As a brand-new mom, your baby's first year of life is full of unfamiliar experiences and challenges. For many parents, this creates some anxiety and a whole lot of questions. We've all been there, frantically Googling at 2 a.m. or posting pictures of an inexplicable rash in an online mommy group.
To help ease your minds, we've gathered the questions asked by almost all moms during their baby's first year and connected with top baby experts to find the answers.
MEET THE EXPERTS:
Dr. Jack Maypole is a pediatrician and an Associate Professor of Pediatrics for Boston University School of Medicine. He is also a member of The Goddard School Education Advisory Board and the Director of the 4C Program and the Comprehensive Care Program at Boston Medical Center. He has over 17 years of experience in pediatrics.
Dr. Stephanie Levine, DO, FAAP, is a board-certified general pediatric physician with over 20 years of experience in pediatrics and the pediatrician representing the nonprofit organization Keeping Babies Safe.
Autumn Norwood is a pediatric nurse practitioner at the Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
Chaunie Brusie is an experienced Nurse of Obstetrics and mom of four. Brusie is a parenting writer and has been published with Mom.me, Babble and the New York Times Motherlode blog.
Hillary Melchiors is a postpartum doula with a certification from Doulas of North America (DONA). Melchiors also has her PhD in in Medical Anthropology, which includes the study of childbirth and child rearing practices and traditions around the world, and has her masters in Public Health.
1-month-old
3-month-old
When should my baby be able to raise their head while laying on their stomach?
According to Dr. Maypole, your baby will be able to raise their head while laying on their stomach within the first few days to weeks of their life and the duration will last longer as neck muscles develop.
I'm worried my baby is getting a flat head. Is there anything I can do to prevent it?
Flat heads are most common in babies that do not get enough time on their tummies and babies that are left in seats too often. Wearing your baby in a wrap or carrier instead of leaving them lying on their back is a great way to prevent a flat head. And don't forget tummy time!
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
Feeling incessantly sad and upset is one symptom of postpartum depression. According to obstetrics nurse Chaunie Brusie, there is no easy way to tell for sure if you have it. She advised that any symptoms that interfere with your daily life is not normal, especially if you are having any thoughts of hurting yourself of your baby.
She also suggests educating people in your life about the signs and symptoms of PPD. When you are in the thick of postpartum depression, it can be impossible to recognize that it's happening to you.
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, the most common symptoms of postpartum depression include:
- Excessive crying, worrying or sadness
- Mood swings or sadness that lasts for more than the first two weeks after birth and interferes with activities of daily living
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Thoughts of harming self or baby
- Hallucinations, paranoia, and suicidal or homicidal thoughts can also be symptoms of postpartum psychosis
PPD is not the only postpartum mood disorder, and there are many different treatment options available to mothers that fit their unique needs, so be sure to consult your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.
How should I treat a baby yeast infection?
According to Dr. Maypole, a yeast infection can occur in the mouth—called thrush—or on the butt, which is called candida diaper dermatitis. There are oral drops for thrush, and a cream for the bum. But be careful not to confuse the wrong medicine for the wrong area.
When can I start using a baby carrier?
Using a carrier is safe as soon as a baby is born, as long as you are using it safely, according to Melchiors. The best carriers for newborns are typically wraps and slings.
How much should a three-month-old be sleeping during the day?
Although babies are typically more wakeful at this age, and will remain awake for longer periods of time, moms can still expect short naps throughout the day, according to Dr. Levine. It isn't uncommon for a three-month-old baby to take "cat naps" between each feeding and then sleep for longer stretches at night, sometimes for as long as six hours.
4-month-old
When will my baby start teething?
"Teething" can refer to the behavior of mouthing and chewing stuff, as well as the constellation of symptoms seen as teeth erupt. According to Dr. Maypole, tooth eruption can happen between 4–15 months. The average time to first tooth, about 6–9 months.
My baby is teething. How can I make them more comfortable?
"Mothers can begin with cool and moist cloths to gums," suggests Dr. Maypole. He also suggests infant Tylenol dosed appropriately for real pain. And in case you're wondering about those rub on anesthetic gels, Dr. Maypole warns that they tend to only work for a few minutes.
I think my baby has a belly button hernia. What should I do?
According to Dr. Maypole, umbilical hernias are a common occurrence related to the junction of where the umbilical cord plugs into the growing fetus. Most umbilical hernias get better with time. As the child grows, muscles develop and the tissue sheaths close and the hernia goes away. However, if you can insert the tip of your thumb into the defect (and "reduce" or collapse the bulge), then it is more at risk of needing a surgical repair one day.
The risk or concern of an umbilical hernia is that a loop of bowel can get trapped or incarcerated. If the belly button bulge ever appears tender, or is unable to be easily collapsed, then prompt attention is called for. Slings, trusses, belts or taped coins over the defect do NOT help them resolve any faster. These remedies aren't dangerous, but save yourselves the worry or trouble. For any worried parent, a single consult with their child's doctor can assess and resolve most concerns quickly.
5-month-old
When will my baby sleep through the night?
"Later than five months, usually," says Dr. Maypole. "And 'through the night' is relative, right? Five hours straight can feel like 'through the night.'" Babies are usually consistently sleeping through the 2 a.m. feed, and getting some number of hours in a row of sleep by 8–10 months. Kids under five months will usually not make it much past five hours straight.
When should my baby be able to sit up on their own?
According to Dr. Maypole, babies will start to sit with support around four months, as trunk muscles firm up. Sitting unassisted happens around six months, after several weeks of slumping and sliding sideways.
When should my baby start rolling over?
Most babies roll over from their stomach onto their back around four months or so, according to Dr. Maypole. Within a month of this, most babies will be able to roll from lying on their back into a tummy-down position.
Will introducing rice cereal help my baby sleep through the night?
"Generally, no," says Dr. Maypole. "It will make a baby fat, however. Research confirms it: Carbs overload without the sleep benefit!"
Dr. Levine agreed, adding that rice cereal should never be added to a bottle unless mother has been given specific directions to thicken bottles because of severe reflux in their baby. Adding rice cereal to a bottle doesn't hold any benefit to the baby and can increase their risk of developing an ear infection. She explains that when the baby is truly ready for solids, parents should introduce rice cereal in a bowl with a spoon.
6-month-old
When can I introduce solids to my baby?
Solids can be started between four to six months, as long as the baby has reached 15 pounds, according to Dr. Levine. Typically, babies begin to show signs they are ready by drooling and thrusting their tongue, indicating they are ready to learn to swallow purees and cereals.
What schedule should I follow when introducing solids?
Generally, introduce one new food every 3–4 days, one at a time. Avoid introducing more foods at once or more closely together because the delay allows one to see if allergic symptoms arise. While introducing solids, parents should watch for skin or oral rashes, wheezing, gas, vomiting, bloating or diarrhea.
When can I introduce water to my baby?
According to Dr. Maypole, babies don't need water if they are bottle- or breastfeeding. Any liquid a child needs before then can be obtained from breast milk or infant formula. There is all the water they need in that and the essential calories needed for growth. Most experts will recommend that babies don't need to introduced to water until six months of age.
Is Baby-Led Weaning Safe?
Baby-led weaning allows babies to try table foods as they show interest and wean on their own terms by offering pieces of solids rather than purees. According to Melchiors, baby-led weaning is absolutely safe, and is a great way to build attachment and trust between mom and baby.
However, pediatrician Dr. Levine feels that introducing table foods could introduce a risk for choking and suggested moms stick with purees until baby is nine months of age. At this time, she believes it's important for parents to take a child safety class that includes teaching the Heimlich maneuver.
When can my baby take pain relievers?
Babies can have acetaminophen after 2 weeks old and ibuprofen after 6 months old. Parents must be sure they always dose based on weight and follow all recommended guidelines.
When can I introduce a straw or sippy cup? Is one better than the other?
It's best to wait for your baby to be able to properly grip a cup and bring it to their mouths. Most babies can do this by six months. Using a straw can come more naturally for many babies and is better for mouth motor development as well.
7-month-old
My baby has a cold, how can I treat it?
Colds are usually viral and babies get an average of seven a year. Generally, these will run their course and antibiotics are not necessary. Just make sure the baby is getting plenty of fluids and rest. If they're running a fever, you can help cool them down with a wet washcloth or by giving them a lukewarm bath. You can help clear congestion by running the shower and sitting with them in the steamy bathroom for 10-15 minutes. Running a humidifier overnight can also help with congestion and coughing. Always call the doctor's office if the baby is extremely lethargic or running a consistent high fever.
How can I make my baby more comfortable when they have a cold?
Pediatric nurse Autumn Norwood suggests nasal saline flushes with an over-the-counter nasal spray followed by a nasal lavage with a bulb syringe. Also keep the baby elevated when they sleep (a small stack of books under one end of the crib works well) and run a humidifier in their bedroom. Parents should see a doctor if symptoms persist beyond a week, if the baby begins to run a fever greater than 100 degrees, or if they have too few wet or dirty diapers.
My baby is running a fever. When should I call the doctor?
According to Norwood, you should call your doctor if the fever doesn't go down with use of acetaminophen or ibuprofen, if the fever is greater than 100 degrees for more than 48 hours, if the baby becomes lethargic, is not having wet or dirty diapers, or is not eating or drinking. Ibuprofen should only be used if the baby is six months of age or older.
How can I treat my baby's diaper rash?
"Apply an over-the-counter barrier cream with each diaper change, change diapers frequently, and allow the baby to go for periods of time without a diaper to allow the area to air out," suggests Norwood. If the area becomes very red and irritated and doesn't improve, see your pediatrician—your baby may have a secondary infection or fungal rash associated with it and need some prescription ointment.
My baby is eating solids. Should I cut back on formula or breastfeeding?
Babies will naturally cut back by themselves, so there is not necessarily a need to limit formula or breastfeeding while they are eating solids.
8-month-old
My baby keeps rolling onto their stomach to sleep. Is this OK?
Babies should always be put on their backs to sleep, according to Norwood. If they are persistently rolling to their stomach, repositioning them may be helpful to put them on their back, but always make sure there are no pillows, blankets, stuffed animals, bumpers or anything in the crib that they could roll up against and be unable to breathe through.
When should my baby start talking?
Speech development varies greatly from baby to baby. They generally start babbling around one to two months; words such as "mama" and "dada" come later, around six to eight months. If you ever have any concerns, check with your pediatrician. Don't worry about feeling silly—they're used to it!
Can my baby watch TV? If so, how much TV is acceptable?
"Screen time is not really encouraged or necessary," answered Norwood. "If parents choose to allow their child to watch TV, their screen time should be limited to an hour or less a day." Her recommendation is in line with the guidelines provided by the American Academy of Pediatrics, which suggest parents avoid screen time before two and then limit their child to an hour a day once the TV is introduced.
My baby is experiencing a lot of anxiety at daycare drop off. How I can ease their worries during this transition?
"Daycare drop off can be really difficult, especially when babies are going through periods of intense stranger danger and attachment," said Melchiors. "The best way to ease the transition, according to the many daycare providers I have spoken with, is to rip the bandage off and get it over with as quickly as possible. They, and you, will get through this!"
I want to start baby sign language, but I'm worried it will delay her speaking. Is this true?
Baby sign language can be a great way to communicate with a preverbal infant, according to Melchiors. Using sign language to communicate should not significantly impact the onset of speaking in an infant. "Don't worry, your baby will speak when they are ready!"
My baby has four teeth now. When do I need to start taking my baby to the dentist?
According to Melchiors, you can take care of your baby's teeth by brushing them. There are even baby toothbrushes that will fit on your finger which can make the process easier. Dentists and pediatricians might recommend bringing baby in for a checkup as soon as they have teeth, but many parents wait until a child is three before taking them to the dentist.
