Important Points About Your 2 Week-Old Baby

Having a new baby can be hard- Talk to your provider if you are feeling like taking care of your baby is really getting you down or if you are worried about depression. (Feeling depressed after giving birth is common and actually has a name – it is called postpartum depression.) Do not shake your baby, no matter how frustrated you feel. It is ok to put your baby down in a safe place, even if she is crying, and step away for about 5-10 minutes.

Crying- It does not always mean your baby is hungry. Don’t let feeding become a pacifier. Each time you nurse your baby, also take time to snuggle with him afterwards, without feeding. This way he does not get into the habit of having to eat every time you hold him.

Hiccups and sneezing- They are normal at this age.

Tummy time- This is important to do with your baby several times a day, supervised. Putting your baby on his tummy helps prevent flat head. It helps your baby’s back and neck muscles to get stronger.

Vitamin D- Make sure you have bought Vitamin D for your baby if you are mostly breastfeeding. This is important for the growth of your baby’s bones.

Fever- A fever of 100.4º or more is an emergency for a baby less than 2 months old. Take your baby to the emergency room. Do not give a baby Tylenol until after she is two months old.

Pooping and peeing- Babies do a lot of grunting and get very red. This does not mean your baby is constipated or in pain. You may also hear tummies growling – this is also normal. Babies usually have 5-6 wet diapers a day. Bowel movements (pooping) can be different depending on feeding. Breastfed infants may go up to 5 days without pooping and bottlefed babies can go up to 3 days. This can be normal as long as the poop is soft.