as possible,
making sure he is not in a draughty or cold environment. Afterwards, comfort your baby by rocking him;
swaddling and keeping him in an upright position can also soothe him
When can we take him out?
Some recommend waiting for 1-2 weeks before going out, but this will depend on individual
circumstances. When you feel well enough, you could try going out for a short walk, but bear in mind it
will be the same distance to get back. so do not overdo it. You may have a local park you could visit
or simply have a walk round the block - it’s best to keep it simple at first until you get used to
being out together. You are likely to feel rather nervous at first about taking your baby outside of
the home, but, as with most aspects of baby care, once you get used to going out you will probably lose
much of your anxiety. As you start to increase the distance and time away from home, make sure you have
taken everything you will need to care for your baby while you are out. This will include changing equipment,
and blankets, pram covers, or parasols to protect your baby from different weather conditions The time
of year will also affect how long you stay out.
Can he sleep for long in his car seat?
There are no laws to state how long a baby should remain in a car seat, but bear in mind that being
fixed in one position for long periods of time would be uncomfortable for anyone, regardless of age
Generally, it is not recommended that babies are left for a long period of time in car seats because if
they fall asleep curled up in this position it may affect their breathing, and can encourage wind to
get trapped causing discomfort You should also take care when carrying your baby around in a car seat
as they tend to be heavy and you are more prone to back injuries in the postnatal period.
My wife won’t let me do a thing but I want to get better at it. How can I help?
Some women do feel that it is their responsibility to care for the baby, but it is well documented that
a couple’s relationship is strengthened when the care is shared This involves joint decision-making and
making choices regarding care together Babies can pick up on positive and negative feelings expressed
by their parents, and it is important for all concerned that both the mother and the father bond with
the child. Offer to perform routine tasks in front of her to instil her confidence in your ability.
This may take time, but the reward is worth it. She will also benefit from being able to take breaks,
confident in the knowledge that you can cope as well as she can.
My friend’s baby had colic and she had a miserable few months with it. Will my baby get it?
The term “colic refers to when babies cry continually for around three hours each day and cannot be
soothed (see p,274) Although obviously
distressing for the baby, it is equally upsetting for the parents to listen to their baby crying so
painfully for so long. As no-one knows exactly why colic occurs, it is impossible to say whether or not
your baby will suffer with it. However. there are several theories as to what causes colic One is that
the baby’s intestines are immature and working too hard, causing a cramp. Another is that the bowel
movements are too slow and the air in the bowel is trapped. Another theory is that the baby is eating
too much, too fast, and has air trapped None of these is proven and all we know is that colic occurs in
around 10-15 per cent of babies
My baby cries continually. I’m not having much success with breastfeeding - is he hungry?
Newborn babies cry on average for two and a half hours each day Crying is your baby’s only means of
communication and so he cries to get you to respond to his needs, whether he is hungry, wet, or just
wants a cuddle Some babies cry more and may struggle when you try to comfort them, which can make you
anxious If you are anxious about breastfeeding, your baby may sense this and begin to cry Sometimes, it
is necessary to take a step back and try to relax. Having a warm bath with your baby skin-to-skin,
sometimes called ”rebirthing’ , can help to calm you both and may help you to relax more while
feeding. Once warm and calm, your baby may try to get into a good position to feed Ensure he latches on
well and does not cause pain after the first few sucks (see p 228). Allowing your baby to feed as and
when he wants is also important As your baby gets older, the regularity of feeds will settle and
feeding will change
Other reasons why babies cry include being overstimulated (try rebirthing); being uncomfortable (try
winding) ; being wet or dirty (change his Happy) being cold or hot (change the clothing and room
temperature); wanting comfort (try swaddling); or boredom (talk to your baby. sing, and play with him)
My midwife says that our baby comfort sucks. I’m reluctant to introduce a dummy - should we?
If a baby has latched on well at the breast and has sucked and swallowed well during a long feed, and
then settles on the breast taking small sucks and not swallowing, he is comfort sucking. Many babies
like to comfort suck, not just breastfed ones If your baby falls asleep. you may be able to gently ease
him off the breast, or if you are comfortable, leave him there.
Your baby may comfort suck for many reasons He may be stimulating the breast to increase your milk
supply; he may be ”cluster” feeding and is dozing before the next feed; or he may want to snuggle
close. Comfort sucking is thought to steady the baby’s heart rate, relax his stomach, and help him to
settle.
Introducing a dummy is your choice. Some parents think they are the best way to get a baby to sleep,
day or night; others think they should be used only at night and some believe they should not be used
at all The Foundation for Sudden Infant Death (FSID) suggested in June 2007 that using a dummy can
reduce the risk of cot death, but that breastfed babies should not be given one until over a month old
and feeding is established This advice is based on studies suggesting a lower incidence of cot death in babies given a
dummy.
If your baby likes to suck, you can also offer him a clean finger to suck on; later on, some babies
comfort themselves by sucking on their own thumb or finger
What does swaddling mean?
Swaddling is an old practice of wrapping a baby snugly in cloths or blankets so that movement of the
limbs is restricted. Many midwives swaddle infants soon after birth and it is now a standard newborn
care practice in many hospitals Research has found that swaddling may help newborns to sleep as it prevents
the “morn ‘, or startle reflex - the tendency for newborns to startle themselves by moving their arms
suddenly.
CHANGING YOUR BABY’S CLOTHES:
Dressing and undressing
Your baby is likely to wear vests and sleepsuits, or babygrows Choose vests with envelope necks that
are easy to get on and off and opt for sleepsuits with front-opening poppers
* Lie your baby down. Put the vest on by holding the neck opening wide and gathering the rest of the
vest. Gently lift the back of his head and ease the back of the vest behind his head Lift the front
over the head, avoiding his face. Gently lift the sleeve down over the hand and arm, stretching the
vest rather than pulling your baby’s arm. * Lay the sleepsuit out with the poppers undone Place your
baby on top, then gently insert his legs, then his arms into the suit and do up the poppers.
Do other dads feel like this?
This is a normal and natural feeling and affects the majority of all new dads (and many mums!) Babies
seem to be such fragile little creatures, especially because of their size compared to you. However.
they are in fact quite resilient to inept handling and are a lot stronger than they look Remember the
tough journey they have just undergone to be born! If you have so far avoided handling your baby much,
try to overcome your fears by watching your partner or midwife change your baby or bathe him, then
offer to help so that you can give your partner a rest Once you have changed a few nappies, or done
some winding sessions, you will find that your confidence in handling your baby begins to grow quickly.
The more contact you have with your baby, the more confident over time you will become, and your
partner will also benefit from the added support and help you are providing and from knowing that she
can feel confident leaving -you in charge of the baby sometimes.
Our baby screams whenever he goes near water. How can we make bathing him less stressful?
There is no right or wrong way to bathe a baby
but with a little care and organization it can actually become quite a playful and fun experience (see
p 250-251). This may seem hard to believe at the moment, and it is certainly the case that many newborn
babies initially scream throughout their bathtime. However the main reason why babies do this is
because they don’t like to feel cold. To keep your baby comfortable during a bathing session, make sure
that the room you bathe him in is sufficiently warm and draught-free, which will
help him to relax and feel less distressed. Also always gather everything you need ready before the
bathing session so that you don’t have to go and fetch items mid-way through a session, leaving your
baby lying on a towel and letting him get cold.
If you are feeling stressed during your baby’s bathtime, he may be sensing this, which could be adding
to his upset. The biggest fear that mums and dads have is of dropping their baby while bathing him, so
you could initially try bathing at ground level to help you to build your confidence Also, remember to
communicate with your baby all the time while you are bathing him — talking to him constantly in a
soothing tone, or singing to him, will help to distract and reassure him and in turn you are likely to
feel far more relaxed, which will have a positive effect on your baby
If you are still concerned about handling your baby, then seek help from your partner. if he or she is
more confident, or talk to -your community midwife who will be more than happy to offer you additional
advice and support
Our newborn sleeps so much -it’s wonderful, but should I be waking him for a feed?
While many newborn babies sleep for what seems to be a very short amount of time, some do sleep for
quite long periods. One factor that may influence how long your baby sleeps is how he is fed. The
makeup of formula milk is very different to that of breast milk and sits in a baby’s stomach for
longer. So formula-fed babies tend to sleep for longer periods and are, in fact, encouraged to do so to
prevent overfeeding and constipation. However, a bottlefed baby shouldn’t be left without a feed for
more than six hours and it is recommended that bottlefed babies should have no fewer than six feeds.
Holding your newborn
New parents, particularly first-timers, sometimes worry about picking their baby up or carrying them
properly. However, newborn babies are not as fragile as you think. Although, of course, you still need
to take care when handling your baby, it’s best to trust in your ability The more you practise, the
easier it will become and you will find that your confidence will soon grow with experience The main
point to remember is that babies need to be supported at the head and lower body as their muscle tone
is not developed enough to support themselves The same principle applies if you are cradling your baby,
holding your baby upright over your shoulder, or sitting him on your lap.
Once you have been shown the
technique by your midwife, you might like to practise without being watched
Bathing and washing
There are differing views on how to bathe and wash a baby, but the general opinion seems to be that
less is more. Some say it is unnecessary to bathe your baby for the first month, others say if you want
to, just use water and, if you wish, pH-neutral balanced products. Always read the label and avoid
anything with sulphur in it Your baby’s newborn skin is so delicate and thin that if you use harsh or
highly perfumed products the skin’s protective barriers can be damaged: skin may then become dry and
more vulnerable to infection. A baby’s skin also absorbs certain chemicals that may contribute to
conditions like eczema and asthma later in life.
When should I bathe my baby? The vernix, the waxy-like substance that covers your baby at birth, should
be left to absorb into his skin as it is
Topping and tailing
the most amazing moisturizer. If your baby’s hair needs a wash, just use water and a baby comb to
remove any debris. You can ”top and tail’ your baby in the first few days of life, using cotton wool
(organic if possible) and water, gently washing his face (being careful around the delicate area of the
eyes) and nappy area. This allows your baby’s skin to adjust to the outside world Later, when you bathe
your baby, hold him gently in water two or three times a week.
What should I use to clean my baby? Use water and cotton wool in the first month. If your baby’s eyes
become sticky, use cotton wool dipped in cooled boiled water to clean them - gently wipe the eyes with
an in-to-out movement, using a new piece of cotton wool for each wipe. Use cotton wool to wipe around
the outside of the ears and nose.
I’m scared to touch my baby’s cord stump - should I clean it?
The cord stump is the end of the umbilicus that housed the arteries and veins that fed your baby and
removed his waste products in pregnancy It is common for parents to not want to touch the stump.
However, the stump can become infected as its base can become moist. and harmful bacteria that live
naturally on our skin may grow in this moist area before it falls off, usually by the tenth day, If the
cord stump is clean, there is no need to touch it, but if it becomes soiled, it should be cleaned with
damp cotton wool. Once the stump has fallen off, the “wound” needs cleaning until it heals, as the
navel and surrounding area can also become inflamed. If the stumps smells offensive or is sticky,
contact your midwife or doctor.
What is meconium?
Meconium is a waste product from your baby’s bowels It is dark brown/green in colour and its texture is
quite sticky and globular. Meconium is formed from as early as 12 weeks gestation and contains dead
skin cells and debris from the amniotic fluid that the baby swallows and digests throughout pregnancy.
It is usually expelled after birth in the first few stools, but it can be passed in pregnancy or labour
when it may be a sign that the baby is distressed. If meconium is seen before the birth, the baby will
be monitored carefully during the labour and birth
How often should I change my baby’s nappy?
Your baby’s own toilet habits will dictate how often to change his nappies However, you should check
his nappy fairly regularly, as wetness and the ammonia contained in urine and the digestive enzymes in
stools can quickly irritate a baby’s sensitive skin Some babies need changing around 6-8 times a day,
while others require a nappy change as often as 10-12 times a day, for example, breastfed babies who
poo much more frequently than bottlefed babies As your baby gets older, he will need changing less
frequently.
Is there anything I should look out for when changing his nappy?
A baby’s urine is pale after birth and then darkens within the next few days. There may be a
pinky-orange stain in your baby’s nappy, which is concentrated urine from when he was in the uterus and
is quite normal. As long as your baby passes urine at least four times a day and there is no blood
present, there is nothing for you to worry about The black-green meconium passed after the birth (see
left) gradually changes to a yellow colour as normal digestion begins.
Breastfed babies tend to pass stools that are runny and mustard-yellow, which can look similar to
diarrhoea, while a formula-fed baby’s stools will be much firmer and a seedy pale yellow. Some babies
have a bowel movement with every feed, as feeding stimulates peristalsis, or muscular contractions, in
the gut; others, particularly bottledfed babies, may only pass a stool once a week. If your baby’s
stool is hard and dry, or there is any mucus or blood in the stool, talk to your doctor.
How should we deal with nappy rash?
Nappy rash is sore for the baby, but also distressing for parents, who may feel that they should have
been able to prevent it. There are several reasons for nappy rash, including if the baby’s urine or
stools are concentrated, causing them to be more of an irritant; if a barrier cream has not been used;
or if the baby has a thrush infection that is irritating the nappy rash Also, changing a baby’s nappy
too regularly can sometimes be harmful as the baby may be sensitive to the wipes being used.
The most usual way to deal with nappy rash is to “air” the bottom as often as is practical. After
thorough handwashing, clean your baby’s bottom carefully with cotton wool and warm tap water and/or
emollient creams, which lubricate the skin and stop it becoming too dry and avoid soaps or wipes Then
leave your baby without a nappy on an absorbent mat or towel for a while When you change his nappy.
Nappy changing
Although you may feel a bit hesitant at first about changing your baby’s nappies, and many babies
protest strongly when having their nappy changed, you will soon master the technique and learn how to
change his nappy quickly and with the minimum of
fuss. The key to successful and stress-free changing is to have everything ready before you start.
Choose somewhere warm and draught-free to change your baby; you may also want to lay down a towel on
top of the changing mat for extra comfort
CLEANING THE NAPPY AREA:
apply an emollient or barrier cream thinly so that it protects the skin but does not prevent the nappy
from soaking up urine. Suitable ointments and creams include zinc oxide or petroleum jelly. Another
ointment called metanium ointment contains titanium dioxide, which seems to be effective in healing
Happy rash, although it does have a strange smell and can stain fabric.
Occasionally, a moderate or severe nappy rash may be infected In this case, treatment with antibiotics
may be necessary Also, to reduce inflammation, a corticosteroid cream may be suggested for application
once a day, to reduce the inflammation of the nappy rash and give the rash a better chance to heal. An
antifungal cream will also be recommended as many moderate to severe rashes are infected with the
bacteria Candida albicans. If the rash persists after 7-10 days, the doctor may recommend an antifungal
syrup to try
to treat the whole bowel for thrush infection. If this occurs, you should also apply an antifungal
cream to your nipples if you are breastfeeding. Although unusual, if the nappy rash still shows no sign
of healing, your doctor may refer your baby to a dermatologist.
Should we use baby wipes or just cotton wool when changing a nappy?
Most midwives would advise that you stick to warm water and cotton wool balls, preferably organic, to
clean your newborn baby when changing his nappies Any soaps, perfumed or otherwise, or baby wipes
should be used with caution as, although baby products are designed to be kinder on a baby’s sensitive
skin, they can still irritate the skin if overused or not washed off and dried properly. It’s best to
avoid baby wipes altogether until your baby is a few months old.
My baby’s scalp has become scaly. Is this cradle cap and what should I do about it?
Cradle cap, or seborrhoeic dermatitis, is a common condition in young babies, appearing as yellow,
scaly patches on the scalp. This condition is harmless and will clear up on its own over time However,
if you are concerned that it is unsightly gently massage some olive oil into the scalp, leave this on
overnight, and then wash your baby’s hair in the morning with a mild baby shampoo: most of the flakes
should disappear Don’t pick at the scales as this could damage the skin and increase the chance of
infection.
What temperature should our house be when we bring our new baby home?
Babies find it hard to maintain their body temperature Maternity units are notoriously hot as they are
dealing with babies who have just been born and are still quite wet from the delivery. Once you are
home, the guidelines are to maintain room temperature at around 16-20°C (62-68°F) and you may find
purchasing a room thermometer helpful. Babies are at risk of cot death (see p.276) if they become too
hot due to being in a warm room or being overwrapped.
However, the room temperature is a guideline only and you should learn to check for other signs that
your baby is too hot or too cold. As a guide, a baby’s hands and feet feel cool and their heads feel
hot as they tend to lose heat through their heads Check his temperature by feeling your baby’s chest
with the back of your hand, not your fingers, as these may be cold. If your baby feels warm to touch,
he is probably warm enough If he is hot or sweaty, remove a layer of clothing or a blanket or sheet. If
he is cold, add a layer. Duvets are not recommended until your baby is at least a year old, to avoid
overheating.
If your baby is unwell, hot, and shivery, your immediate reaction may be to wrap and cuddle him, but
this can make him too hot Instead, remove a few layers so that your baby can cool down. Seek medical
help straight away if your baby has a temperature over 39°C (102 2°F) or if he is particularly
unresponsive and listless.
How should I place my baby in the cot?
The Foundation for Sudden Infant Death (FSID) recommends that your baby should be placed with his feet
towards the bottom of the cot to prevent him wriggling under the blankets and possibly suffocating
himself (see p 276). Light cotton blankets and sheets, available in cot sizes, should be used rather
than quilts or duvets, so that layers can be built up or taken off. The blankets and sheets should be
tucked under the baby’s arms so that your baby is less likely to pull them over his face. Swaddling is
another method of wrapping your baby which some babies find comforting (see p.257).
Is it OK to swaddle our baby? There seem to be conflicting opinions.
Swaddling means wrapping your baby in a light cotton blanket or sheet, the idea being to keep him
feeling warm and secure in the outside world (see p 257). The baby is so well wrapped that his arms and
legs are ‘’strapped” to his sides, restricting movement of the limbs. There are differing views as to
whether a baby should be swaddled The practice is very popular in Asian and Eastern European areas. Its
popularity is also on the rise in the UK, especially since parents have been encouraged to put babies
in their own cots to sleep rather than bedsharing to prevent cot death. It is also thought that the
swaddling may help a baby to sleep comfortably on his back.
The FSID warns of the risks of overheating a baby so any swaddling should be done with a light cotton
sheet or blanket and the room must not be too warm. On the other hand, some believe that swaddled
babies risk getting cold as they cannot maintain their temperature by moving.
Should my baby wear his hat indoors?
One factor known to increase the risk of cot death
is an overheated baby Although babies lose excess heat from their heads and it is a good idea to cover
a baby’s head outside if it is cold or windy, the baby’s hat should be removed indoors or when you
enter an area that is warm, such as on a bus or going into a shop, even if it means waking your baby
There are some exceptions. If a baby was born prematurely, had a very low birth weight, or has
difficulty maintaining his temperature, then they may need to wear a hat indoors. However, once these
babies area healthy weight or able to maintain their body temperature, this no longer applies
He screams when I undress him. What can I do?
Babies use crying as their means of communication. It may be that when you undress him, he is either
protesting that he is cold or that he does not like the feeling of air on his skin, which he is unused
to after been snuggled in the womb for nine months Try to keep the changing time as short as possible,
making sure he is not in a draughty or cold environment. Afterwards, comfort your baby by rocking him;
swaddling and keeping him in an upright position can also soothe him
When can we take him out?
Some recommend waiting for 1-2 weeks before going out, but this will depend on individual
circumstances. When you feel well enough, you could try going out for a short walk, but bear in mind it
will be the same distance to get back. so do not overdo it. You may have a local park you could visit
or simply have a walk round the block - it’s best to keep it simple at first until you get used to
being out together. You are likely to feel rather nervous at first about taking your baby outside of
the home, but, as with most aspects of baby care, once you get used to going out you will probably lose
much of your anxiety. As you start to increase the distance and time away from home, make sure you have
taken
everything you will need to care for your baby while you are out. This will include changing equipment,
and blankets, pram covers, or parasols to protect your baby from different weather conditions The time
of year will also affect how long you stay out.
Can he sleep for long in his car seat?
There are no laws to state how long a baby should remain in a car seat, but bear in mind that being
fixed in one position for long periods of time would be uncomfortable for anyone, regardless of age
Generally, it is not recommended that babies are left for a long period of time in car seats because if
they fall asleep curled up in this position it may affect their breathing, and can encourage wind to
get trapped causing discomfort You should also take care when carrying your baby around in a car seat
as they tend to be heavy and you are more prone to back injuries in the postnatal period.
My wife won’t let me do a thing but I want to get better at it. How can I help?
Some women do feel that it is their responsibility to care for the baby, but it is well documented that
a couple’s relationship is strengthened when the care is shared This involves joint decision-making and
making choices regarding care together Babies can pick up on positive and negative feelings expressed
by their parents, and it is important for all concerned that both the mother and the father bond with
the child. Offer to perform routine tasks in front of her to instil her confidence in your ability.
This may take time, but the reward is worth it. She will also benefit from being able to take breaks,
confident in the knowledge that you can cope as well as she can.
My friend’s baby had colic and she had a miserable few months with it. Will my baby get it?
The term “colic refers to when babies cry continually for around three hours each day and cannot be
soothed (see p,274) Although obviously
distressing for the baby, it is equally upsetting for the parents to listen to their baby crying so
painfully for so long. As no-one knows exactly why colic occurs, it is impossible to say whether or not
your baby will suffer with it. However. there are several theories as to what causes colic One is that
the baby’s intestines are immature and working too hard, causing a cramp. Another is that the bowel
movements are too slow and the air in the bowel is trapped. Another theory is that the baby is eating
too much, too fast, and has air trapped None of these is proven and all we know is that colic occurs in
around 10-15 per cent of babies
My baby cries continually. I’m not having much success with breastfeeding - is he hungry?
Newborn babies cry on average for two and a half hours each day Crying is your baby’s only means of
communication and so he cries to get you to respond to his needs, whether he is hungry, wet, or just
wants a cuddle Some babies cry more and may struggle when you try to comfort them, which can make you
anxious If you are anxious about breastfeeding, your baby may sense this and begin to cry Sometimes, it
is necessary to take a step back and try to relax. Having a warm bath with your baby skin-to-skin,
sometimes called ”rebirthing’ , can help to calm you both and may help you to relax more while
feeding. Once warm and calm, your baby may try to get into a good position to feed Ensure he latches on
well and does not cause pain after the first few sucks (see p 228). Allowing your baby to feed as and
when he wants is also important As your baby gets older, the regularity of feeds will settle and
feeding will change
Other reasons why babies cry include being overstimulated (try rebirthing); being uncomfortable (try
winding) ; being wet or dirty (change his Happy) being cold or hot (change the clothing and room
temperature); wanting comfort (try swaddling); or boredom (talk to your baby. sing, and play with him)
My midwife says that our baby comfort sucks. I’m reluctant to introduce a dummy - should we?
If a baby has latched on well at the breast and has sucked and swallowed well during a long feed, and
then settles on the breast taking small sucks and not swallowing, he is comfort sucking. Many babies
like to comfort suck, not just breastfed ones If your baby falls asleep. you may be able to gently ease
him off the breast, or if you are comfortable, leave him there.
Your baby may comfort suck for many reasons He may be stimulating the breast to increase your milk
supply; he may be ”cluster” feeding and is dozing before the next feed; or he may want to snuggle
close. Comfort sucking is thought to steady the baby’s heart rate, relax his stomach, and help him to
settle.
Introducing a dummy is your choice. Some parents think they are the best way to get a baby to sleep,
day or night; others think they should be used only at night and some believe they should not be used
at all The Foundation for Sudden Infant Death (FSID) suggested in June 2007 that using a dummy can
reduce the risk of cot death, but that breastfed babies should not be given one until over a month old
and feeding is
established This advice is based on studies suggesting a lower incidence of cot death in babies given a
dummy.
If your baby likes to suck, you can also offer him a clean finger to suck on; later on, some babies
comfort themselves by sucking on their own thumb or finger
What does swaddling mean?
Swaddling is an old practice of wrapping a baby snugly in cloths or blankets so that movement of the
limbs is restricted. Many midwives swaddle infants soon after birth and it is now a standard newborn
care
practice in many hospitals Research has found that swaddling may help newborns to sleep as it prevents
the “morn ‘, or startle reflex - the tendency for newborns to startle themselves by moving their arms
suddenly.
CHANGING YOUR BABY’S CLOTHES:
Dressing and undressing
Your baby is likely to wear vests and sleepsuits, or babygrows Choose vests with envelope necks that
are easy to get on and off and opt for sleepsuits with front-opening poppers
* Lie your baby down. Put the vest on by holding the neck opening wide and gathering the rest of the
vest. Gently lift the back of his head and ease the back of the vest behind his head Lift the front
over the head, avoiding his face. Gently lift the sleeve down over the hand and arm, stretching the
vest rather than pulling your baby’s arm. * Lay the sleepsuit out with the poppers undone Place your
baby on top, then gently insert his legs, then his arms into the suit and do up the poppers.