Newborn Care Basics
The newborn period refers to the period from birth to 28 days. Babies at this stage need special care and attention. Understanding basic newborn care knowledge can help new parents take better care of their babies.
Newborn Characteristics
Appearance Characteristics
- Weight: 2500-4000 grams, average 3200 grams
- Length: 45-55 cm, average 50 cm
- Head Circumference: 32-36 cm
- Chest: Chest circumference is smaller than head circumference, barrel-shaped chest
- Skin: Ruddy, may have vernix caseosa, birthmarks
Physiological Characteristics
- Respiration: 40-60 breaths/min, irregular rhythm
- Heart Rate: 120-160 beats/min
- Temperature: 36.5-37.5℃, easily affected by environmental temperature
- Sleep: 16-20 hours per day, divided into 3-4 sleep periods
- Feeding: Feed every 2-3 hours
Daily Care
Cleaning Care
Bathing Care
- Bathing Frequency: Newborns should be bathed every day or every other day
- Water Temperature Control: 37-38℃, test temperature with the inside of the elbow
- Bathing Sequence: Wash head first, then body
- Bathing Time: 5-10 minutes, avoid catching cold
- Precautions: Avoid getting water on the umbilical cord, dry immediately after bathing
Bathing Steps
- Prepare supplies: Warm water, soft towel, baby body wash, clean clothes
- Safety check: Ensure the environment is warm and supplies are complete
- Gentle washing: Rinse with warm water, avoid body wash directly contacting baby's eyes
- Thorough drying: Especially skin folds
- Keep warm immediately: Put on clothes immediately after drying
Facial Care
- Eye Cleaning: Wipe from the inner corner to the outer corner with a cotton ball dipped in warm boiled water
- Nose Care: Clean nostrils with saline
- Oral Care: Feed a small amount of warm water after feeding to clean the mouth
- Ear Cleaning: Clean the outer ear canal, avoid water entering the ear canal
Diaper Care
- Frequent Changing: Change every 2-3 hours
- Cleaning Method: Wash with warm water, wipe from front to back
- Dry Protection: Apply diaper cream after drying
- Prevent Diaper Rash: Keep dry, "air out the bottom" appropriately
Umbilical Cord Care
Umbilical Cord Shedding Time
- Normal Shedding: Sheds 1-2 weeks after birth
- Keep Dry: Avoid water and contamination
- Cleaning and Disinfection: Disinfect with 75% alcohol 1-2 times daily
Umbilical Cord Care Methods
- Observe Status: Note if there is redness, swelling, exudation, or odor
- Cleaning Steps: Wipe from the base of the umbilicus outward with an alcohol cotton swab
- Clothing Choice: Wear loose clothing to avoid friction
- Abnormal Situations: Redness, swelling, exudation, or bleeding requires timely medical attention
Nail Care
Timing for Cutting Nails
- Timing Choice: Cut nails when the baby is sleeping soundly
- Tools: Baby-specific nail clippers
- Cutting Method: Cut gently according to the arc, do not cut too short
- Smooth Edges: Smooth edges with a baby nail file
Feeding Care
Breastfeeding
Advantages of Breastfeeding
- Comprehensive Nutrition: Provides the best nutrition
- Immunity: Enhances infant immunity
- Digestion and Absorption: Easy to digest and absorb
- Emotional Connection: Enhances mother-child bonding
- Maternal Benefits: Promotes uterine recovery
Feeding Frequency
- On-Demand Feeding: Newborns breastfeed on demand
- Early Frequency: Once every 2-3 hours
- Daily Frequency: 8-12 times/day
- Night Feeding: Night feeding is also necessary
Correct Breastfeeding Posture
- Cradle Hold: Most common posture
- Cross-Cradle Hold: Better control of baby's head
- Football Hold: Suitable for mothers who had a C-section
- Side-Lying Position: Suitable for night feeding
Latching Techniques
- Open Mouth Wide: Wait for the baby to open mouth wide
- Latch onto Areola: Latch onto most of the areola, not just the nipple
- Chin to Breast: Baby's chin presses against the breast
- Nose Clear: Ensure baby's nose is clear
Judging Milk Intake
- Sufficient Urine: More than 6-8 wet diapers per day
- Weight Gain: Gain 150-200 grams per week
- Stool Characteristics: Golden yellow soft stool, 2-5 times a day
- Feeding Signs: Rooting reflex when hungry
Artificial Feeding
Formula Selection
- Age-Appropriate Formula: Choose formula suitable for newborns
- Brand Selection: Choose a reputable brand
- Formula Storage: Store according to requirements after opening
- Preparation Water Temperature: Prepare with water at suitable temperature according to instructions
Feeding Equipment Preparation
- Bottle: Choose 120-240ml capacity bottles
- Nipple: Choose nipples suitable for newborns
- Sterilization: Thoroughly sterilize before each use
- Cleaning: Clean immediately after use
Preparation Method
- Hand Hygiene: Wash hands before preparation
- Accurate Water Amount: Strictly follow the instructions for ratio
- Adding Formula: Add water first, then formula
- Shake Well: Shake well, no lumps
Feeding Precautions
- Temperature Check: Test temperature by dripping a few drops on the inside of the wrist
- Feeding Posture: Semi-reclining position, head slightly elevated
- Burping: Hold upright and burp after feeding
- Leftover Handling: Do not reuse leftover milk
Sleep Care
Sleep Environment
Safe Sleep Environment
- Separate Bed: Share the room but sleep in a separate bed
- Mattress Firmness: Use a firmer mattress
- Bedding: Use breathable bedding
- Room Temperature Control: Keep room temperature at 20-24℃
Risks to Avoid
- Prone Sleeping: Avoid baby sleeping on stomach
- Excessive Bedding: Avoid too much bedding
- Head Covering: Avoid covering baby's head
- Overheating: Avoid overheating environment
Sleep Posture
Recommended Sleeping Position
- Supine Position: Safest sleeping position
- Head Turning: Change head direction regularly
- Avoid Prone: Avoid prone sleeping position
Benefits of Supine
- Reduce SIDS Risk: Reduce risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome
- Clear Airway: Keep airway clear
- Easy Observation: Easy to observe baby's status
Sleep Safety
Preventing SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
- Supine Sleep: Always let baby sleep on back
- Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding reduces SIDS risk
- Avoid Smoke: Avoid baby exposure to secondhand smoke
- Immunization: Vaccinate on time
Bed Safety
- Bumper Choice: Choose breathable bumpers
- Toy Position: Do not put toys in the crib
- Bedding: Use light quilts or sleeping bags
Health Monitoring
Vital Signs Monitoring
Temperature Monitoring
- Normal Range: 36.5-37.5℃
- Measurement Method: Axillary measurement is safest
- Fever Handling: Seek medical attention if over 38℃
- Keep Warm: Avoid over-wrapping
Respiratory Monitoring
- Normal Rate: 40-60 breaths/min
- Respiratory Rhythm: Irregular rhythm is normal
- Abnormal Signs: Dyspnea, cyanosis require medical attention
- Sleep Observation: Observe breathing during sleep
Weight Monitoring
- Weight Loss: 10% weight loss within the first week after birth is normal
- Recovery Time: Regain birth weight in 7-10 days
- Growth Pattern: Gain 600-800 grams per month in the first 3 months
- Monitoring Frequency: Weigh once a week
Recognizing Abnormal Signs
Signs Requiring Medical Attention
- Fever: Temperature over 38℃
- Dyspnea: Rapid breathing, nasal flaring
- Feeding Difficulties: Refusal to feed, frequent vomiting
- Mental State: Lethargy, irritability
- Jaundice: Yellowing of skin or whites of eyes
- Diarrhea: Significantly increased stool frequency
Emergency Situations
- Respiratory Arrest: Perform artificial respiration immediately
- Severe Choking: Perform first aid measures immediately
- Continuous Convulsions: Seek medical attention immediately
- Loss of Consciousness: Seek medical attention immediately
Safety Care
Holding and Moving
Correct Holding Posture
- Neck Support: Always support baby's neck
- Body Close: Keep baby's body close to adult's body
- Head Stable: Keep head stable
- Posture Change: Move gently when changing posture
Picking Up Method
- One Hand Supports Head: One hand supports head and neck
- One Hand Supports Buttocks: The other hand supports buttocks
- Pick Up Slowly: Pick up slowly and steadily
- Close to Body: Keep baby close to your body
Safety Prevention
Preventing Accidents
- Prevent Falls: Never leave baby alone in high places
- Prevent Scalds: Pay attention to temperature when feeding, water temperature when bathing
- Prevent Suffocation: Keep small objects and plastic bags away from baby
- Prevent Drowning: Do not leave baby alone when bathing
Environmental Safety
- Suitable Temperature: Keep room temperature suitable, avoid too cold or too hot
- Air Circulation: Keep indoor air circulating
- Noise Control: Avoid strong noise stimulation
- Light Adjustment: Avoid strong light shining directly into baby's eyes
Outing Safety
Outing Preparation
- Appropriate Clothing: Choose appropriate clothing according to weather
- Diaper Preparation: Prepare enough diapers and wipes
- Bottle and Formula: Prepare enough milk and bottles
- First Aid Kit: Prepare simple first aid supplies
Traffic Safety
- Safety Seat: Use a safety seat suitable for infants
- Rear Seat: Baby sits in the middle of the rear seat
- Rear-Facing: Infants under 1 year old sit rear-facing
- Adult Accompaniment: Do not leave baby alone in the car
Emotional Care
Emotional Communication
Skin Contact
- Skin-to-Skin: Have plenty of skin-to-skin contact
- Hugging and Touching: Frequently hug and touch the baby
- Eye Contact: Have plenty of eye contact with the baby
- Voice Communication: Talk and sing to the baby
Responding to Crying
- Timely Response: Respond to baby's crying in time
- Need Identification: Learn to identify different cries
- Patient Soothing: Soothe patiently, do not be impatient
- Build Trust: Build trust through response
Early Development
Sensory Stimulation
- Visual Stimulation: Use black and white cards, toys
- Auditory Stimulation: Light music, mother's voice
- Tactile Stimulation: Gentle massage, toys with different textures
- Vestibular Stimulation: Gentle rocking movements
Motor Development
- Tummy Time: Practice tummy time when awake
- Limb Movement: Gently move baby's limbs
- Grasping Practice: Let baby practice grasping reflex
- Neck Training: Help neck muscle development
Friendly Reminder: Newborn care requires patience and carefulness. New parents should not be too anxious. Learn more, observe more, and consult professionals more. Remember, every baby is unique and has their own rhythm and characteristics. Seek professional help in time if you are unsure.