Becoming a parent is an exciting yet terrifying experience. You are bringing a new human into the world, but said human can’t tell you what she needs or what she’s thinking. The internet is the closest thing to a parenting manual if a parenting manual were filled with completely contradictory information on every subject, including some things you didn’t want to know about. Thankfully, there are some common questions that are more clear-cut and easily answered. Here are the answers to three of the most common baby questions from new parents.
Common Baby Questions #1: Why You Can’t Put Anything in the Crib
The sheet set, comforter and bumpers all match the wall decals and the nursing rocker and they are so cute it can be tough to walk away, but walk away you must. Safety guidance has changed over the last few decades even though sales have not kept up.
The American Academy of Pediatrics issues guidance on the subject and has said that for the first year anything other than a mattress that fits the crib snuggly and a fitted sheet represent possible suffocation hazards. So hold on to the top sheet and use the comforter to snuggle with your baby but keep them, and all stuffed animals, out of the crib.
On a related note, if you’ve looked into what causes flat head in infants and you’re looking for a pillow, remember to use that pillow when your child is in a car seat or swing and you are supervising them at all times. Pillows are another no-no in cribs until your child is about 18 months old.
How To Store Breastmilk
Next up on the list of common baby questions: what is the proper way to store breastmilk? Storing breastmilk can allow new mothers the freedom to return to work or just have a night out. It’s also handy when other people want to participate in feeding the new baby. So how to store it? Here are some guidelines to follow:
- Always wash your hands before you start and any time you are handling the milk.
- Use bags made for breast milk, and make sure to date each one before you begin using it.
- Refrigerate or freeze within four hours.
- Use fresh milk within two days and frozen within three months.
- Thaw milk in the fridge or under warm water, never in a microwave.
Common Baby Questions #3: Being the Poop Judge
Until you’ve become a parent you’ve probably never considered the many colors of poop. Once you are a parent you may be terrified by the many colors and sheer volume of poop. Pediatricians are here to reassure you that the gamut of colors is normal. The only poop to cause concern is white, red or black and tarry. So consider green a green light and yellow good to go. More important than poop amount or color is making sure your baby is hydrated and wetting at least six diapers per day.
There are lots of other questions, but many of those have to do with individual development and parental preference. Ask your friends or the internet, but for these three common baby questions, the answers are clear.