I’m Home!

I am adjusting to my new surroundings

and you are adjusting to having me in

your life. I am probably going to sleep,

eat and poop a lot and around six weeks

start to cry more too. You can’t spoil me

- so hold me close and talk to me as much

as you want – I really like that!

Say Baby’s cries are the first “words.”

Babies connect with parents through

their actions, their movements and

their voices.

During the first few months, a baby will

vocalize pleasure and displeasure with

laughing, giggling, crying or fussing to

signal contentment or discomfort.

Hear A baby’s hearing is fully functioning

before birth.

From birth to three months, a baby

will:

o react to loud sounds with the

startle reflex

o be soothed and quieted by soft

sounds

o turn his or her head to a familiar

voice

o be awakened by loud sounds

o smile in response to voices

o know and respond more calmly to

a caregiver’s voice

Parents are uniquely sensitive to their

baby’s cues. Babies are able to

process and understand emotional

cues from their parents’ voices, touch

and facial expressions.

See

Your baby can see your face perfectly

at eight to ten inches as you hold and

feed him.

When you are farther away, his eyes

may seem to wander because his eye

muscles are not yet mature. However,

a baby will be able to:

o blink in response to bright light or

a touch to the eye

o stare at an object held eight to

twelve inches away

o fix eyes on a face or light and

follow a moving object

At one month, a baby can:

o look at faces and learn from the

expressions he sees

o follow an object as it moves

o watch a caregiver closely

o produce enough tears to coat the

surface of the eye

Sleep Alertness

Newborns move from waking to sleeping and back again throughout the day. Researchers have learned that babies generally cycle

through six states of alertness. There are 3 waking and 3 sleeping states:

Quite Alert State

o Babies’ eyes are wide open and seem very bright. Arms and legs are still.

Active Alert State

o Babies’ arms and legs move during bursts of activity. Babies make small sounds and their eyes move about the room.

This may be a time when babies become fussy because they are tired or hungry.

Drowsiness

o During the transition before falling asleep or before waking up babies may be drowsy. You may notice that your baby’s

eyes are half closed, or seem glazed over. There may be small movements of the arm and legs and breathing may be

a little bit faster and not as regular.

Quiet Sleep State

o Babies’ faces are relaxed. There may be small changes in facial expression but eyes and bodies are still. The baby’s

breathing is regular.

Active Sleep State

o Babies’ eyes are closed but may open from time to time and you may see the eyes moving under the lid. There are

some movements of the arms and legs and breathing may be a little bit faster and nota as regular.

Crying

o This is newborn’s only way to tell parents that he is hungry or uncomfortable.

Sleeping

o Newborns sleep about 90% of the time

o Newborns do not have a set of sleeping schedule for several weeks of life

o Most babies do not sleep through the night (5-6 hours) without waking until about 3 to 6 months or until they weigh 12 to 13

pounds

o Put your baby to sleep drowsy but awake

o Always put your baby to sleep on his back (see SIDS recommendations below)

o Link to sleep questionnaire

o Link to sleep diary

Feed

Breast Feeding

o Breast milk is the ideal food for baby from birth through the first 12 months of life.

o Nature designed breast milk especially for babies and it contains just the right balance of nutrients in a gentle form

most easily used by baby’s immature bodily systems.

o Breast milk contains immune factors that can help prevent infection.

o Breastfeeding, even for a short amount of time, is worthwhile.

o Health care professionals advise mothers to keep baby on breast milk until age one.

o In the first days of life, your baby should be encouraged to breastfeed about 8-12 times in 24 hours to help breast milk

supply come in.

o Your baby should have 6-8 wet diapers a day, and may have frequent stools in the beginning.

o Feed you baby until she seems full. Signs of fullness:

o turning the head away from the nipple

o closing the mouth

o relaxed hands

o Breast feeding may be difficult - new mothers are often surprised that breast feeding does not come naturally but takes

a lot of work. If you need help:

o Join a breast feeding support group or ask your health care provider to recommend a lactation

consultant if you are having difficulty.

o Talk to friends or family members who have breast fed.

o Ask your health care provider for information about breastfeeding.

o Your baby will provide feeding cues which is your baby’s way of telling you that she’s hungry:

o by smacking her lips

o sucking on lips, hands, fingers, toes, or toys

o turning her head to find the nipple

o becoming more fussy

o crying

Formula Feeding

o Offer formula with iron versus soy-based formula as first choice if you do not breastfeed.

o Between birth and six months of age your baby will need an average of 2-2.5 ounces of formula per pound per day. So,

if your baby weighs 7 pounds, she will need 14 – 17.5 ounces per day.

o Newborns may take only an ounce or two at each feeding.

o Closer to two months of age baby should be taking around 3-4 ounces per feeding.

o Prepare 2-3 ounces of formula every 2-3 hours at first, and then provide more if your baby still seems hungry. Carefully read

the instructions on the formula container. It will give your important information about how to prepare and store it safely.

o Always hold your baby close when feeding, in a semi-upright position, so that you are able to sense her behavioral cues of

hunger, being full, comfort and distress. Hold your baby so you can look into her eyes during feeding.

o Always hold the bottle, never prop the bottle in her mouth. Propping increases the risk that your baby may choke, develop an

ear infection or cavities in her teeth. Holding your baby during feeding gives you a wonderful opportunity for warm and loving

interaction, and helps to reinforce parent child bonding.

o Burp your baby at natural breaks (midway through or after a feeding) by gently rubbing or patting her back while holding her

against your shoulder and chest or supporting her in a sitting position on your lap.

Development

Reflexes

Babies are born with some automatic reflexes. While your baby’s movements may appear jerky and erratic the nervous system

matures and these reflexes give way to purposeful behaviors that can include:

o Rooting

This occurs when the corner of the baby’s mouth is stroked or touched. A baby’s head will turn and her mouth will open to

follow -or root- in the direction of the stroking.

o Sucking

When a nipple is placed in the baby’s mouth and touches the roof of the baby’s mouth the sucking reflex is activated.

o Moro reflex

A baby can show surprise from a loud sound or movement by throwing back her head, outstretching her legs, crying, then

pulling arms and legs back in.

o Tonic neck or fencing position

When a baby’s head is turned to one side, the arm on that side stretches out and the opposite arm bends at the elbow.

o Grasping

Stroking the palm of the baby’s hand causes baby to close her fingers in a grasping position.

o Babinski reflex

When the sole of the foot is firmly stroked, the big toe curls upward and the other toes fan out.

o Step reflex

This is also called the walking or dancing reflex because baby appears to take steps or dance when help upright with her feet

touch a solid surface.

Playtime

Birth to one month:

o Provide opportunities for “tummy time” and to play with your baby

o Talk and sing to your infant

o Play music in baby’s room

o Rock him; take for him for walks

One to four months:

o Encourage following a bright toy or your face

o Place an unbreakable mirror in view

o Turn on music

o Shake and small-handled rattle and encourage baby to grasp or hold

o Touch your baby with your hand or try different textures, like a stuffed toy

o Provide a variety of play position- tummy, swing, supported sitting

o Buckle baby into a safe swing

Guidance/Concerns Infant Health

Your baby absorbed some protective immunity for you during delivery, however taking steps to keeping them healthy is very

important.

o One important step in keeping your baby healthy is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water or a non-water

antiseptic – always after diaper changes and before feeding your baby.

o Ask all family members and guests to wash their hands before handling the baby.

o Avoid contact with anyone who has a cold or other illness. Outings to faith based activities, restaurants and movies should

be considered carefully and avoided during cold and flu season.

o As long as you wash your hands before breastfeeding, you can continue to breastfeed through most illnesses that you or

your baby have.

Crying/Calming Strategies

o Babies cry because they need something. Your baby may be telling you:

o He is hungry

o She is uncomfortable; for example she is too hot or too cold

o His dirty diaper needs to be changed

o She is frustrated

o He is fatigued

o Or she is lonely

o No matter what the reason is for crying, it is important to respond- being picked up when crying cannot spoil babies. The

more you respond in the first six months the more the infant will trust that you will be there for them in the second six

months and they may cry less.

o Crying helps a baby shut out sights, sounds, and other sensations that are too intense.

o Crying usually peaks between 6 to 8 weeks.

o What to do when your baby cries:

o Take care of physical problems first- diaper change, need to burp, hunger

o Walk baby in a sling, carrier, or stroller

o Rock your baby gently from side to side

o Talk in a soothing tone

o Swaddle your baby in a soft blanket

o Sing or play music

o Gently stroke your baby or pat his back

o Go for a ride in the car

o Turn on the washing machine or a vacuum cleaner for background noise

o Link to Happiest Baby for more information on calming your baby http://www.happiestbaby.com/

o Advocate has many associates within the system certified in the Happiest Baby program for more information call

Anita Berry 630-929-6663

o Link to Calming strategies

o Link to crying and comforting questionnaire

o Link to crying diary

If you have tried all of these tips and still have a Fussy Baby remember you are not alone call

Fussy Baby Network 888-431-BABY (2229) or go to http://www.erikson.edu/fussybaby/

The Fussy Baby Network offers a range of support services for you to choose from and all families are welcome. Services are

available in Spanish and English and are provided on a sliding fee basis and no family will be turned away for financial reasons.

Postpartum Depression

The days following your baby’s birth may be filled with joy and stress. In the first two weeks after the birth of a baby many women

experience a period of intense emotions or mood swings known as postpartum blues or “baby blues.” These mood swings are caused by

the hormonal changes in your body and may be complicated by the life changes you are making.

Facts about Postpartum Depression:

o It is the most widely suffered maternal complication

o It affects 10- 15% of all new mothers and is frequently not diagnosed

o Without help, postpartum depression can persist over long periods

o The whole family is impacted

Coping with Depression:

o An evening out as a couple or even an hour to yourself can help

o Tell your partner, a trusted relative or close friend how you feel

o Eat fruits and vegetables, whole grains and pastas and small portions of protein. Avoid caffeine and alcohol.

o Accept help with baby and housework

o Sleep when your baby sleeps

o Take a walk. Exercise releases endorphins. Which aid in a person’s overall well-being.

o Stay in close touch with your obstetrician, family physician and let them know how you feel.

If you experience any of the following symptoms for more than the first two weeks call your doctor:

o Feelings of sadness or low mood; feeling down

o Loss of interest in usual activities

o Difficulty concentrating

o General fatigue and loss of energy

o Difficulty sleeping or an increased need for sleep

o Significant weight gain or loss

o Feelings of worthlessness

o Feelings of hopelessness

o Thoughts about death or suicide

o Unexplained anxiety

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS)

SIDS is an unexplained death of an infant younger than one year of age, usually when sleeping. Take the following steps to lower your

baby’s risk of SIDS:

o Place baby on her back on a firm, tight-fitting mattress in a crib that meets current safety standards

o Remove bumper pads, pillows, quilts, comforters, sheepskins, stuffed toys and other soft products from the crib

o Consider using a sleeper as an alternative to blankets

o Make sure your baby’s head stays uncovered, an infant hat is ok

o Do not sleep baby on a waterbed, sofa, soft mattress, pillow or other soft surface

o Breast feed if you can

o Keep baby away from cigarette smoke

o Refrain from overdressing the baby

o Using a pacifier during sleep is strongly associated with a reduced risk of sudden infant death. After your baby is about 1

month old, consider offering a pacifier when she lies down for sleep. Never reinsert the pacifier if it falls out after the baby

falls asleep and do not coat it with a sweet solution.

For more information about crib safety standards, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission website at www.cpsc.gov