Ruth Chan is an artist based in Brooklyn with her spouse, daughter, and dog. She illustrates and authors children’s literature. For Cup of Jo, Ruth has also shared her experiences regarding travel, pets, grief, OCD, pregnancy, and her favorite musical group. Plus, here’s her beauty routine!
P.S. 11 heartfelt reader responses on parenting and the most impactful thing my mom did for me as a parent.
# Frequently Asked Questions After Entering Parenthood
Becoming a parent is an immensely fulfilling yet demanding journey. Whether you are new to parenting or welcoming another child, it’s common to have numerous inquiries about caring for your little one, anticipating the future, and managing the emotional and physical aspects of parenthood. Below are some frequent questions asked by new parents, along with insightful answers to support you on this remarkable voyage.
## 1. How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Feeding Adequately?
A significant concern for new parents, particularly breastfeeding mothers, is ensuring their baby is receiving sufficient milk. Indicators of a well-fed baby include:
– Having at least **6-8 wet diapers** daily after the initial days of life
– Consistent weight gain (it’s normal for newborns to lose a bit of weight at first but they should regain it within two weeks)
– Seeming satisfied and happy post-feeding
– Feeding **8-12 times daily** in the early weeks
If you have doubts, reach out to your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for assistance.
## 2. What Is the Recommended Amount of Sleep for My Baby?
Newborns require quite a bit of sleep—generally **14-17 hours each day**—but this sleep is frequently divided into brief intervals. Here’s a typical sleep guide:
– **Newborns (0-3 months):** Sleep in brief bursts, waking every 2-4 hours for nourishment
– **Infants (4-6 months):** May initiate longer sleep periods at night
– **6+ months:** Some infants might sleep through the night, though others may continue to wake occasionally
Creating a bedtime routine and a serene sleep environment can assist your baby in establishing healthy sleep patterns.
## 3. When Should I Worry About My Baby’s Crying?
Crying serves as a natural form of communication for infants, but excessive crying can be overwhelming for parents. Typical reasons for a baby’s crying include:
– Hunger
– Soiled diaper
– Fatigue
– Overstimulation
– Gas or colic
If your baby cries for over **3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for more than 3 weeks**, they could be experiencing colic. Should crying accompany fever, vomiting, or unusual lethargy, consult your pediatrician.
## 4. When Can I Expect My Baby to Smile, Sit Up, and Crawl?
Each baby develops at their unique pace, but here are some general developmental milestones:
– **Smiling:** Around **6-8 weeks**
– **Rolling over:** Around **4-6 months**
– **Sitting without assistance:** Around **6-8 months**
– **Crawling:** Around **7-10 months**
– **Walking:** Around **12-15 months**
If your baby shows significant delays in reaching these milestones, please discuss this with your pediatrician.
## 5. How Can I Support My Baby in Sleeping Through the Night?
Though newborns wake often, by **4-6 months**, many can sleep for extended periods. Here are several strategies to promote better sleep:
– Implement a **consistent bedtime routine** (e.g., bath, feeding, storytime)
– Lay your baby down **drowsy but awake** to help them learn self-soothing techniques
– Keep nighttime interactions **calm and quiet**
– Ensure your baby is getting ample daytime sleep to avoid overtiredness
## 6. When Is It Appropriate to Introduce Solid Foods?
Most babies are ready for solid foods around **6 months**. Indicators include:
– Sitting up with little support
– Showing curiosity toward food
– Losing the tongue-thrust reflex (pushing food out with the tongue)
Begin with single-ingredient purees (e.g., mashed banana, sweet potato) and introduce new foods gradually to monitor for allergies.
## 7. How Can I Prioritize My Well-being as a New Parent?
Parenting is quite demanding, making self-care vital. Here are some recommendations for nurturing yourself:
– Accept assistance from family and friends
– Sleep when your baby sleeps (even short naps are beneficial)
– Consume healthy meals and remain hydrated
– Take breaks when necessary—ask a partner or trusted individual to attend to the baby
– Connect with other parents for encouragement
## 8. When Is It Necessary to Take My Baby to the Doctor?
Regular checkups are crucial for tracking growth and development. You should seek medical help if your baby:
– Has a fever exceeding **100.4°F (38°C) within the first 3 months**
– Displays signs of dehydration (fewer wet diapers, dry mouth)
– Experiences difficulty breathing or ongoing coughing
