New parents will definitely have a lot of baby questions they start to care for them. This is a very exciting time, but it can also be overwhelming even if you have carefully prepared and done a great deal of research before your baby arrived. Your doctor or midwife can be an excellent resource when you have questions, but it is also important to know what common issues other parents experience and how to deal with them before you are on your way to the hospital to deliver. Here we list 8 questions about newborn babies that you should also be curious about.

8 Newborn Babies Questions 

1. How Can I Bond with My Baby?

Among the many baby questions that most parents are concerned about, how can I bond with my baby might be the most frequently asked. Bonding with your baby can be a great joy, but it can take some time for both you and your newborn. Your baby is still getting used to the world around you and you are still learning how to care for your child so do not be discouraged if you need to make some adjustments along the way. With time you, your child and your partner will find a way to act as a family. Smile and make kind expressions at your baby that they can mimic. Talking in a comforting voice can also help them bond. You and your partner should also make skin to skin contact with your baby that will encourage bonding.

The following video can show you more on bonding with your baby:

2. What’s My Baby’s Sleeping Pattern Like?

At first your newborn will sleep up to 16 hours a day in 2 hour segments, but by 6 months they should be able to sleep for as much as 6 hours at a time. Your child may fuss at night, but if you wait they may be able to settle themselves back to sleep. Try to keep nighttime feedings and changing quiet so they do not fully wake and work to keep them active during the day as long as possible to start the transition to sleeping through the night. Click here to find more details on newborn sleep pattern.

The following video explains more on newborn sleeping patterns:

3. How Much Should I Feed My Baby?

Your baby will need to eat every 2-3 hours, usually feeding for 10-15 minutes on each breast or taking in 2-3 ounces of formula. They may lose weight in the first week but will start to gain weight regularly by their second week. Here you can learn more on newborn feeding and newborn schedule. 

4. How Many Bowel Movements Are Normal?

Newborns who are breastfed will typically have 3+ bowel movements every 24 hours by the time they are 3-4 days old. Those that are fed formula should have at least one bowel movement every 24 hours. The first bowel movements that occur after birth are known as meconium which has a green-black tar appearance. This usually occurs within 24 hours of birth. After this point you will notice transitional stools which become progressively less green and sticky.

• Normal baby poop for breastfed children can be grown, yellow or green as well as seedy or pasty. It will not smell like traditional bowel movements but have more of a sweet odor. They should fill their diapers 5 times a day or more, typically after each feeding.
• Those that are formula fed will take longer to produce bowel movements. This poop will be brown or yellow-brown and have more of a traditional smell for bowel movements. It will look more like pudding or nut butter rather than being sticky. Your child should fill their diaper 3-4 times each day when fed formula.

The following video explains more tips on feeding your newborn and to see if they’ve had enough:

5. How Should I Bathe My Baby?

Baby questions may vary for different circumstances, however, bathing a newborn is bound to be met by parents. Most recommend you wait for a full bath until the remainder of your child’s umbilical cord has fallen off. If your baby was circumcised you should also wait until it has healed. During this time you can sponge bathe your baby. Make sure to carefully clean the folds in your child’s skin, around the diaper area, the mouth, under the arms and behind the ears. Once your baby is ready for a proper bath you do not need to fill the tub, but can simply use a small amount of water to carefully rinse your child. Ask your doctor what products are best for sensitive newborn skin and how often you will need to bathe your baby. Most recommend bathing your child around 2-3 times per week.

6. How Should I Care for My Baby’s Belly Button?

You will need to work to keep the umbilical cord and the surrounding area clean until the stump falls off. Do not submerse the stump in water but carefully sponge bathe around it. Also carefully fold diapers so urine cannot get onto the stump. If your baby cries when you touch the umbilical stump or it is emitting a yellow liquid, call your doctor as your child could have an infection.

7. How Do I Keep MyBaby Safe?

• ?Put your baby to sleep on their back to lower the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
• Do not allow crib bumpers, toys, blankets or pillows near your child’s head or in the crib as this could cause suffocation.
• Many devices which claim to help prevent SIDS such as positioners could increase this risk as well.
• Sleeping in the same room as your child is safe, but do not share a bed.
• Avoid overdressing or wrapping them when they sleep as this could cause them to overheat.
• Follow all doctor’s orders when your child requires medical care, including getting their immunizations on time and according to CDC guidelines.
• Breastfeeding can also help to prevent illness in your child.

8. What Are the Pros and Cons of Circumcision?

Among the baby questions many parents have, this one is also worth considering. If you are debating whether or not it is important to circumcise your boy it is important to consider your cultural and religious beliefs as well as speaking to your pediatrician about the potential medical pros and cons of this procedure. Potential benefits of circumcision such as a reduced risk of urinary tract infections or sexually transmitted diseases are currently believed to outweigh the risks. If you do decide to circumcise be sure to talk to your doctor about the best way to ensure that the site heals quickly and how to prevent infection.