Baby Care
Feedings -
During the first two or three days after they are born, most babies seem fairly sleepy and do not need frequent feeds. But after the first week they'll settle into a pattern of feeds every 2-3 hours and may sleep 3-4 hours between nighttime feedings. During this time feeding is the only thing that sooths the baby if she is irritant or crying. She will suck her fingers if not the nipple if her hand comes in contact with her mouth.
Sleeping -
Usually sleeps from 17-20 hours per day. Naps about 8 times in 24 hour period. There is usually no regular pattern of eating or sleeping yet. Mostly lies curled up, fists tightly clenched especially in the first weeks just like he/she was in the womb.
Crying -
May develop fussy crying at 2-3 weeks old for a few hours in the evening. During this time feeding is the only thing that sooths the baby if she is irritant or crying.
Health Care of Your New Baby
Babies can become seriously ill quickly and any infection may be dangerous, so don't take chances; as illness at this age requires immediate attention.
 
  • Has a temperature over 102.2o F (39oC) for more than half an hour.
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  • If your baby is too cold and too hot.
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  • If your baby's breathing is very noisy and rapid.
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  • If your baby throws up green vomit or vomits and cries uncontrollably as if in pain.
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  • If your baby shows that an area is tender to the touch.
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  • If your baby has a low volume over a 24-hour period.
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  • If your baby has blood in his urine or in his faeces.
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  • Refuses two successive feedings, or does not demand to be fed for six hours.
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  • If your baby seems particularly irritable or restless or seems abnormally quiet or drowsy.
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  • If your baby has a taut, bulging fontanelle when he isn't crying.
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