10 Things to Know About Newborns
If you're a mom-to-be, congratulations! You're about to experience one of the most amazing – and challenging – times in your life. Raising a newborn can be exhausting and exhilarating. From crying without tears to random sneezing, here's what you need to know about caring for a newborn. Enjoy this amazing time!
No Tears
Have you ever wondered why newborns cry with no tears? It's an interesting phenomenon. Newborns are born with tear ducts that are not yet fully developed. As a result, they are not able to produce tears. However, this does not mean they cannot feel pain or experience other emotions. They will still squirm and cry when they are uncomfortable or upset. Researchers believe that crying is important for babies to communicate their needs. As they grow and their tear ducts mature, they gradually produce tears. Babies typically start making tears around 4 to 6 weeks old, but some have them earlier and some a bit later. It all just depends on the baby's individual development. When they first start crying with tears, it can be surprising (and worrying) for parents who aren't expecting it. But don't worry; it's perfectly normal! So the next time you see a crying baby, don't worry - they're just working on perfecting their ability to shed tears! However, if you notice that your baby's eyes are red or irritated, it may be a sign of infection. If this is the case, you should contact your doctor right away.
Chin Quivers While Breastfeeding
As a new mom, you may have noticed that your baby's chin sometimes quivers before or during breastfeeding. This is a normal primitive reflex of an immature nervous system reflex and a regular part of your baby's development. It is often seen when your baby is first learning to breastfeed, but it can also occur when they are tired or hungry. If you notice your baby's chin quivering while trying breastfeeding, offer them the breast and let them latch on. This reflex will disappear as your baby ages and becomes more skilled at breastfeeding. So if you notice your baby's chin quivering, know it is all a part of the breastfeeding journey.
Weight Loss
It's normal for a newborn to lose weight in the first few days after birth. Most babies are expected to lose between 5 and 10% of their birth weight before returning to their birth weight. There are a few reasons for this weight loss. First, babies are born with extra fluid that they gradually get rid of in the first few days. This fluid loss accounts for about half of their weight loss. Second, babies need time to adjust to feeding on milk rather than being nourished by the placenta and amniotic fluid in the womb. It can take a few days for their tummies to get used to digesting milk and absorbing all the nutrients they need. Lastly, wet diapers also contribute to weight loss — every wet diaper shows that your baby is getting rid of more fluids. As long as your baby is feeding well and gaining back their birth weight within 2-3 weeks, there's no cause for concern. If you're ever worried about your baby's weight loss, please don't hesitate to contact your pediatrician for guidance.
Smiles at 8 Weeks
A baby's smile is one of the first things parents look for—and it's usually one of the first things a baby starts doing. Smiling is an essential milestone in a baby's development, usually around eight weeks after birth. One of the baby's earliest smiles may be more of a reflex than anything else. But as baby grows and interact more with the world around them, those reflexive smiles will turn into genuine, social smiles meant to engage with others. Babies learn to smile by mimicry, so they often start smiling when they see someone else smiling. It's a way of building social bonds and developing communication skills. And it's also just plain cute. So if you see your little one starting to smile at eight weeks, don't be surprised—it's just their way of saying hello to the world.
Newborn Breathing Pattern
Newborns breathe fast, take long pauses between breaths, and make unusual noises. These irregular breathing patterns can be concerning to new parents. It's important to remember that newborns are adjusting to life outside the womb. They're learning to control their bodies and systems, which takes time and practice. So, it's perfectly normal for their breathing to be slightly erratic. Just like everything else, they'll eventually get the hang of it.
Here are a few facts about newborn breathing:
They breathe more through their nostrils than their mouths. Newborns and babies are "obligate nasal breathers," meaning their natural preference and reflex is to breathe through their nose. While mouth breathing is not impossible, newborns have certain physical features that make it more difficult, including a larger tongue, smaller mouth, and elevated larynx.
Their lungs and airways are tiny and easier to obstruct, meaning they can't take in as much air as we can with each breath. Also, they may still have amniotic fluid and meconium in their airways right after birth. As a result, their breathing may sound shallower and faster than ours.
They are still learning and developing their lungs and the associated breathing muscles. So, it's common for them to make strange sounds like grunting or snorting while sleeping.
Remember that all these patterns are considered normal, so there's no need to worry. Your baby will eventually get the hang of it and start taking nice deep breaths, just like the rest of us!
Tiny Stomachs
Newborns have very tiny stomachs about the size of a marble. This is one reason why they need to eat so frequently. Newborns typically eat 8 to 12 times a day. Frequent feedings help to stimulate the baby's digestive system and promote proper growth. As the baby grows, so does the stomach. By the time they are six months old, most babies have stomachs about the size of their fists. Of course, every baby is different, and some may have larger or smaller stomachs depending on their needs. But one thing is certain - those little tummies can pack a lot of milk!
Various Reflexes
Have you ever seen a newborn reflex? They are amazing! All babies are born with reflexes. A reflex is an automatic response to a stimulus. It is a sudden, involuntary movement responding to something that irritates or otherwise affects the baby. Several types of reflexes vary from simple movements, like blinking, to more complicated ones, like sucking and grasping. Most newborn reflexes go away after a few months, but some, like the sucking reflex, can last for years. Babies use their reflexes to help them adapt to their new environment. For example, the rooting reflex helps them find the nipple and begin to breastfeed. The grasping reflex helps them hold onto their mother's hair or clothing. The startle reflex helps them protect themselves from loud noises. These reflexes are important for helping babies survive and thrive in the world.
Female Discharge
Newborn females often have a vaginal discharge, typically starting to appear within the first few days after birth, and can continue for up to several weeks. This is your baby's response to maternal hormones still in your baby's body. The discharge is usually clear, white, or slightly yellow, odorless, but may also be blood-tinged. Although it may be alarming to see this substance coming from your newborn's vagina, it is normal and nothing to be concerned about. Please contact your pediatrician if you are concerned about the discharge or if it seems abnormal.
Sneezing
One of the first things you'll notice about your newborn is that adorable little sneeze. Newborn sneezing is quite common, and concern is usually unnecessary. Here's what you need to know about those tiny sneezes. For starters, newborns have a lot of mucus in their noses. They've been swimming in amniotic fluid for the past nine months. When they first take their first breaths of air, that mucus can get dry and irritated, causing them to sneeze. Secondly, newborns have very sensitive nasal passages. This means they're more likely to sneeze in response to dust, pollen, or even temperature changes. Finally, it's worth noting that sneezing is a good thing for newborns. It helps to clear their nasal passages and prevent infection. So if you see your little one sneezing away, don't worry - they're taking care of themselves.
4th Trimester
The 4th trimester, or first three months after birth, isn't just for mom; newborns also go through a lot during this time. For nine months, your baby has been used to a warm, noisy, comfortable place where they are given everything they need through mom. Being moved into a cold, quiet nursery and confined to a crib is shocking. During the 4th trimester, your baby is learning to adjust to life outside the womb; all new sensations, sounds, lights, and smells can be scary. Be patient, and help your baby adjust through skin-to-skin contact, hugs, kisses, swaddling, bed-sharing, or other methods suitable for your family.
Congratulations on your new addition! As a new mom, there are many things you will need to know to take care of your little one. Remember, caring for yourself is as important as caring for your baby, so get plenty of rest and eat healthy foods. And don't hesitate to ask other moms or your doctor any questions you may have – they will be more than happy to help. Welcome to the beautiful world of motherhood!
