As a parent of a newborn, you are likely to encounter a variety of challenges. This guide explains some of the key steps that you will need to take for different problems that you may be faced with.
Sleeping
Is your baby struggling to get the amount of sleep that they need? Most babies will sleep a large percentage of the day. It’s worth noting that this is completely normal. As such, a baby sleeping regularly isn’t usually going to be a cause for concern. However, if your baby is struggling to sleep, then they are likely experiencing an issue that is disturbing them. If they are crying, this could be an issue with pain. As a new parent, you will need to learn to recognize the different types of cries from your baby. While some might suggest they are in discomfort, others will be more akin to cries for attention.
Colic
If you have a newborn then you need to be aware of this issue that can arise. Colic is a very painful condition in newborns and is characterised by a lot of crying. Sure, all newborns will cry but colic is very different. If your new bundle of joy is crying non-stop and nothing will soothe them then it is very likely they will have colic. You can reduce the risk of colic by using something like infacol before every feed. If you are bottle feeding then take a look at bottles that reduce the amount of air that your baby is taking in when feeding. If colic has already struck then you can relieve their discomfort by holding them upright as much as possible. Lots of cuddles and reassurance, it usually clears up on its own when your baby is around four months old.
Fever
Newborn babies can’t regulate their own temperature, this doesn’t happen until your baby is at least 12 weeks old. Until then it is down to you to ensure they don’t get too hot or cold. If your baby displays a fever then you need to be careful that it doesn’t get so high that it results in convulsions. So what is baby fever and how can you manage one when it strikes? A fever in a newborn is anything over 38 degrees and they can rise quickly if you don’t manage them effectively.
Issues Eating
Finally, it’s possible that you are struggling with issues related to your baby eating. Some babies can struggle to eat the amount that they need. This isn’t always a cause for concern but you should be careful if you believe that your baby is losing weight. At this point, you may need to speak to a medical professional. Particularly, if your baby is struggling to get the fluids that they need. If you are breastfeeding, then there can be a wide range of reasons why your baby is not feeding. For instance, you might not be producing enough milk for your baby overall. If that’s the case, then you might want to consider using a breast pump or switching to formula.
We hope this helps you understand some of the common issues that you can experience with your newborn and the steps that you should take to rectify situations like this.