Becoming a mom for the first time is a happy, exciting, and utterly scary experience. Though you’ll have read a lot about what to expect, nothing can really prepare you for the real thing. You’ll have a lot of questions, so we’ve put together a list of frequently asked questions to help.
Will my baby stop crying?
It’ll feel as if your baby is always crying, but don’t worry - it’s what they’re supposed to do and can last up for up to five months, after which things will settle down. You can read more about this in our blog post.
How often should I feed my baby?
They may only be small, but your baby is growing fast and will need a lot of food! Newborn babies need fed somewhere in the region of 8 - 12 times a day, which means around every two to three hours.
How often should I wash my baby?
New parents can sometimes look at how much they wash themselves, and use that as a measure of how frequently they should wash their baby. But this isn’t the case -- babies have to be washed much less. Three times a week or less is just fine for your little bundle of joy.
When can I take my baby outside?
You can take your baby outside to get some fresh air and to help them get used to their new world. The important thing is that they’re dressed appropriately for the weather. It’s also important that they avoid the outside during the hottest times of the day.
When should I take my baby to see a doctor?
There’ll be a lot of things that you’ll worry about with your new baby, but most of the time, they’ll be nothing to be concerned about. Trust your gut, if you’re not happy or if certain symptoms persist, then take your baby to the doctor for reassurance.
How long should I breastfeed my baby for?
This decision is down to you; it’s however long you feel comfortable with. However, there are some recommendations. To get the full benefits, your baby can be breastfed just with breastmilk for the first six months, and then combined with other foods from after six months up until around 24 months. Many mothers breastfeed their babies far beyond this however - and that’s perfectly fine too.
When can a baby eat solid food?
Your baby will be able to eat solid food when they’ve doubled their birth weight, or when they’re older than four months, by which stage they’ll still be getting most of their energy and nutrients from breast milk or first infant formula.
Why must my baby sleep on its back?
Sleeping your baby on their back every night is one of the most protective actions you can take to ensure your baby is sleeping as safely as possible and significantly reduces the risk of SIDS.
Should I sterilize bottles, pacifiers, and so on?
Ideally, yes, as well as cleaning bottles etc., it’s best to thoroughly wash your hands before use, too.
What should my baby wear?
The style choices will be up to you, but in terms of how many layers -- as a rule of thumb, it’s best if they’re wearing one more layer than you are.
