by Nicole Halsey

Created on: January 23, 2007   Last Updated: April 25, 2007

Here are some basic tips and tricks for caring for your newborn baby.

Umbilical Cord Care: Some doctors and midwifes advise cleaning around your baby's umbilical cord stump with alcohol during diaper changes. For the most part this is totally unnecessary. If you keep your baby's diaper folded down away from the stump (or use those nifty newborn diapers with the notch cut out) then nature will heal it on its own. The stump should fall off in 1 to 2 weeks, and you shouldn't worry unless you notice redness around the stump or any type of smelly discharge coming from the area.

Circumcision Care: If you had your newborn boy circumcised, you'll need to make sure to take special care of the healing cicumcision during diaper changes. Gently wipe the tip of the penis with clean, warm water before apply a new diaper. Any redness should go away within a few days.

Birthmarks: A lot of newborns develop birthmarks like stork bites or hemangiomas (strawberries) shortly after birth. These are nothing to worry about and dissapear as the baby ages.

Feeding: It is recommended that you try to breastfeed your baby exclusively for the first 6 months of life. This depends on personal preference as to whether your breast or bottle feed your baby. Expect to be feeding your newborn every 2 to 4 hours. Breastfed babies tend to eat more than bottle fed babies on average, as breastmilk is more easily digested than formula. Early signs of hunger include stirring, stretching, sucking motions, and lip movement. Later signs include fussiness or crying. Make sure to burp your baby frequently during feeding to help get rid of excess are. The easiest way to burp your baby is to lay him with his stomach over your shoulder and gently pat or rub his back.

Diapering: Your newborn will probably go through anywhere from 8-12 diapers a day. Here's a list of things that are a necessity for diaper changes; babywipes or washcloths, diapers (you'll probably go through 80 or more disposable diapers in a week. You'll need at least 3 to 4 dozen cloth diapers if you choose to go that route), plastic diaper covers if you're using cloth diapers, and a diaper changing pad (the portable ones work wonderful, you can use them anywhere there is a flat surface). Things that are nice to have include a diaper stacker (for storing diapers), a changing table with a changing pad (extremely useful, though you could theoretically get by without one), a wipe warmer, and air freshner. If you change your baby on a changing table

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