At home with your baby

There are things you will want to pay attention to when you and your baby are at home together.

Diaper rash

Common causes

• Infrequent changing of soiled diapers
• Introduction to solid foods
• Mother’s diet (milk products)

Prevention and treatment

• Wash your hands before changing
• Check diaper frequently
• Choose mild wipes
• Pat the area dry instead of rubbing
• Be sure the area is completely clean and dry prior to putting on a new diaper
• Use a cream or ointment with zinc oxide
• Try different diaper brands
• Mother’s diet (may need to eliminate an irritant)

Urine output

• After seven days of life, your baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers in a 24-hour period
• If your baby is receiving enough milk, the infant will have adequate wet diapers
• Your baby should nurse at least 8-12 times per day

Poopy diapers

• After seven days of life, babies should have at least four poopy diapers a day
• His or her stool will change from sticky, black, tarry stools to brown, then to mustard yellow color (if breastfeeding)

Cord care

• Cleanse with soap and water once daily
• The cord will fall off on its own
• Watch for diaper irritation at the cord site
• Do not give your baby a bath until the umbilical cord site is completely healed

Crib safety

• Make sure you put your baby to sleep on their back
• Have a firm mattress with a fitted sheet and no toys, pillows, blankets, or bumper pads in the crib
• Keep your baby in a room near you
• Do not allow smoking around your baby or allow pets to be in the crib

Dressing your baby

• Babies have a harder time regulating their body temperature
• Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing and have extra clothing, blankets and bibs available