10
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All About Babies
Carrie Kelly, RN, Langlade Birthing Center, with baby Jace and
new mom Kendria.
Need Some ZZZs?
NEWBORN BABIES
can sleep up to
18 hours a day—so new moms and
dads have plenty of time to snooze,
right?
Not necessarily, says the
National Sleep Foundation. In fact,
parents of infants should plan
ahead for some sleep deprivation
during the first few months.
Unlike older children, babies
naturally sleep in chunks
throughout the day—for
up to three hours at
a time. Don’t despair,
though. There are a
few ways to help your
little one, and yourself,
get more sleep at
night:
Play during the day.
Talking and playing
with your baby when
he’s awake during the
day can help him sleep
longer at night.
But don’t play all
day: Infants still need
naps. When babies
are overtired, they
may not fall asleep as
easily at night.
Soothing sleep
routines.
Try laying
your baby down
when she’s drowsy
and letting her
transition to sleep on her own.
When she wakes up in
the night, don’t respond
immediately. Give her
a few minutes to try to
fall back asleep.
From crying to calm.
Your baby will wake up a few
times during the night to be fed
or changed—especially during the
first few weeks. To help him fall
back asleep, keep the room dark
and quiet and don’t engage in play.
Additional source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Fevers: When to Call the Doctor
IF YOUR BABY
feels too warm or is very cranky, it’s time to reach for a
thermometer.
That’s especially true if your baby is younger than 3 months. Anytime a
baby this young has a temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher, a doctor needs
to know.
Chances are, your baby only has a cold or other minor illness. But a
fever in a newborn may be a sign of something more serious, so don’t take
chances. Call the doctor if your infant has a fever. And remember to always
use a rectal thermometer.
Also call the doctor if your baby is:
➜
Older than 3 months and has a temperature of 101 or higher.
➜
Older than 6 months and has a temperature of 103 or higher.
Source: American Academy of Pediatrics
Back is Best for Baby
YOU’VE PROBABLY
heard of sudden
infant death syndrome (SIDS).
It’s when a baby younger than
1 year old dies suddenly and for
no known cause.
Babies who sleep on their
sides or stomachs are at
higher risk for SIDS than
babies who sleep on their
backs. So are babies who sleep with
soft or fluffy objects in their cribs.
You can help
protect your baby
from SIDS.
➜
Always put your
baby to sleep on his or
her back. Make sure
anyone who takes care
of your child does the
same.
➜
Keep items
such as pillows,
stuffed animals and
comforters out of the
sleeping area.
➜
Don’t smoke around
your baby. Don’t let
anyone else do so
either.
➜
Don’t let your
baby get too hot.
Keep the sleeping
area at a comfortable
temperature. Dress your
baby in light sleepwear.
Source: National Institutes of Health
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