Hello!
Your baby is now two weeks old. You’ve probably changed many diapers by now. Today we’ll be talking about poop, car seats, and taking care of yourself. |
Growth spurt alert!
Growth spurts usually occur at three and six weeks, and at three months of age. During a growth spurt, babies feed more often. Often, they will cluster feed in the evenings. During cluster feeding, babies can be hard to soothe, and come on and off the breast over a few hours. Some parents worry that they are not making enough milk for their baby during growth spurts because it feels like their baby is always hungry. This is your baby's way of making more milk to feed their growing needs. When your baby nurses more often, your body will respond by making more milk. |
Taking care of your baby's mouth
Your baby might not have teeth yet, but it’s a good time to start healthy dental habits. Before your baby’s teeth come in, wipe their gums daily using a clean, damp cloth. |
Poop
Breastfed babies have yellow, liquidly poop that might have small pieces that look like seeds in it. Once they are three to four weeks old, they may only poop once every seven days. Sometimes this comes out as a big “poop-splosion!”
Babies fed formula have brown, thicker poop (the consistency of toothpaste). They usually poop more often than breastfed babies.
Sometimes parents worry that their baby is constipated (can’t poop). It is rare for a breastfed baby to become constipated. Babies who have formula can sometimes become constipated. A warm bath or gently moving your baby’s legs in circles can help. If this doesn’t work, call your primary care provider. Do not use laxatives or stool softeners. |
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Car seat safety
Correctly choosing, installing, and using a child seat is the best thing you can do to keep your child safe in the car. The best car seat is the one that fits your child, your budget, and your vehicle. Remember the following four key points of car seat safety:
1. Safe seat
All seats must have a National Safety Mark label (circle with a maple leaf in the centre).
2. Right spot
Your baby is safest in the back seat.
3. Straps tight
- The harness strap is tight enough that you can’t pinch any excess strap at the collarbone.
- The harness straps are at or below the baby’s shoulders (not above their shoulders).
- The chest clip is located at the armpit level.
4. Ready or not
It is safest to keep your child in the rear-facing position for as long as possible or until they reach the maximum height or weight limits of the seat. |
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It's okay to take care of yourself. It's part of parenting.
You are a parent, and you are important.
- It’s okay to ask for help. Be direct, for example, “can you please throw a load of laundry in for me?” or “can you please bring dinner when you come to visit?”
- Learn to let things go. Crumbs and overflowing laundry are normal.
- Check in with friends and family that make you feel good. Attend a group to meet other parents.
- Try taking a walk outside. Nature and exercise can make you feel better.
Perinatal Mood Disorders (PMD)
Parents can have a wide range of mood changes after their baby is born, including anxiety and depression. Remember: you are not alone, you are not to blame, and with help, you will get better.
About 1 in 5 new moms and 1 in 10 dads will develop a mood disorder in the first year after their baby is born. Symptoms may include:
- Crying and sadness
- Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Feelings of anger or irritability
- Constant worry, racing thoughts
- Dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
If you’re not feeling like yourself, talk to your family doctor or health care provider. Medication and therapy can help. If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, call 9-1-1 or go to the hospital right away. |
EarlyON Child and Family Centres
EarlyON Child and Family Centres offer free, high-quality programs for families and children from birth to 6 years old. You can learn and play with your child, meet people and get advice from early childhood professionals. |
Links we love
Our friends at Parenting in Ottawa have a great video series for parents to show you how to bathe and diaper your baby, as well as many other parenting topics. |
Wishing you lots of cuddles and not too many “poop- splosions” this week! We will be in touch with you next week. |
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