Your newborn loves to be held and needs to be rocked, sung to and talked to. Babies like to snuggle, and your baby will want to hear your voice. You should go to him when he cries and see what’s wrong. Don't worry about spoiling him. Babies cry because they need something: milk, a dry diaper, warmth—or they may just be lonely or uncomfortable.
If you are a breastfeeding mom/family, you should know that Tennessee families now have a new statewide resource to support their efforts to breastfeed babies: The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline, which is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The toll- free number is 1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667). The hotline is staffed by International Board Certified Lactation Consultants and Certified Lactation Counselors who can provide up-to-date information and support and to address common questions and concerns about breastfeeding.
Things Babies May Do the First Three Months
- Focus eyes on objects about 12 inches away
- Raise head when lying on their stomach
- Jump at loud noises
- Smile back when you smile at them
- Make cooing sounds
- Watch their own hands move
- Hold a rattle for a few minutes
Safety First!
Handle your baby with care. Soft voices and gentle movements—even when your baby is crying—are necessary for your baby to grow into a strong, secure and alert child. Remember: When holding your baby, sudden jolts or jerking movements can harm your baby.
If you use a bottle to feed your baby, be sure to thoroughly wash the bottle and nipple and to sterilize them before each use.
Also, remember the ABC Rule: Your baby sleeps ALONE, on their BACK and in a CRIB.
Toys You Can Make or Buy
- Pictures of faces or black-and-white patterns
- An unbreakable mirror so they can watch themselves
- Small rattles that fit in their hands
- Bright-colored soft toys for them to touch with their hands or kick with their feet
New Experiences
When you travel by car, be sure to put your baby in a rear-facing infant seat that is buckled in the back seat of your car. Always take your baby with you when you leave the car; never leave the baby in the car alone especially during hot weather.
Take the baby with you to your place of worship, the grocery store or shopping so that they can see new people and places.
Health Hints
Remember to take your baby to a doctor for a checkup to get the shots they need. These "Well Baby checkups" are very important in order to keep your baby healthy.
The AAP recommends that babies be exclusively breastfed for about the first 6 months of life. This means that your baby needs no additional food (except Vitamin D) or fluids unless medically indicated. If you are a breastfeeding mom/family, your baby should have 3-5 wet diapers and 3-4 soiled diapers per day by 3-5 days of age. Your baby should have 4-6 wet diapers and 3-6 soiled diapers per day by 5-7 days of age. Don't worry if your baby loses a little weight in the first few days. After about 5 days, the baby should gain 4-8 ounces or more per week with breast milk. After 6 weeks, the number of dirty diapers may decrease. The baby should nurse often, about every 1.5 to 3 hours around the clock! For more information, see our Breastfeeding article or call The Tennessee Breastfeeding Hotline (1-855-4BF-MOMS (1-855-423-6667)).
Things You Can Do Everyday to Help Babies Grow
- Gently stroke their fingers, hands, toes, arms, legs and feet with your fingertips. Remember, the human touch is miraculous.
- Your touch tells your baby that they are loved and are safe. Touch stimulates physical growth, brain development and social-emotional development. It is essential for your baby.
- Sing, read or speak softly to them when you are holding them. You are building a feeling of security for your child that will serve them the rest of their life.
- Tell them what you are doing while you take care of him: "I’m changing your diaper." "Let's wash your toes." "Now, let's wash your hands!" Talk about the now; everything has a word. Be sure to tell your child the words that go with what’s happening.
- Hold them in front of a mirror so that they can see themselves and you. Talk to them as you both look in the mirror.
- Place a rattle in their hand and see how long they can hold it. At first it will be a very short time. They will be able to hold it longer and longer as they get older.
- Smile at them and look right into their eyes when you talk to them. You are letting them know that they are the most important thing in the world. Oftentimes, they will smile back at you when they hear your voice.