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Answers
To Your Questions
Bowel
Movements
The number of stools babies have varies. Breast fed infants often
stool after every feeding and formula fed babies might stool every
two days. Consistency and color also vary-breast fed infants have
stools that are usually mustard yellow liquid with curds. They are
sometimes green or brown as well. Formula fed infants usually have
stools that are firmer and yellowish-brown. All babies will occasionally
grunt, strain, grimace, and turn red in the face when having a bowel
movement. This is normal unless the stools are very hard, dry, or
pellet-like. Stool frequency, consistency, and color change with each
change of diet. (back to Health Information)
Spitting
Up
It is normal for babies to spit up. Some babies spit up after most
feedings! Formula-fed infants spit up more than breast-fed infants.
To help with spitting up, try to burp your baby during and after each
feeding. For formula fed infants, make sure the hole in the nipple
is not too large. This may cause your baby to eat too fast, swallow
more air, and spit up more. It is also helpful to place your baby
in a carrier to keep him/her upright for approximately 30 minutes
after feedings. Please call the office if you feel your baby is spitting
up very large amounts frequently or is vomiting after feedings. Vomiting
is forceful emptying of the stomach. If your baby has projectile vomiting
(very forceful vomiting that shoots out a foot or more), please notify
our office.
(back to Health Information)
Crying/Colic
Crying is a newborn's only means of communicating that he/she needs
something. Do not worry about spoiling your baby by picking him up
when he cries. You will learn to distinguish certain cries as hunger,
wet/dirty diaper, gas/tummy ache, etc. Some babies will begin an almost
daily routine of crying when they are 2-4 weeks of age. This is "colic".
No one knows exactly what causes colic. It tends to occur in the late
afternoon or evening hours and is often characterized by inconsolable
crying that can last for several hours. The baby's face may turn dark
red; he may draw his legs up then stiffen out; he may pass gas, etc.
Although most people have thought colic represents some type of abdominal
pain, others have suggested that it may result from immaturity of
the nervous system which leads to increased crying. Whatever the cause,
it is usually better by 2-3 months of age. Some suggestions to help
with a 'colicky' infant include: carrying him in a snugli, gently
rocking the baby, putting him in a swing, putting him in a vibrating
bouncy seat, or taking him for a car ride. Some babies settle down
to the sound of a vacuum cleaner/dishwasher or by placing him on top
of the washing machine/dryer (Note: he should be strapped in a seat
and accompanied at all times). Other babies respond well to swaddling
tightly in a soft, stretchy blanket or by taking them for a walk outside.
Colic can be very stressful to your family. Try letting a family member
watch your baby while you take some time alone or with your spouse.
Remember, although it may seem like a lifetime away, colic almost
always improves by 3 months of age. (back to Health Information)
Safety
One of the biggest threats to your child's health is accidental injury.
To prevent accidents and injury to your baby, be aware of things that
may put him in danger:
1. ALWAYS use an approved car seat when traveling with your
child. Infants should be rear-facing in the backseat until they are
20 Ibs and one year of age.
2. NEVER leave your baby unattended on a bed, changing table,
sofa, or chair. Use safety straps on the changing table or keep one
hand on the baby at all times. It takes one glance behind you with
him unattended for him to roll onto the floor!
3. NEVER shake your baby or toss him into the air - it can
cause damage to his brain.
4. NEVER put anything on a string around your baby's neck such
as a pacifier or toy.
5. Avoid drinking hot drinks such as tea or coffee while holding your
baby.
6. ALWAYS leave the side rails up on the crib and check to
make sure they are in the locked position when leaving the baby in
the crib.
7. NEVER smoke or allow anyone to smoke around your baby.
8. Keep your hot water heater on medium or 120 degrees and test the
bath water before bathing your baby. (back to Health Information)
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