17 Jul Top 5 Baby Questions
Becoming a new parent comes with a lot of changes—and a lot of unknowns. Parents are not only faced with a lack of sleep, and the challenge of caring for another human being 24/7, but a lot of questions as well.
It is completely OK to feel like you have a lot of questions when you become a parent for the new time. After all, this beautiful and exciting journey comes with a lot of responsibility. When you have questions about your baby and what is best for them, the best thing that you can do is to contact your pediatrician. Your doctor understands that there is no such thing as a bad question when it comes to the health and safety of your child.
There are millions of questions out there about baby safety. However, here at Continuum Pediatrics, we know there are a few questions that are more common than others. Here are five of the top baby questions that we tend to get from dedicated parents like you.
- How Should My Baby Be Sleeping?
The way many new parents had their cribs decorated when they were kids is much different than how experts recommend you set up cribs today. This is why so many parents have questions about the right way for their baby to sleep.
Parents need to make sure that their babies are sleeping Alone on their Backs and in a Crib. Just remember the ABC’s of sleeping. The crib should be clear of any blankets, pillows, stuffed animals and crib bumpers so that your baby can sleep in as safe of a space as possible.
2. My Baby Spits Up A Lot
This is something that many new parents are surprised to find—babies spit up a lot. It is normal for babies to spit up a lot, and unless your baby is in pain, or is not growing at their expected rate, there is nothing to be concerned about. Just make sure you have plenty of rags on hand!
3. My Baby is Pooping A Lot—Or Not Enough
The frequency of bowel movements varies a lot during a baby’s first year of life. The consistency and color can change as well. However, if your baby is having very watery stool and seems to have diarrhea, you should talk to your pediatrician. On the other hand, if your baby is hard and dark, they may be straining too much to produce stool—and you should call your doctor as well.
4. Will My Baby Ever Sleep Through the Night?
Dealing with the sleepless nights of parenthood can be a lot for parents to handle. The good news is, “yes” eventually your child will get on a normal sleeping schedule, but it can take a while. This happens for some kids earlier than others.
Your baby may not sleep until morning until 5 months old, or older. However, you have to remember that the average 2-month old still can typically only sleep for five hours straight before they get up to feed.
Even when you baby is able to sleep for eight hours at a time—remember, if their bed time is 8 P.M.; they’re still going to be waking up bright and early at 4 A.M. The best thing you can do is be patient and try to find a sleep schedule that works for you and your family.
5. How Long Do I Need to Breastfeed?
According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, you should try to exclusively for the first six months and try to nurse until your child is at least 12 months old. There are so many great benefits of breastfeeding—and many parents will breastfeed even longer past the 1-year mark. However, if breastfeeding isn’t working for mom or baby, you should talk to your pediatrician. Everyone is different and your pediatrician can help you decide if its best for you to start weening.
If you have questions about your baby and their health and well-being, whether they are questions listed here or any other questions you may have—schedule an appointment today at Continuum Pediatrics by calling us at 817-617-8600.