You’re already learning so much about
your new baby. You know how he likes to be held while he’s eating, or the best
way to rock him to sleep. But if you’re like most new parents, you still have
lots of questions about how to care for him during these first few weeks. These
are some of the normal conditions that most babies experience during this time.
Once you understand more about what
is happening with your baby, the more you will relax and enjoy him, knowing
you’re making the right decisions about his care.
Umbilical cord
Keep the stump of your baby’s
umbilical cord clean and dry until it shrivels and falls off, usually within a
few weeks. To keep the cord dry, some doctors recommend using a cotton swab
dipped in alcohol to clean away the wet, sticky material that sometimes is
around the base of the stump. Keep your baby’s diaper folded down below the
cord to keep urine from soaking it. If you see a spot of blood or a clear,
moist fluid for a while after the cord drops off, don’t worry…this is normal.
But if the oozing continues, or you
see other signs of infection, such as pus or red skin around the base of the
cord, or if your baby cries when you touch the cord or skin next to it, contact
your pediatrician right away.
Some babies have tiny white bumps
or yellow spots across the tips of their noses or chins. These are called milia
and go away after the first two or three weeks. One of the most common newborn
rashes is newborn acne, which disappears in six to eight weeks. Just wash the
area with a mild soap once or twice a day. Don’t apply oils, lotions or creams.
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