Healthy Baby

Recently Answered

• QWhy do babies suck on things?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A American Dental Association answered

  Sucking is one of a baby's natural reflexes. In fact, babies begin to suck on their fingers or thumbs even before they are born. As newborns get older, sucking serves many purposes.

  Infants and young children may suck on thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects. Sucking makes them feel secure and happy, and helps them learn about the world around them.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat is causing my newborn's yellow skin?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Jeanne Morrison, PhD , Family Medicine, answered on behalf of Sigma Nursing

  The most common condition causing a yellowish coloring to the newborns skin is physiologic jaundice. Physiologic jaundice is present to some degree in the majority of newborns. The yellowish skin discoloration is temporary and is most visible on the infant’s nose, forehead, chest, and abdomen and in the sclera (the whites) of the eyes. In dark skinned infants it is more difficult to see the yellow coloring of the skin. Premature babies are more likely to develop jaundice than full-term babies.

  Physiologic jaundice is the result of high levels of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is created during the normal process of recycling old red blood cells. Prior to birth the placenta removed the bilirubin from the infant’s circulation. However at birth the baby needs to take over the process of removing the bilirubin from the blood and this can take a couple of day for the infant’s to become efficient in this process. Therefore the bilirubin levels are normally a little higher in the days following birth and may result in a yellow discoloration of the skin.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhen can I start holding my baby skin-to-skin?

  3 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Diana K. Blythe, MD , Pediatrics, answered on behalf of Pediatric Associates

  As long as your baby is healthy, you should be able to hold your baby skin-to-skin within a few minutes after birth. If your baby looks especially strong, you may even be able to have a very brief contact immediately. Now, if you baby is premature or had a hard delivery, this contact may be delayed while care is given. Rest assured that doctors and nurses agree that skin-to-skin contact is good for the baby and will work to make it happen as soon as possible.

  See All 3 Answers
• QWhat is kangaroo care?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Methodist Hospital Stone Oak answered

  Kangaroo care is holding a baby on the bare chest of the mother or father and can be a strong bonding tool for both the baby and parents.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat are common coping behaviors for infants under 12 months old?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Alliance For Kids® answered

  Common coping behaviors for infants under 12 months old include crying, fussing and hand-mouth activity.
  
  This content originally appeared on the Alliance for Kids website.
• QHow can I help my infant cope with hospitalization?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Alliance For Kids® answered

  You can help your infant cope with hospitalization by being prepared. Infants can sense if you are stressed or anxious, so the more prepared you are the more relaxed you will be around your baby. It is important to keep your baby’s routines and environment as normal as possible. Bring your baby’s favorite comfort items like a blanket, toy or pacifier. It may also be helpful to bring a familiar bottle for after surgery. Also, understand that babies get fussy in new and uncomfortable situations, so be prepared to distract and comfort your baby.
  
  To help your infant cope with hospitalization, try the following:

  • Participate in your baby's care.
  • Have contact with your baby. Ask a hospital staff member to show you how to hold your baby with equipment.
  • Use comfort positioning during procedures (not restraining).
  • Avoid hunger and maintain a warm room temperature.
  • Decrease the number of caregivers.
  • Use a sound soother or mobile.
  • Use comfort items like a blanket and favorite toys.

  This content originally appeared on the Alliance for Kids website.
• QWhat are common stressors that hospitalized infants may experience?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Alliance For Kids® answered

  Some common stressors that hospitalized infants may experience include the following:

  • separation from parent
  • impaired basic needs
  • stranger anxiety
  • limited caregiver involvement

  This content originally appeared on the Alliance for Kids website.
• QWhat should I consider when buying a stroller?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A HCA Virginia answered

  Just as with a car seat, you will want to buy a safety-approved stroller for your newborn baby. Many options are available, including ones that allow you to attach the car seat to the stroller. Never leave your baby alone in the stroller.

  Some features to look for in a stroller include the following:

  • five-point harness that is securely attached to the stroller
  • brakes that lock and work well
  • storage area located behind and low to the ground, so items will not fall onto your baby
  • reclining back
  • canopy to protect your baby from the elements

  If the stroller has leg-hole openings, be sure that you can close them when your baby is reclined and resting.

• QWhy should I swaddle my baby?

  2 Answers

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  You've likely heard all about swaddling - that seemingly mathematical formula for wrapping a blanket around a baby. Some people think swaddling is done for warmth, and some think it's for comfort. But the major reason swaddling is so important is because it helps limit the startling "moro" reflex so babies don't wake themselves up.
  
  You can swaddle your child for much of the day when he's sleeping or resting and loosen up the reins as he stays awake longer and seems curious about moving around, starting at about three months. Swaddling is very effective for cranky babies, since the reason they're fussy is often that they actually want to sleep but can't calm themselves down. Just make sure you do it properly.

  See All 2 Answers
• QWhat color should my baby's toys be?

  1 Answer

  A

  

  A Dr. Michael Roizen, MD , Internal Medicine, answered

  Get a few that are black and white. A newborn's vision is worse than a bad referee's, but while they can't see color, they can see contrast because the cells that perceive details and colors (the cones) are kind of stubby for a while. But don't run out and redecorate your entire house with non-color items. By ten weeks, babies start to see big objects and bright colors (red, oranges, and greens, especially), but in the first few weeks, it wouldn't hurt to outfit your crib with a few pandas or zebras. Babies' attention to contrast is one of the reasons why your areola gets larger and darker during pregnancy.