We've rounded up some of the most commonly asked questions, from skin problems to bonding, that come up in the first few weeks of your baby's life and answered them below.
My baby is twitching – is this normal?
Newborn babies often twitch, especially when they're in a deep sleep.
This is believed to be linked to sensorimotor development, as twitches activate circuits throughout the developing brain. These are common in the first few months of life, and 60% of babies grow out of twitching by the time they reach four months.
If your child is growing and developing as normal, occasional twitches and brief jerks are normal while sleeping, however if you are concerned you should seek medical advice.
How can I soothe my baby's dry skin?
Babies' skin is sensitive and they can often get conditions like eczema from a young age. One in five children will have to deal with eczema, which can make skin dry and itchy.
Keeping skin moisturised using emollients is key to managing eczema. Oilatum Junior Cream is specially developed to treat eczema and dry skin conditions and is gentle enough to use from day one. If you're worried about how bathing can dry out your baby's skin further, try Oilatum Junior Bath Additive which forms an emollient film on the skin surface to reduce moisture loss, as well as hydrating, soothing and softening the skin.
If you're at all concerned about a rash, seek medical advice.
Can I use wipes on my newborn?
Baby wipes are really useful for convenience, especially when you're out and about and need to change your baby. At home, remember that plain water is best for babies skin during the first month.
If you do use baby wipes, you should avoid using ones that are heavily scented and contain chemical products. If baby develops a rash when using wipes, stop using them at once.
My baby has hiccups - is this okay?
Hiccups are common in babies under a year old, and they even hiccup in the womb. Hiccups happen as a baby's diaphragm contracts and the vocal chords close quickly. This rapid close is what creates the sound of the hiccups.
This can be caused by eating too much, swallowing air while chewing or even being anxious or excited. Hiccups are common in newborns and babies under one year old, so don't try to stop them as they will calm on their own.
I'm not bonding with my baby. What can I do?
About a third of new mothers experience difficulties bonding with their baby, and you shouldn't put pressure upon yourself to develop an instant connection. While taking some time to settle into parenthood is normal, if you think you may be suffering from postnatal depression seek help as soon as possible. Your GP or Health Visitor will be able to help.
What does my baby's cry mean?
The first few months after birth can be very tiring and it is hard to know exactly what your baby wants. Nobody is an expert and we can't expect ourselves to be perfect at something we haven't done before.
It's important to tune into your child and learn to understand the messages that they give you. Some reasons why your baby might cry include hunger, a desire to be held, being tired, being too hot or being too cold.
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