Essential Equipment and Guide for New Parents: Necessities, Strategies, Tips, and Additional Information
Welcome to the exciting world of parenthood! This guide is designed to help you navigate the first month with your newborn, providing essential tips and advice on everything from feeding to diapering, sleep, and safety.
Feeding Your Newborn
Formula-fed babies will have fewer bowel movements compared to breastfed babies. After the first few days, formula-fed newborns need 2 to 3 ounces of formula per feeding, while breastfed babies will typically have several bowel movements per day.
When it comes to changing diapers, it's a good idea to change your baby's diaper every two to three hours. To do so, make sure you have all supplies on hand and follow these steps: lay baby down on a changing table or flat surface, remove your baby's clothing, clean the diaper area with a wet wipe or damp wash cloth, replace with a clean diaper, apply diaper cream or lotion if needed, pull the diaper through your baby's legs, secure and tape, dispose of the old diaper, get baby dressed, and wash your hands.
Sleeping Patterns
Newborns have very small stomachs and will need to get up about every three hours to eat until around 3 months of age. They will sleep an average of eight to nine hours in the daytime and may sleep up to another eight hours total at night, but this won't usually be for the same stretch of time. For the first few months, it's better to go with the flow than try to keep a strict schedule.
Safety and Preparation
Your baby should sleep on their back, which is the safest position for them. It's also important to have an infant first aid kit in your home in an easy to access location. Your first aid kit should include a baby thermometer, nasal aspirator, medicine dropper, baby nail clipper, baby comb, infant acetaminophen, cotton balls, emergency information, and a premade kit that contains most of these items can be found online.
In the United States, hospitals won't let you leave with your baby without a rear-facing car seat. Having a newborn is a big adjustment for everyone, so it's a good idea to introduce baby into your family and home slowly.
Hospital Stay and Going Home
Your baby may have their first official bath in the hospital. Plan to give your newborn baby a sponge bath shortly after you bring them home. The hospital may provide some items like a few newborn diapers, a hat, swaddle blanket, and samples of formula if you're bottle-feeding.
If you're going to fly with a newborn, use hand sanitizer on your baby's hands, avoid sitting near anyone who appears or sounds ill, and check the requirements before you fly as some airlines require a doctor's note for babies 1 month and under to travel.
Room-Sharing and Co-Sleeping
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends that babies should room-share, or sleep in their parents' rooms for at least the first 6 months of life. This can help you bond with your baby and make it easier to respond to their needs during the night.
Pet Care
If you have a dog or cat at home, allow them to sniff the new baby furniture and accessories, play recordings of baby noises for them, and supervise your pet's interactions with the baby during the newborn stage.
Breastfeeding
You don't need to bring a breast pump to the hospital. However, you'll want to have one if you plan to breastfeed but still want to give your baby a bottle occasionally or pump to build up your milk supply. Once the umbilical cord falls off, you can give your baby a bath in an infant tub.
In conclusion, the first month with your newborn can be a whirlwind of emotions and new experiences. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you'll be well-prepared to navigate this exciting time and provide the best care for your new baby.
