The first few hours, days, and weeks at home with your newborn baby are exciting but can also be super tiring! As new parents, it’s totally normal to have a lot of questions about life with a newborn baby. You might wonder if it’s okay to watch TV while your baby is in the room (it is) or how to handle friends and family who want to visit (just make sure they’re up to date on their vaccinations). Below, we’ve answered some common questions for new parents. Remember, if you have any worries about your baby’s health, always check in with your doctor.
Should the house be quiet while my baby is sleeping?
You don’t have to be completely silent while your baby sleeps. Most newborns can sleep through quite a bit of background noise. In fact, some babies actually sleep better with some white noise, like the sounds from household appliances such as dishwashers or hairdryers. If you have older kids at home, getting total silence might not even be possible!
To help your baby adjust to life with a newborn baby, you can teach them the difference between day and night early on. Do this by using brighter lights, louder activities, and playtime during the day, while keeping nighttime wake-ups calm and quiet. A sound machine can also help by mimicking the sounds of the womb, making it easier for your baby to sleep even with household noises around.
Can I watch TV with my newborn in the room?
Yes, there’s no issue with watching TV while holding your baby or breastfeeding. In fact, it might be the perfect time for you to catch some much-needed downtime. As your baby grows older, TV might become more of a distraction during nursing, but at this early stage, it’s not a problem.
However, direct screen exposure should be limited, even at this young age. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises against any screen time for children younger than 18 months, aside from video calls with family. So, keep an eye on how much your baby is looking at screens.
If you’re watching TV during nighttime feedings, keep the volume low and the room dim to maintain a calm, sleep-friendly environment for your baby.
Is loud music bad for babies?
Parents often wonder if playing music too loudly can harm their baby’s hearing. It’s possible if the music is excessively loud. Experts recommend keeping noise levels near your baby below 60 to 65 decibels, which is similar to a normal conversation.
At a safe volume, feel free to play music around your newborn. Keep in mind, though, that your baby might not show much reaction to music just yet unless it’s overly loud. Newborns will eventually grow into music lovers, but for now, the music is more for your enjoyment.
Should I give my baby a pacifier?
It’s up to you whether or not to offer your baby a pacifier. Some parents skip it due to concerns about dependence, but research shows that pacifiers may reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). To avoid any issues with breastfeeding, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises waiting until your baby is nursing well—typically around 1 month old—before introducing a pacifier.
When choosing a pacifier, opt for one with a soft nipple designed for newborns. Try offering it between or after feedings, so it doesn’t replace meals. Your baby may need some time to find a pacifier they like, so don’t be discouraged if it takes a few tries.
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How do I shower with a newborn at home?
If you’re home alone but need to shower, it’s okay to place your baby in a safe spot and hop in. Some parents bring a bouncy seat into the bathroom or wait until their baby is napping securely in their crib, keeping a baby monitor close by. While it might not be your most relaxing shower ever, it can still give you a much-needed refresh.
To make your bathroom safer, consider adding baby-proofing measures, such as safety gates. As your baby grows more mobile, ensure cabinets are locked, trash cans are out of reach, and cords are secured.
What’s the best way to manage visitors?
Too many visitors can be overwhelming for both you and your newborn. It’s not always possible or advisable to accommodate everyone who wants to meet your baby, and you certainly shouldn’t feel pressured to entertain guests.
Discuss a visitor plan with your partner and share it with family and friends. Politely ask anyone with cold or flu symptoms to stay home, and encourage visitors to be current on vaccinations (especially for pertussis, flu, and COVID-19). Request that they wash their hands upon arrival, and you may also want them to wear masks.
Remember, babies are most vulnerable to infections in their first 4 to 6 weeks, so it may be wise to limit non-essential visits during that time.
To share the news of your baby’s arrival without hosting lots of visitors, consider posting an update on social media or sending out birth announcement cards. If your baby is napping, you could even leave a note on your front door asking for quiet and preventing unexpected doorbell rings.
A few newborn myths debunked
As a new parent, you might receive well-meaning but outdated advice. Here are a few common myths about newborns:
Myth 1: You shouldn’t let someone hold your baby while they’re on their period.
This myth likely stems from outdated beliefs about menstruation. There’s no scientific reason why someone on their period can’t hold your newborn. In fact, many mothers will return to their own periods soon after birth.
Myth 2: Newborns can’t see anything at birth.
Your baby can see at birth, including faces, large shapes, movement, and light. Their vision improves over time and will continue to develop until they’re between 3 to 5 years old. At first, they can see clearly up to about 12 inches away.
Myth 3: Holding your baby too much will spoil them.
You can’t spoil a newborn with too much affection! Holding and cuddling your baby is crucial for forming a strong bond and supporting their development. Babies thrive on physical contact in the early months.
Myth 4: Giving your baby rice cereal will help them sleep through the night.
Even though you might hear from family members that rice cereal can help your baby sleep longer at night, that’s not true. In fact, it’s no longer needed for babies. Pediatricians now suggest starting with other grains like oatmeal or barley when introducing solid foods, usually between 4 to 6 months of age. Introducing solids too early can actually lead to digestive problems and may disrupt sleep even more, making life with a newborn baby more challenging.
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