Newborn Babies: 1-2 Weeks Old

The baby is finally born! A newborn baby may not look lively at first—with wrinkled skin, a slightly swollen face and eyes, and tiny fists clenched tightly, resembling a little old man. Over time, the baby will become cuter. From birth, babies have innate instincts: they start sucking on the nipple untaught within 30 minutes after birth, swallow the mother's milk, and begin excreting urine and feces on the first day. At this time, the best nutrition for the baby is the mother's colostrum, so mothers should initiate breastfeeding early and let the baby suck more.

Just out of the mother's womb, the baby's body is still adapting, and the liver is not yet mature enough to metabolize excess bilirubin in the blood, leading to "neonatal jaundice." Although it generally subsides naturally within 7-10 days, severe cases may affect the baby's intellectual development. To address "jaundice," Little Yili teaches you tips to reduce jaundice in babies.

4 Tips to Combat Neonatal Jaundice

Judge whether medical attention is needed based on the degree of jaundice

Parents can observe the degree of skin yellowness in natural light. Generally, if only the face is yellow, it is mild jaundice; if the trunk skin is yellow, it is moderate jaundice; if the limbs and palms/soles are also yellow, it is severe jaundice. Judge whether to see a doctor based on the baby's jaundice level, and do not give the baby medicine casually.

Massage to help the baby expel meconium early

Since meconium contains a large amount of bilirubin, incomplete excretion will worsen jaundice. Parents can learn simple infant massage to promote gastrointestinal peristalsis and thus facilitate defecation.

Ensure adequate feeding to promote defecation and urination

Mothers should initiate breastfeeding early and let the baby suck more to increase the frequency of defecation and urination, helping the baby reduce jaundice through waste excretion.

Increase activity and appropriately supplement probiotics

Activities such as newborn bathing, massage, and swimming can promote blood circulation, enhance appetite, and facilitate bilirubin excretion. Additionally, appropriately supplement probiotics as recommended by a doctor to promote bilirubin excretion.

Weeks 3-4

The baby has been in the world for over ten days, growing vigorously—gaining approximately 125-210 grams per week. At this stage, newborns may experience skin peeling, which is a normal metabolic process and requires no concern. The baby will consciously stare at objects, particularly favoring the color orange. Mothers can attract the baby's attention by hanging a crib mobile and rotating it slowly. Moreover, the baby starts to enjoy kicking legs as leg strength increases.

Additionally, mothers should note that after feeding, the baby should be burped promptly and not laid down or moved immediately to avoid spitting up. If you have any parenting questions, feel free to contact Yili Aier Club's Facebook or Whatsapp online customer service for assistance!

How to Prevent and Handle Baby Spitting Up?

Pay attention to feeding frequency and posture

Do not feed the baby only when extremely hungry or during crying; instead, feed in small, frequent portions. When feeding, do not let the baby lie flat, and avoid vigorous activity or play immediately after feeding. When changing diapers, do not lift the baby's feet too high to prevent increased stomach pressure and spitting up.

Ensure the baby truly sucks milk

For breastfeeding, the baby should latch onto the areola, not just the nipple, to avoid inhaling air. For bottle feeding, choose a suitable nipple hole: when the bottle is inverted, it should drip a few drops of milk and then stop, indicating the correct size.

Proper burping

Burp the baby immediately after feeding. After burping, do not lay the baby flat right away—place a pillow or towel under the baby's back and let them lie on their right side for a while to prevent spitting up and aspiration. Note: An adult must supervise to prevent the baby from rolling onto their stomach and blocking the nostrils.

Weeks 5-6

The baby can now smile at you and turn their head to look around. When awake, they are more active and alert, preferring objects with patterns, colors, and complex shapes. If the baby can hold their head up or even briefly lift it, try holding them upright to let them see the world from a new angle—they will be very happy.

Friendly reminder: At this stage, mother and baby should go to the hospital for a 42-day physical examination to check the baby's development and the mother's postpartum condition. Additionally, the baby should receive the second hepatitis B vaccine. If you have questions about vaccination, use Yili Aier Club's Facebook or Whatsapp "Aier Vaccine" feature for detailed explanations, or contact online customer service directly!

Key Points of the 42-Day Physical Examination

Weight: Determines the baby's physical development and nutritional status

Newborns typically weigh about 3kg (6.6 lbs). In the first three months, the baby gains 0.18-0.2kg (0.4-0.44 lbs) per week. If parents feel feeding is difficult, monitor weight gain to identify issues and adjust feeding methods promptly.

Height: A major indicator of bone development

Height is influenced by genetics, endocrine, nutrition, illness, and exercise. Ensure the baby has a comprehensive and balanced diet, adequate sleep, and daily activity.

Head circumference: Reflects brain development

Head circumference is the largest diameter of the head, about 34cm at birth. If the baby's head circumference is small at birth and grows slowly or stops, consult a doctor to rule out brain development issues or head deformities.

Chest circumference: Evaluates chest development

Chest circumference is related to physical exercise and nutrition. Mothers can assist the baby in chest expansion exercises by holding their hands to promote chest and lung development. Continue breastfeeding as much as possible to ensure comprehensive and balanced nutrition.

Additionally, the baby's examination includes skin, heart/lungs, umbilicus, genitals, hip development, and nervous system; the mother will undergo白带 (leukorrhea) tests, blood/urine tests, and postpartum B-ultrasound.

Weeks 7-8

Nearly two-month-old babies grow rapidly, gaining an average of 0.5-1kg (1-2 lbs) in weight and 2.5-4cm in height. Their vision sharpens—they stare at moving objects, become more sensitive to sounds, distinguish between parents' and strangers' voices, make vague "a, o, e" sounds, and enjoy sucking their hands.

Although the baby seems advanced, their intestines and stomach remain very fragile. Improper feeding may lead to unusual stools like egg drop soup stools or foamy stools, so parents should take extra care. If you have any parenting questions, contact Yili Aier Club's Facebook or Whatsapp online customer service for assistance!

4 Tips for Baby Intestinal Care

Breastfeeding mothers should pay attention to diet

Breastfeeding mothers should avoid spicy and cold foods, and focus on vitamin intake (vitamins promote iron absorption). Eat more high-vitamin vegetables like spinach, rapeseed, and cauliflower, and moderate amounts of fruit. Avoid high-starch and high-sugar foods, excessive oil, and maintain a balanced diet.

Cultivate good defecation habits

After feeding, gently massage the baby's abdomen to establish regular defecation habits. If necessary, give probiotics under a doctor's guidance.

Prepare formula milk in the correct ratio

For formula or mixed feeding, prepare milk according to the baby's age, weight, and digestion—do not make it too concentrated or dilute it excessively.

Keep warm and avoid random medication

Keep the baby's abdomen warm (e.g., cover the abdomen when lying down) to prevent diarrhea from cold. When stools are abnormal, adjust under a doctor's guidance—do not give medication casually.