Congratulations on your new baby!
Today we’ll be sharing some information about feeding your baby, and what to do when your baby cries. Having a new baby to love and cuddle is so special. Most parents have lots of questions and worries when they have a new baby. We’ll do our best to answer as much as we can. |
Feeding your baby
Here are some tips whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding:
- Newborn babies feed at least 8 times every 24 hours.
- Holding your baby skin-to-skin is a great way to soothe them. If you are breastfeeding, this helps your body to make milk too.
- Your baby will wake up at night to feed.
- Its normal for babies to “cluster feed”. This means your baby may feed often, even hourly
Signs your baby is feeding well
Parents often worry if their baby is getting enough to eat. One way to tell is how often your baby poops and pees. Your baby should be having at least the number of wet and dirty diapers listed. If there is poop and pee in one diaper, you can count it as both. |
Day 1
At least: 1 wet diaper and 1 dark green or black poop |
|
|
Day 2
At least: 2 wet diapers and 1 dark green or black poop |
|
|
Day 3
At least: 3 wet diaper and 3 brown, green or yellow poops |
|
|
Day 4
At least: 4 wet diapers and 3 brown, green or yellow poops |
|
|
Day 5 to 3 weeks old
At least: 6 heavy, pale, or clear wet diapers and 3 large, soft, yellow or brown poops |
|
|
Other signs your baby is feeding well
- Your baby has a loud cry and their eyes look alert.
- Your baby's mouth is wet and pink.
- Your baby looks relaxed and sleeps after feeding.
- If you are breastfeeding, your breasts feel softer after feeds.
|
Breastfeeding
Breastmilk is the only food your baby needs for the first 6 months of life. It provides nutrition and fluids and helps to protect your baby against illness. Breastfeeding is a new skill that both parents and baby are learning, and it may take time for you to feel confident.
- Offer both breasts at every feed but focus on emptying the first breast. Your baby might only feed for a short time on the second breast.
- Feeds usually last 20 to 40 minutes in total (both breasts).
- If you are unable to give your baby your own breastmilk, it is not recommended to give another parent’s breastmilk unless it has been pasteurized by a human milk bank.
|
Feeding formula
If you decide to give your infant formula, or if you are unable to give your baby your own breastmilk, then store-bought formula made with cow’s milk is recommended.
KFL&A Public Health supports all parents, no matter how you feed your baby. To learn more, you can check our website. You can also call the Child and Babytalk Phoneline to ask questions or get a booklet to learn about:
- how to prepare, store and transport formula,
- when and how to feed your baby by reading their cues, and
- supplementing a breastfed baby.
|
If you use well water to prepare formula, it is important to have your water tested for contaminants such as nitrates and bacteria. |
Comforting your baby
All babies cry. It’s how they communicate with us. Some babies cry a lot! It’s not your fault.
You cannot spoil a baby with too much love and comfort. Comforting your baby when they are upset teaches your baby that you will be there when they need you. This helps them feel safe and they may cry less when they are older!
When your baby cries, first try:
- Picking them up.
- Feeding them.
- Checking their diaper.
If these aren’t working, try these ideas:
- Speak to your baby softly.
- Rock your baby or use gentle movement.
- Snuggle your baby skin-to-skin.
|
|
When you can't settle your baby
There may be times when you can't settle your baby's crying. This is normal and happens to all parents, but it is very frustrating. When this happens, it might help to:
- Take a few deep breaths. Tell yourself “this will be okay.”
- Ask for help from a friend or family member.
- If you are feeling frustrated, put your baby safely and calmly into the crib. It is okay to leave your baby crying in a safe place for a short time until you are calm.
Shaken Baby Syndrome can cause brain damage, disabilities, or death. Never shake your baby. If you think your baby has been shaken, call 9-1-1 or go to the emergency room. |
|
Breastfeeding supports
To book a free appointment at the breastfeeding clinic, call the Child & Babytalk Phone Line at 613-549-1154 or 1-800-267-7875, ext. 1555.
Telehealth Ontario at 1-866-797-0000 also offers breastfeeding support 24 hours.
Children’s Outpatient Centre (COPC) at Hotel Dieu Hospital, a walk-in emergency clinic for children from birth until 18 years of age. It is open Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. |
Again, congratulations from all of us at KFL&A Public Health. We’ll be in touch again when your baby turns 1 week old. |
KFL&A Public Health, 221 Portsmouth Avenue, Kingston, Ontario K7M 1V5
kflaph.ca |
|
|
|
|
