At home with your baby
There are things you will want to pay attention to when you and your baby are at home together.
Diaper rash
Common causes
- Infrequent changing of soiled diapers
- Introduction to solid foods
- Mother’s diet (milk products)
Prevention and treatment
- Wash your hands before changing
- Check diaper frequently
- Choose mild wipes
- Pat the area dry instead of rubbing
- Be sure the area is completely clean and dry prior to putting on a new diaper
- Use a cream or ointment with zinc oxide
- Try different diaper brands
- Mother’s diet (may need to eliminate an irritant)
Urine output
- After seven days of life, your baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period
- If your baby is receiving enough milk, the infant will have adequate wet diapers
- Your baby should nurse at least 8-12 times per day
Poopy diapers
- After seven days of life, babies should have at least four poopy diapers a day
- His or her stool will change from sticky, black, tarry stools to brown, then to mustard yellow color (if breastfeeding)
Cord care
- Cleanse with soap and water once daily
- The cord will fall off on its own
- Watch for diaper irritation at the cord site
- Do not give your baby a bath until the umbilical cord site is completely healed
Crib safety
- Make sure you put your baby to sleep on their back
- Have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and no toys, pillows, blankets, or bumper pads in the crib
- Keep your baby in a room near you
- Do not allow smoking around your baby or allow pets to be in the crib
Dressing your baby
- Babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature
- Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing and have extra clothing, blankets and bibs available