Being a first-time mom is challenging. You know very little in this journey, and your life has just taken a completely new turn. I remember how frustrated I was when I learned I was expecting. While my story may be very different from yours, (I was college) I am sure you will find these common questions and their answers informative.
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Common question first-time moms ask answered
1. My baby sleeps all the time. Should I be
worried?
For the first week, babies can sleep a total of 16 to 18 hours and only wake up to feed, shower and demand to be changed.
During this time, your little one is growing so fast that they need all the rest they can get. All their energy is being used on growth and development.
You will notice their body size in height and weight will change dramatically. You might not remember how they looked like when they were born.
Your baby will sleep a total of 15 to 17 hours a day when they turn 2 weeks to 2 months and only sleep an average of 15 hours a day when they are three months.
A lot of parents hope that their little ones will sleep all the recommended hours, but it does not have to be so. Sleep will vary dramatically from child to child, so don’t compare your baby’s sleeping pattern with another.
My first born was a champion sleeper, clocking in more than 18 hours during the first month. Then came her little sister who was more interested in playing than sleeping.
She slept less than 18 hours a day during her first month and was busy experimenting with sitting when she was three months to care about sleep.
2. Should my baby take a bath every day?
I usually find this question hilarious but being a first-time mom, I do understand why you ask this. You may be concerned because exposing your baby when it’s cold outside may mean a nasty cold and we all know how uncomfortable it gets. But, as a standard rule, I wash my kids every day: cold or shine.
And when I say bath, I don’t mean a sponge bath. I mean zero clothes inside the water full-blown bath.
This is what I believe, kids will feel the same refreshing and relaxed mood you get once you are out of the shower. So why would I want to confine them in their sweaty little clothes?
Also, babies spend long periods sleeping, which honestly is tiring. After a bath is the best time to help your little on relax as you message them and oil them.
I shower every day, so should they. And this is from week one, no exception. (picks a towel and head to the bathroom).
A few minutes later…
So, the bottom line is, wash your kid. This is my personal belief. Some people recommend washing babies three times a week as long as their poop area is clean. I can’t credit or discredit this because I have never tried it, but they are right about cleaning the poop area. But wash your kid, seriously.
3. Do I have to breastfeed for a whole year?
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that kids be breastfed for a full year with exclusive breastfeeding lasting six months. But I believe a mom should stop breastfeeding her baby when she and her baby no longer enjoy it.
I have witnessed kids who refuse to breastfeed when they are four months, while others will continue until they are two years.
What I recommend is that your little one gets all the nutrients they need to grow and develop healthily.
If you no longer feel like breastfeeding after exclusive breastfeeding, it is ok to introduce your baby to bottle feeding. You can even bottle-feed them before as long as they get the required amount of nutrients.
4. I am told I will spoil my baby if I hold her too much. Is this true?
No, it’s not true. Babies are meant to be held and holding her is one of the reassuring gestures she gets when you are around. She knows she is safe and taken care of.
What I would warn you against is rocking your little one to sleep. According to doctors, babies who are rocked to sleep have a harder time drifting off independently, which will make bedtime a nightmare for you.
It is recommended that you put your baby on her bed when she is drowsy but awake to let her learn how to sleep by herself.
5. My baby’s poop is green. Should I be worried?
No, you can take a chill pill. Babies poop can range from brown, yellow, green and mustard depending on whether they are breastfed or bottle-fed. In some cases, your little munchkins bowel movements will come from fore milk and hind milk, which will affect the color.
The only time poop color should worry you is if it’s red, white and chalky, or thick and black. If you don’t see any of these signs, you can relax.
When they start eating, your little one’s poop will change color depending on what they eat, so don’t rush to the doctor. Wait for her stomach to stabilize in its new role before you worry.
As a first-time mom, you might also worry about how often their babies go. The truth is, it doesn’t matter. Whether it’s ten times a day or a few times a week, your little one is fine as long as they are not constipated.
Most babies will have an average of six wet diapers a day, which shows that they are well hydrated and getting enough nutrients.
This are only five of the most pressing question every first-time mom have asked me. If you have more questions, leave them on the comment box below, and I will get right to them. You can also get yourself a copy of “Baby 411: Clear Answers and Smart Advice for Your Baby’s First Year“ which is loaded with tons of helpful advice and answers. Please note this contains an affiliate link and I will make a commission if you purchase this book.
