Ok parents, what does one “do” with a two week old baby? All they do is eat, sleep, poop, pee on the wall or the unsuspecting parent or eat…wait did I say eat twice?
Well there are a lot of things you can do, most importantly there are a lot of basic rules to follow:
How many times per day do I feed my baby?
I believe you feed on demand, but you have to understand the difference between the I am hungry cry, and the I am tired cry, and the I am bored cry. Only experience will teach you the difference. But in terms of how often? Breast feeding means every 1-3 hours. Bottle Feeding is more like every 2-4 hours. Of course, the older your baby gets, the more per serving and less frequency.
How often do I give my baby a bath?
Two to three times a week, but only wash the hair with shampoo once per week at most. The rule of thumb is bathing a baby is about using a very soft cloth and luke warm water. Babies don’t get dirty like toddlers do, so use your best judgment. Make sure however that you comb the babies hair to help avoid cradle crap. Also, don’t submerge the belly button until the umbilical cord breaks off on its own.
What position should the baby go to sleep in?
On the back, with the head alternating sides. Use a support system to keep baby in place. SIDS research also points to allowing an infant to use a pacifier, but don’t force it on your baby, especially if they let it go.
How much belly time is appropriate?
When your baby is alert and awake it is a good time to do some basic exercises. Things like a boppy pillow and some belly time (always supervised of course). Back time with mom or dad talking to the baby. Gently moving the legs, hands and arms in the babies normal range of motion is always good
How much is too much swing/bouncer time?
I don’t know the answer to this, but I do know that there can be a problem holding a baby too much. Although you can’t spoil a baby until it is three months old, it is always good to have the baby out of your hands and in the swing or bouncer. Just make sure you watch out for the cat, dog or little brother.
Walks!
Walks in the carriage is always a great thing. Fresh air does a baby great, and if your baby is jaundiced, the sun is a great healing mechanism. Make sure the baby is dressed for the weather and go for a walk.
Hope this all helps. As a new dad all over again, I tend to forget things. There is always google!
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