Top 10 Newborn Questions Answered by a Pediatric NP

By Kelly-Ann Smith, Pediatric Nurse Practitioner & Founder of @CubConvos

Welcome, Parents!

Bringing your newborn home is exciting but can also feel overwhelming. As a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner and a mom, I know how many questions can race through your mind.

In this newsletter, I’ll answer the 10 most common newborn questions with expert-backed guidance and real-life insights to help you feel confident in your parenting journey.

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Question #1: How often should I feed my newborn?

Newborns have tiny stomachs and need frequent feedings.

✅ Breastfed babies: Every 1-3 hours (on demand, about 8-12 times a day).

✅ Formula-fed babies: Every 3-4 hours (about 6-8 times a day).

✅ Never let a newborn go more than 4 hours without eating (even overnight).

Growth Spurts = Cluster Feeding!

At 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, and 3 months, babies may cluster feed (short, frequent feeds). This is normal and does not mean you aren’t producing enough milk!

Question #2: How do I know if my baby is eating enough?

Here’s what to track to ensure proper nutrition:

✅ Diaper Count: By Day 5, your baby should have at least 6+ wet diapers a day.

✅ Weight Gain: Expect a small 7-10% weight loss in the first week but regain by 2 weeks old.

✅ Satisfied Baby: After a full feeding, your baby should look relaxed and sleepy.

📍 Concerned about milk supply or formula intake? Work with your pediatrician or a lactation consultant for guidance.

Question #3: How can I help my newborn sleep better?

Newborns sleep 16-18 hours a day, but in short bursts!

Safe Sleep Basics:

✅ Always place baby on their back for sleep.

✅ Use a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress (no blankets, pillows, or stuffed animals).

✅ Room-sharing (not bed-sharing) is recommended for the first 6-12 months.

How to Help Baby Sleep Longer:

✅ Differentiate Day vs. Night: Keep daytime bright & interactive, and nighttime dark & quiet.

✅ White Noise: Mimics the womb and helps soothe.

✅ Swaddling: Many newborns sleep better when swaddled (stop when baby starts rolling).

Question #4: Why is my baby crying so much?

Crying is a newborn’s way of communicating, and it’s completely normal!

Here’s how to decode the cries:

Hunger → Rooting, sucking hands.

Gas/Discomfort → Pulling legs up, squirming.

Overtired → Rubbing eyes, fussy but resisting sleep.

Dirty Diaper → Some babies dislike a wet diaper.

Needs Comfort → Wants to be held/snuggled.

Question #5: How do I reduce gas and spit-up?

Spit-up and gas are common because your baby’s digestive system is still developing.

✅ Burp Baby Often – Every 1-2 oz for bottle-fed babies or between breasts for nursing babies.

✅ Keep Baby Upright – Hold upright for 15-20 minutes after feeding.

✅ Use Paced Bottle-Feeding – Slow down feeds to prevent gulping air.

✅ Bicycle Baby’s Legs – Helps release trapped gas.

Question #6: How do I care for the umbilical cord stump?

Less is more! Do not pull it off. It will fall off naturally in 1-3 weeks.

✅ Keep it clean & dry.

✅ Fold diaper down to prevent rubbing.

✅ No submersion in water (sponge baths only).

Call your pediatrician if you notice: redness, foul odor, or pus.

❗ A foul odor coming from the stump

❗ Redness or swelling around the belly button

❗ Persistent oozing or pus after the stump falls off

❗ A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher

Question # 7: When Should I Start Tummy Time?

One of the most common questions I get: “What activities can I do with my newborn?”

The best thing you can do? Start tummy time early!

Why Tummy Time Is Important

✔️ Strengthens head, neck, and upper body muscles (essential for rolling, sitting, crawling).

✔️ Helps prevent flat head syndrome (positional plagiocephaly).

✔️ Encourages motor skill development and body awareness.

📍 How to Start Tummy Time

1️⃣ Lay baby on a flat, safe surface (like a play mat or your chest).

2️⃣ Keep it short at first – Just a few seconds to a few minutes at a time.

3️⃣ Use support – A Boppy pillow or rolled-up blanket under the chest can help.

4️⃣ Make it fun! High-contrast black-and-white images or sensory toys can encourage engagement.

🎥 Want a guided tummy time routine?

Question #8: Diaper Rash 101: Prevention & Treatment

Newborn skin is delicate, and diaper rashes happen easily—especially since urine and stool are acidic and can irritate the skin.

How to Prevent Diaper Rash

✔️ Frequent diaper changes – Ideally before every feed (~every 3-4 hours).

✔️ Apply a barrier cream – A thick layer of zinc oxide (Desitin, Butt Paste) protects skin.

✔️ Air Dry – Give baby some diaper-free time to let skin breathe.

What to Do If a Rash Develops

Apply diaper cream generously – Don’t wipe it off completely at each change unless soiled, just add a fresh layer.

Increase diaper changes – Keep the area as dry as possible.

Check for infection – If the rash worsens, has bright red raised bumps, or doesn’t improve in 3 days, call your pediatrician (it may be a yeast infection).

Question #9: When Should I Call the Pediatrician? (Fever & Illness Guide)

Fevers in newborns = IMMEDIATE medical attention.

A newborn fever is defined as 100.4°F (38°C) or higher (measured rectally). If your baby has a fever, they need to be seen by a medical provider ASAP.

Why is a fever dangerous for newborns?

Newborn immune systems are immature, and fevers can be an early sign of serious bacterial or viral infections.

Call the Pediatrician If Baby Has:

✔️ Lethargy (difficult to wake, excessively sleepy)

✔️ Poor feeding (not showing interest in nursing/bottle)

✔️ Unusual fussiness (inconsolable crying)

✔️ Labored breathing (flaring nostrils, retractions, color changes)

💡 Pro Tip: Keep a digital rectal thermometer at home and learn how to use it properly.

Question # 10: How Can I Bond with My Newborn?

The newborn stage goes by fast, and while it can feel overwhelming, the small moments of connection matter most.

The Power of Skin-to-Skin Contact

✔️ Helps regulate baby’s temperature & heart rate

✔️ Encourages breastfeeding & milk production

✔️ Calms & soothes baby (reduces stress hormones)

Talking, Singing & Reading

Believe it or not, your voice is your baby’s favorite sound!

✔️ Talking & narrating your day helps with language development.

✔️ Singing is soothing and builds early communication skills.

✔️ Reading (yes, even now!) introduces rhythm, patterns, and early literacy skills.

Final Thoughts: You’re Doing Amazing!

Parenting a newborn is a mix of joy, exhaustion, and uncertainty—but you are not alone!

✔️ Trust your instincts.

✔️ Ask for help when needed.

✔️ Know that each day, you’re learning alongside your baby.

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Breast & bottle feeding tips for a smoother feeding experience

Reflux precautions & gas relief techniques to keep your baby comfortable

Diaper changing best practices to prevent leaks & diaper rash

How to accurately take a rectal temperature for reliable readings

Step-by-step guide to establishing a peaceful nighttime routine for better sleep

And so much more!

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Next up in my free newsletter: Baby’s First Cold: How to Help Your Little One Feel Better Fast !

Let me know—What’s been your biggest challenges are so far? Reply and let me know—I’d love to help!

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