ED 466 289 

DOCUMENT RESUME 

PS 030 424 

AUTHOR 

TITLE 

INS TI TUT ION 

PUB DATE 

NOTE 

AVAILABLE FROM 

PUB TYPE 

EDRS PRICE 

DESCRIPTORS 

Landry, Susan H.; Ramey, Craig T. 

Healthy Start, Grow Smart: Your Newborn. 

Department of Education, Washington, DC.; Department of 

Agriculture, Washington, DC.; Department of Health and Human 

Services, Washington, DC. 

2002-00-00 

37p.; This publication was sponsored by the Texas Department 

of Health. 

Ed Pubs, Education Publications Center, U.S. Department of 

Education, P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398. Tel: 

877-433-7827 (Toll Free); Tel: 800-872-5327 (Toll Free); 

Fax: 301-470-1244; email: edpubs@inet.ed.gov; Web site: 

http://www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html/. 

Guides - Non-Classroom (055) 

MFOl/PCO2 Plus Postage. 

Breastfeeding; Child Development; Child Health; Child 

Rearing; *Childhood Needs; Infant Behavior; *Infant Care; 

*Neonates; Parent Child Relationship; Parent Education; 

*Parent Materials; Parenting Skills 

This booklet offers guidance to parents in caring for their 

Advice is given on the following topics: (1) newborn health 

ABSTRACT 

newborn babies. 

screening; (2) what a healthy newborn looks like; (3) newborn reflexes; (4) 

baby checkups; (5) fathers' role; (6) the baby blues; (7) sleeping position; 

(8) breast milk; (9) breast feeding; (10) bottle feeding; (11) checkups and 

shots; (12) what itls like to be a newborn; (13) changing diapers; (14) 

keeping a memory book; (15) installing car seats; (16) newborns' brains; (17) 

guiding babies every day; (18) babies' people skills; (19) learning to 

communicate; (20) why babies cry; (21) ways to soothe babies; (22) preparing 

the baby's bath; (23) bathing the baby; and (24) being gentle when bathing 

the baby. Information resources for families conclude the booklet. (EV) 

Reproductions supplied by EDRS are the best that can be made 

from the original document. 
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Prepared by: 

US. Department of Agriculture 

US. Department of Education 

US. Department of Health and Human Services 

2002 
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Congratulations on Your New Baby! ............................. 1 

Newborn Health Screening .................................... 2 

What a Healthy Newborn Looks Like ............................ 3 

NewbornReflexes ........................................... 4 

Your Baby Depends on You for Checkups ......................... 5 

A Special Word to Fathers ..................................... 6 

Your Baby Should Sleep on Her Back ............................ 8 

Breastmilk Is Best for Your Baby ................................ 9 

Breastfeeding Is Natural ..................................... 10 

Tips on Bottle Feeding ...................................... 12 

Checkups and Shots ........................................ 13 

What’s It Like To Be a Newborn? ............................... 14 

Changing Baby’s Diaper ...................................... 15 

Install Car Seats Carefully .................................... 17 

Wonders of the Brain ........................................ 18 

Guide Your Baby Every Day ................................... 19 

Babies Have People Skills, Too ................................ 20 

Learning to Communicate .................................... 21 

Babies Cry for Lots of Reasons ................................ 22 

Ways to Soothe Your Baby .................................... 23 

Preparing Your Baby’s Bath ................................... 24 

Bathing Your Baby .......................................... 25 

Be Gentle When Bathing Your Baby ............................ 26 

Information Resources for Families ............................ 27 

TheBaby Blues ............................................. 7 

KeepaMemory Book ........................................ 16 

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proud parent. Do you sometimes feel excited 

but also a little nervous about taking care 

of your new baby? Then you are like most 

parents. Even in the first days of life, your 

baby is starting to find out who you are. 

baby and you are a 

Research has found that very young babies know the difference between 

their parents and strangers. There are many changes that take place and 

new things to learn when you become a parent. It doesn't happen 

overnight. Be patient with yourself. The love you have for your baby will 

help you learn to become a good parent. Just as no two babies are exactly 

alike, no one takes care of a baby in exactly the same way. Be a loving 

parent. Do your best. Enjoy your baby! Ask questions if you need help. 
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YOLW baby U tit& for certain medical 

conditions when she is born. Many conditions can be treated if they are found early 

enough. Early treatment means your baby 

can grow up healthier. 

Newborn tests are given in the hospital 

right after birth. The tests are given again 

at your baby’s first checkup. 

The second series of tests is important. It must be done one or two weeks 

after the first tests. Be sure to take your baby to the doctor or clinic for 

this second series of tests. At this visit, your doctor will also check other 

things to make sure your baby is doing fine. 

A small amount of your baby’s blood will be taken. It will be tested and 

you will be told if there is any cause for concern. 

Your doctor or nurse can answer questions about the tests. 

If you don’t have health insurance for your baby, you can learn about 

resources in your state by contacting the U.S. Department of Health and 

Human Services’ Insure Kids Now Program. 

To learn more, call 1-877-KIDSNOW or visit their Web site at 

www.insurekidsnow.gov/. 
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Newbov@babkdon't usually look like the cute babies in diaper ads. 

Newborns' heads are often more pointed than round. Their skin may be 

wrinkly and reddish in color. This is normal. 

In the center of your baby's head is a "soft spot" where the skull bones have 

not yet joined. This allows your baby's head to be flexible during the 

birthing process. The skull bones will grow together to cover this spot as 

your baby grows. Meantime, the soft spot allows your baby's brain to grow. 

Sometimes there are dark red patches on the baby's eyelids. They can also 

be on the bridge of the nose or back of the neck. No one knows what causes 

these. They usually go away during the first year. 

Some babies are born bald, some have thin 

hair, and others are born with thick, dark hair. 

For many babies, this first hair rubs off. For 

others, the color may change. 

Eye color can also change after birth. Eye 

color is usually set by the end of the first year. 

The umbilical cord that is left on the navel at 

where it falls off will become your baby's belly button. 

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birth will drop off in five to 10 days. The place I ______-___

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Sometimes baby girls bleed from the vagina. Sometimes boys or girls will 

have swollen breasts. They may even produce a few drops of milk at birth. 

Hormones from the mother cause this. The discharge is harmless and will 

soon disappear. 
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Bddk hdve p?i%d yf&xtx that last only a few months. It helps to 

know what the reflexes are so you are not alarmed when they occur. 

The following reflexes are normal for newborns: 

fr Moro or “startle” reflex: This occurs when your baby’s head shifts 

position quickly. Or when her head falls backward. Or when your 

baby is startled by something loud. She will react by throwing out 

her arms and legs and extending her neck. Your baby will then quickly bring her arms together. She may cry when doing this. This reflex 

should go away after two months. * Rooting reflex: This is how your baby hunts for her mother’s breast. 

If you gently stroke the side of her cheek with your finger, she will 

turn her head toward your finger. This lasts for three to four months. 

Sr Grasp reflex: Your baby will clench her fist around anything pressed 

into the palm of her hand. You can show this to a big brother or sister. Say, “The baby wants to hold on to your finger.” This reflex goes 

away at five to six months. 

fr Stepping reflex: If you hold a newborn baby upright under her arms 

with her feet on a hard surface, her feet will make a stepping action. 

This happens even though it is a long time before she is ready to 

stand or walk. This usually lasts a couple of months. 

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about your baby’s reflexes. 
YOW 6dy &medical checkups 

during her first days, weeks and months 

so the doctor can see if she is growing 

right. The way your baby grows in her 

first year can affect her health for life. 

Checkups are a normal and important 

thing for babies. Even though your baby 

seems healthy, she should get checkups 

at one to two weeks of age, and at two, 

four, six, nine, and 12 months of age. 

Your baby's first visit to the doctor will be a week or two after birth. Ask 

your doctor for the results of the hearing screening if it was done in the 

hospital. If a hearing test was not done, ask your doctor for a referral for 

the test. You need to know as soon as possible if your baby has hearing 

problems. If she does, she may need special help now so she can communicate with people. This will help her when she learns to talk and read. 

At each checkup, the doctor or nurse will: 

Examine your baby's head, eyes, ears, heart, lungs and other body parts * Measure your baby's length, weight and head size 

12 Ask about your baby's hearing and vision 

$r Ask you questions about how she eats, sleeps and acts * Give you information about how a baby develops and grows 
A, &f&, you have an important role 

to play in taking care of your baby. Your 

baby needs you. And mom needs you to 

share many of the responsibilities of taking care of your new baby. When you do 

things with your baby, you and your baby 

get closer. You and your baby form a bond 

that helps her feel safe and happy. 

You may feel nervous around a newborn. 

Or you may be afraid to touch your baby because you have never done it 

before. The best way for you to get over the uneasiness is to hold your baby. 

Here are some things you can do to be a part of your baby’s life. You will 

find that the more you do with her, the more comfortable you will be. 

~2 Hold and cuddle your baby. 

fr Smile and laugh with your baby. 

fr Talk to your baby. Your baby will quickly learn your voice and know 

that you are her daddy. * Change your baby’s diapers. 

12 Cuddle with mom and your baby during breastfeeding. 

fr When mom’s breast milk or formula has been put in a bottle, you can 

give your baby the bottle. Cuddle with and talk and sing to your baby 

during bottle time. 

outdoors. 

12 Take your baby for a walk. Babies love the sights and sounds of the 

* Play with your baby. 13 
JOW w~th~s go through what is known as the “baby blues,” or 

postpartum blues. 

This happens because your body goes through many changes during pregnancy. These “blue” feelings may happen to you before your baby is born 

or afterward. 

You may feel discouraged or tense, or feel like crying over little things that 

would not usually bother you. Don’t worry. These feelings are common. 

They won’t last forever. 

You may also have trouble sleeping. If you do, at least take time to rest. 

You are under a lot of stress. Getting some rest may help you handle your 

feelings. 

It may help to talk about your feelings with others. Talk with family and 

friends. You can find out if there are any parent groups in your community. 

Or contact the National Mental Health Association for a list of local 

affiliates at 1-800-969-NMHA or visit their Web site at www.nmha.org/. 

Churches and religious organizations in your community may be able to 

help you find someone to talk to. You may also want to talk to your doctor. 

If you have friends or family who will help you with meals, housework or 

shopping, now is the time to ask them. It is also a good time to let your 

baby’s father help out. 
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YOU/ wdktt to keeit.yow baby s+ 

when she sleeps. Most babies are healthy 

and have no problems when sleeping. But 

sometimes babies die in their sleep. This is 

called Sudden Infant Death Syndrome 

I (SIDS) or crib death. Doctors have not 

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on their backs are less likely to die from SIDS. If your baby has a health 

problem, your doctor may tell you to put her in another position. 

Otherwise, always put your baby to sleep on her back. 

Other factors in lowering the danger of SIDS are: * 

* 

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* 

* * 

Breastfeeding-Your breast milk is the perfect food for your baby. Breast 

milk helps protect your baby from many illnesses, as well as SIDS. 

Smoke-free environment-Don’t smoke around your baby. Don’t take 

her around others who smoke. Babies in smoke-free homes have 

fewer colds and infections. 

Closeness-Keep your sleeping baby nearby. It’s good for your baby to 

learn to sleep in her own crib. Be sure you can hear her if she cries 

or is in distress. 

Bedding-Be sure your baby is sleeping on a firm mattress. Don’t put 

your baby to sleep on soft or fluffy things, such as a pillow, quilt or 

waterbed. Keep stuffed animals out of the crib at sleep time. 

Temperature-Make sure your baby is warm but not too hot. 

Doctor visits-’hke your baby in for her regular checkups. Any time 

your baby seems sick or has trouble breathing, take her to the doctor 

1E or clinic. 

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Brut &is the perfect food for your baby. It is the only food your 

baby needs during her first six months. A baby is not ready for other foods, 

except formula, during the first few months of life. 

A breastfed baby usually doesn’t need water. 

However, you may give her water if the 

weather is hot and your home is not airconditioned. Don’t add sugar or honey to 

the water. Don’t give flavored drinks or 

soda pop to your baby. Don’t give fruit juice 

to a newborn baby. 

Breast milk is best for your baby’s health. 

Breastfed babies don’t get sick as often, and 

they usually don’t have as many allergies. They may even be smarter! Also, 

breastfeeding seems to protect mothers from certain types of health problems. 

Mothers often find that breast milk is the easiest way to feed their babies. 

Also, there is no cost. 

You don’t have to wash and sterilize bottles and nipples when you breastfeed. This leaves more time for other things. Breastfeeding your baby can 

even help you lose some of the weight you gained when you were pregnant. 

Breastfeeding can be a pleasing experience for baby and mom. 
Sddk need to eat often - every 90 minutes to two hours. Feed your 

baby when she begins to show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking 

on her lips, fingers or fist. Try to feed her before she cries. Feeding your 

baby often won’t spoil her. It will help you learn to become more aware of 

your baby’s needs. 

Don’t limit feeding times. Babies need different amounts of food at different 

times of the day, just as grown people do. 

Relax! Take your time. The more you nurse your baby, the more milk you 

will have. Do not give your baby formula or water. If you do, you will make 

less milk. If you think you do not have enough milk, nurse more often and 

nurse longer. 

To learn more about breastfeeding, you may want to contact your local 

health department, WIC clinic, hospital, La Leche league or doctor. You 

can call La Leche league at l-SOO-LALECHE, or visit their Web site at 

www.lalecheleague.org/. 

Breastfeeding is natural, but it takes a little time for babies and mothers to 

learn what works best for them. You may have sore nipples when you first 

start breastfeeding. The pain can be reduced if your baby is held properly 

when attached to the breast. 

Here are some useful tips: 

$r Hold your baby’s tummy to your tummy, baby’s chin to your breast. You 

can do this sitting or lying down. Hold your breast in a “C-hold,” with 

your thumb on top and fingers underneath. Tickle your baby’s lips with 

your nipple until her mouth opens wide. Quickly bring her onto the 

breast. Allow the tip of your baby’s nose and chin to touch the breast. 

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* Make sure your baby’s mouth covers your 

entire nipple and much of the darker part 

around the nipple. Your baby’s upper and 

lower lips should be rolled out. If the lips are 

not rolled out, break the suction by slipping 

your finger between the baby’s gums and 

your breast. Then latch the baby on again. 

Offer your baby both breasts at each feeding. Your baby will tell you 

when she is finished by “falling off’ the breast. 

After feeding, rub a few drops of breast milk onto your nipples. Let 

them air dry. Then cover the nipple with nursing pads, a bra or clothing. This will help keep them from getting too dry. 

Your nipples may be tender in the first few days of breastfeeding. This is 

common. By and large, tenderness goes away once the milk begins to flow. 

If you have a lot of pain, call a breastfeeding counselor or your doctor. 

Your doctor or counselor can also help if you have cracked or bleeding 

nipples. If it doesn’t feel right, then it probably isn’t right. 

If you are out with your baby, you can still breastfeed. You may want to 

take along a receiving blanket or shawl with which to cover up. 

If you have to be away from your baby, you can still give her breast milk. 

You can withdraw or “express” breast milk by hand or with a breast pump 

into a sterile container. Then someone else can give it to her in a bottle. 

It is important for you to have adequate, high-quality nutrition and drink 

enough water. You should avoid drugs while breastfeeding unless the doctor specifically tells you to take a certain medication even though you are 

breastfeeding. 

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3 

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what kind of formula is best for her. There are 

three ways formula is sold: 

$r Powdered formula is the cheapest. You have 

to mix the powder with sterilized water. 

12 Concentrated formula is a liquid, but it is 

thick and must be mixed with sterilized 

water. It costs more than powdered formula. 

-& Ready-to-feed formula comes already mixed with water. It costs the 

most but is the easiest to use. 

Follow formula mixing instructions carefully. There is a date on the formula. 

Don't use the formula after this date. The formula will not be safe to give 

to your baby after this date. 

Wash reusable bottles made of plastic or glass. Also wash all equipment used 

to prepare formula. Use hot soapy water. Rinse the bottles in clean tap water. 

Then boil them five minutes in a covered pot or sterilizer. 

To prepare formula, boil water for five minutes and cool it before mixing it 

with powdered or concentrated formula. If you are using bottles with disposable liners, throw away the liner after use. Store prepared formula in 

the refrigerator and use it within 48 hours. 

Heat a bottle of formula by running hot water over it. Never heat formula 

in the microwave. It can get too hot. Check the temperature by shaking a 

few drops on your wrist. When it feels warm (not hot) on your wrist, it is 

cool enough to give to your baby. 
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When feeding your baby, hold her head a little higher than her tummy. 

Hold ,the bottom of the bottle up so that the nipple stays full of formula. 

This way, your baby doesn’t swallow air and spit up. Never prop the bottle, 

because your baby could choke. Always hold your baby while you feed her. 

Throw out any formula left in the bottle after a feeding. 

Feeding time is more than just satisfying your baby’s hunger. It is also a 

time to bond with and get to know your infant. Dad, grandparents and 

other family members can bond too by feeding and cuddling the baby. 

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At dh?du$%your baby will be given shots 

(immunizations). Your baby will get her first 

shot in the hospital at birth. The shots help protect your baby from diseases such as hepatitis, 

measles, mumps and chicken pox. Your doctor 

can answer any questions you may have. 

Without the shots, your baby can get sick and 

even die. 

Some babies can get sick from the shots. Ask your doctor or nurse what 

signs to look for after your baby gets a shot so you will know if your baby 

needs medical care. 

Keep a record or write down what happens at your baby’s checkups. This 

record will help you and your doctor know about your baby’s development 

and what is best for your baby. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions 

you have about your baby’s health and growth. 

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+, </ $r I need others to take care of me. 

Sr I can't decide things for myself. * I need someone to love, feed, hold and play with me. * I like to feel warm, and I don't like lots of noise. * I like to be held very gently and very close. 

$r My face may be wrinkled, puffy or red, and I may have a large head, 

but I'm normal. * I like to sleep a lot. 

%r I am hungry every few hours. 

I may be fussy and cry a lot. 

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* I need my diapers changed as soon as they are wet or soiled. 
(jet WY%YO& &before changing your baby’s diaper. Once 

you start changing, don’t take your eyes off your baby even for a second. 

Babies wiggle and move. They can get hurt or fall in an instant. 

To change your baby’s diaper: 

12 It’s best to wash your hands before changing your newborn’s diaper. 

Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water after each diaper 

change, too. 

Lay your baby on a clean surface. Take along a blanket or changing 

pad when you go out. 

12 Remove the dirty diaper. * Use a washcloth dipped in clean, lukewarm water. Wash all the area 

on your baby that the diaper covers. Wipe from front to back to avoid 

infection. * Every time you change a diaper, clean your baby’s umbilical cord. Use 

a cotton swab that you have dipped in rubbing alcohol. Squeeze it so 

that it is almost dry. Gently clean off the sticky stuff around the cord 

where it touches your baby’s tummy. The cord will fall off by itself in 

five to 10 days. Your baby may cry when you touch the wet swab to 

the cord. Be gentle. Check with your doctor if your baby cries at 

other times when you touch the cord. Check with your doctor if the 

skin around the cord is red. 

-h Now put a clean diaper on your 

baby. If you are using pins, put 

your hand between the pin and 

your baby’s skin. Do not let the 

diaper cover up the umbilical cord. 

I 

Newborns use about 10 diapers every day. Change them as soon as they 

are wet. This can prevent rashes. Have a place to put the soiled diapers 

and washcloths. 
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as she is growing up. You can use a scrapbook, a notebook or any book 

with blank pages. 

book. It will be fun for you and your baby to look at 

Save the front page of the newspaper from the day she was born. Your 

child can look at it when she is older and find out all the things that happened on that important day. Be sure to put in birth announcements, too. 

Write down all the great “firsts” for your baby. Things like the first time 

she smiles, sits up, crawls, walks, talks or does anything else special. 

Put in photos of your baby as she grows. When she gets older, you can put 

in drawings she makes and, later, things she writes. You can write down 

cute things she does and says, as well as things she learns and what she 

likes and doesn’t like. 

Write down dates and symptoms when your baby gets sick. Also write 

down monthly weights and heights, and when each tooth comes in. Keep 

track of your baby’s shots as well. 

The memory book is a good record of your child’s early years. You and 

your child can enjoy it together as she grows up. Later on, the book will 

help her learn about her past. 

L1 73 
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time you take your baby anywhere in a car, 

put her in a car safety seat. This is best for 

your baby, and all states, the District of 

Columbia, Puerto Rico and the US. 

stb LS boy4 any 

Territories have child passenger safety laws. 

Your baby will need different kinds of car safety seats as she grows. Right 

now, she should be in one that is made for a newborn baby. The safety seat 

should be placed in the back seat, facing the rear. Infants should never be 

placed in the front seat. 

Make sure the car safety seat fits your car. If it doesn’t, exchange it. Make 

sure it is fastened in the car securely. Make sure the straps that go around 

your baby fit her snugly. 

Avoid used car seats since they may be damaged. 

Make sure any safety seat you buy comes with directions on how to install 

it. Make sure you understand the directions. 

If you cannot afford a safety seat, the National Highway Traffic Safety 

Administration can provide information on resources that help lowincome families purchase or borrow child car seats. You may call them at 

1-800-424-9393 or visit their Web site at www.nhtsa.dot.gov/. 
YOW 6dy’S brahstarted growing before birth. When she was born her 

brain was about one-fourth its adult size. Your baby’s brain will grow at its 

fastest until she is about three years old. 

How a baby’s brain grows depends on many things. Some things are 

inherited from parents. Others depend on your baby’s health, nutrition, 

experiences and relationships. The way your baby’s brain develops 

depends, in part, on what you say and do with her. 

Your baby’s brain has many, many neurons or brain cells. The types of 

activities your baby has with objects and people stimulate these neurons. 

This allows the neurons to make important connections in the brain. 

Everyday activities determine how these connections are formed. Activities 

like holding and playing with toys or listening to people talk are important. 

This is why your child needs stimulation and play. She needs to know you 

love her. She needs to be able to explore and find things out. She needs 

you to talk to her and interact with her. These things will all help the part 

of brain development that depends on experience. 

How should you provide these experiences for your baby? There isn’t any 

one answer. We do know that babies develop better: * When they hear language 

zh7 When they have experiences with toys or objects 

When they know that people love them and pay attention to them 

What’s important is to find activities that you and your child enjoy doing 

together. When you do this, you are not just having fun with your baby. 

You are helping her brain grow. 
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Bdbk &&by exploring the things around 

them. Show your baby how to look at, listen 

to, touch or smell something new or different. 

Hold your baby so she can see things. Help 

her hold objects like her socks or a rattle. As 

she grows, give her safe objects to feel, shake 

or put into her mouth. 

d Be your baby’s teacher. She will see how you react to things. When 

you get excited about a toy or object, she’ll get excited too. As she 

grows, show her how things work-for example, how doors open and 

close. Talk about what you are doing. For example, “I am putting the 

food in the pot to cook it.” 

and again. With your help and support this can be fun, and your baby 

will like trying new things. 

baby doesn’t understand right from wrong. She doesn’t know what 

things are dangerous for her to do. Watch her to keep her safe. 

Remove her from situations where she can be hurt or injured. 

fr Talk and sing to your baby. Even before she is able to speak, this 

helps her develop language skills. Babies learn best when you talk to 

them. 

this habit as she grows. 

* When a baby is learning something new, it helps her to try it again 

h Protect your baby from harsh disapproval, teasing or punishment. A 

* Read to your baby from the earliest months of her life and continue 

tf* sti, gvowsnwt Your Newborn, 
FVOW & dz~t, your baby is interested in your face. She notices your 

expressions and tone of voice. She reacts to your emotions. For example, 

when you say something in a soft and loving way, she will relax and feel 

more secure. 

Scientists have learned that babies show emotions as early as when they 

are one month old. Something else scientists have learned is that feeling 

good helps babies learn better. 

Why? Happy babies are more alert, attentive and responsive. Babies 

remember things better when they are happy and at ease. The way you 

hold and talk to your baby can help her feel happy. 

Babies who are alert and feeling good are more likely to look at things, 

explore and play. They will pay attention more. For example, they will try 

to make new things happen with toys or make sounds with people. This 

helps them learn and remember new things. 

Brief periods of distress or difficulty will occur. These will not harm a 

child. Short periods of negative emotions can be helpful for your baby. You 

should do something quickly to help her feel better. From this she will 

learn you care about what she tries to tell you. Long periods of negative 

emotion, like crying, can do harm. 

In the first month, the negative emotion that occurs is distress or a response 

to pain. Later, she will show sadness and anger. Next comes fear. All people 

have these emotions to protect themselves. Help your baby be at ease with 

having emotions. Respond to her emotions in a warm and loving way. 

You can tell what your baby is feeling by changes in her facial expression. 

You can also see what she is feeling by her posture, movements and the 

sounds she makes. 
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It ~7% be W& before your baby 

says her first word. But babies start learning about language much earlier. 

Even in the first few weeks after birth, your 

baby is learning about language. Very young 

babies can tell the difference between 

speech and other sounds. They can tell the 

difference between the voices of men and 

the voices of women. They even know the 

voices of their own mothers. A baby can tell the voice of her mother from 

the voices of other women. Researchers think babies are able to do this 

because of the way specific parts of their brains work. 

Babies can also communicate long before they speak. They use movements 

and sounds to let you know what they want or don’t want. Some people 

refer to these as a baby’s “signals”. 

Right now, your baby can tell you if she needs something by fussing or crying. She can also let you know when she likes something or someone by 

looking intently. Babies learn best how to tell parents what they like or don’t 

like when they begin to see that parents respond to them in positive ways. 

Even before she can speak, you need to talk to your baby. Even though 

there are differences among individuals, babies whose parents talk to them 

talk sooner. They also have larger vocabularies. Talking to babies gives 

them language skills that will help them learn more easily when they get 

to school. Hearing words on the radio or TV is not very helpful to babies 

learning language. Your baby benefits from having you up close smiling, 

talking and singing. 
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CYy% is the way newborns communicate. Your new baby cries to let you know 

she needs or wants something. 

The first thing to try when she cries is to 

feed her. By noticing when she wants to be 

fed and when she doesn't, you will learn 

which cries mean that she is hungry, 

uncomfortable or wants attention. 

Sometimes she will want to be held. Sometimes she wants a dry diaper. 

Sometimes she is tired or bored. 

As you and your baby get to know each other, you will sometimes be able 

to tell the difference between each kind of crying. You can then try to give 

her what she needs. 

Taking care of your baby when she cries will not spoil her. It will help your 

baby feel loved and secure. 

Smile, touch and talk to your baby as often as possible. Do this when you 

feed her, change her diaper or give her a bath. Your baby will learn that 

she can rely on you to take care of her. 
Jo&h.a babk wy even when they have been fed, have clean diapers 

and are healthy. If your baby is crying because she needs comfort, there are 

many things you can do. Every baby is different. 

Here are things you can try to find out what calms your baby down. 

$r Rock your baby in your arms or while sitting in a rocking chair. * Stroke your baby’s head very gently, or lightly pat her back or chest. 

fr Make soft noises, such as cooing, to let your baby know you are there 

* Softly sing to your baby or play soft music. 

-12 Wrap her up in a baby blanket (but not too tightly). 

and you care. Talk to your baby. 

If your baby keeps crying after you have tried everything, stay calm. Babies 

know when you are upset. No matter how stressed you are, never shake 

your baby. Shaking your baby can cause blindness, brain damage or even 

death. If you need a break, call a relative, neighbor or friend to help. All 

babies cry. You will not be able to comfort your baby every time. That does 

not mean you are a bad parent. Do the best you can to comfort your baby. 
-- 

* Plan for your baby’s bath. Get everything ready before you start the 

bath. This makes bathing your baby easier and safer. 

$7 If you can, turn down your water heater to 120 degrees. Babies can 

get scalded easily. Fill the sink or tub you’re going to bathe your baby 

in with warm water. Always test the water with your wrist or elbow. 

The water should be comfortably warm, not hot. * Make sure you have everything you need for the bath. You can keep 

mild soap, cotton balls and a clean diaper in a shoebox or other container. Then you can bring the box in with the towel and washcloth 

to the room where you bathe your baby. When everything is ready, 

get your baby. 

* If you forget an item, you will have to carry your baby with you. This 

is hard to do when the baby is wet and slippery. 

fr ~Vever ieave ~QW babg alone in water* it‘s best not to answer the 

phone or the doorbell during your baby’s bath. If you do, pick up 

your baby and carry her with you. If your spouse, relatives or friends 

call you often, let them know when your baby’s bath time is. Tell 

them you won’t take phone calls at that time. 

31 
YOU bdy &sponge baths at first. Give your baby a sponge bath 

until her umbilical cord or his circumcision, if any, is healed. After that, 

your baby can have a tub bath. 

Fill a bowl or basin with warm water: Use your wrist or elbow to check the 

water to make sure it is just the right temperature. Be sure the water is 

not too cold or too hot. Very hot water can be dangerous. 

Take the bowl of warm water and a soft washcloth to the place where you 

are going to bathe your baby. 

Pick a place for bathing that is warm and not drafty. You don't want your 

baby to get chilled. You can put your baby on a bath towel in her crib or 

any other flat surface. If you put your baby on a table, make sure she cannot roll off. Do not leave your baby alone, not even for a few seconds. 

Take your baby's clothes off. Put the washcloth in the warm water and 

squeeze it out until it is just damp. Use the washcloth to gently wipe your 

baby all over. Wipe her head and neck, behind her ears, and between her 

fingers and toes. 

Your newborn does not need to have a bath every day. Just clean her face, 

neck and diaper area whenever they are dirty. 
* You can use your bathtub, kitchen sink or a plastic baby tub. Use 

something to line the tub to keep your baby from slipping. If you use 

a foam liner for a tub, it needs to be dried out after each use. This 

prevents the growth of germs. Or you can line the tub with a bath 

towel. Be sure to wash and dry it after each use. * Use a clean, damp washcloth, without soap, to wash her face. Gently 

wash the outside and back of each ear and wash and dry under her 

neck. 

h Don’t use bubble bath or detergents in the bathwater since these may 

cause rashes. * Use damp cotton balls or cotton pads to gently wipe your baby’s eyes 

before you put her in the tub. Be sure to support your baby’s head 

when she is in the tub. 

Wash your baby’s hair and scalp very gently, using soap or a baby 

shampoo. Do this only once or twice a week. Rinse with a damp 

cloth. Make sure that soapsuds don’t get into her eyes. Wash her 

body, starting with the chest. After washing with a soapy washcloth, 

rinse the washcloth and rinse her off. Pat your baby dry with a bath 

towel. Always keep her covered and warm when she is wet. 

ffddy JM, cjvowswt Your New6ov& 
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0 

Fduciliewho are enrolled in the WIC program (Special Supplemental 

Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children) can get information 

on breastfeeding and nutrition at the local WIC office. Families eligible for 

WIC receive nutrition counseling and supplemental foods such as milk 

and cereal. To find the WIC office nearest you, call your state health 

department or visit the WIC Web site at www.fns.usda.gov/wic/. 

For information about early childhood education initiatives, you may 

contact the U.S. Department of Education at 1-800-USA-LEARN or visit 

the Web site at www.ed.govloffices/OESE/teachingouryoungestl. 

To learn about child care options, you may contact the U.S. Department of 

Health and Human Services, Child Care Aware by phone at 1-800-424-2246 

or visit their Web site at www.childcareaware.org/. 

For more information and resources on postpartum depression, breastfeeding, and many other women’s health issues call The National Women’s 

Health Information Center (NWHIC) at 1-800-994-9662 (1-800-994-WOMAN). 
This publication was an initiative of Laura Bush as the First Lady of Texas 

and sponsored by the Texas Department of Health. President Bush and 

Mrs. Bush have asked that this series of booklets be revised and distributed 

by the US. Department of Agriculture, US. Department of Education, and 

the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. 

We would like to thank the Texas Department of Health for their cooperation 

and assistance in bringing this publication to families across the United 

States. In addition, we recognize the contributions that Susan H. Landry, 

Ph.D., Craig T. Ramey, Ph.D., and many other individuals made in the 

development of the documents. 
This pamphlet is distributed by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture, 

Education and Health and Human Services, and is in the public domain. 

Authorization to reproduce it in whole or in part is granted. While permission 

to reprint this publication is not necessary, the citation should be: U.S. 

Department of Agriculture, U.S. Department of Education and U.S. 

Department of Health and Human Services, Healthy Start, Grow Smart, 

Your Newborn, Washington, D.C., 2002. 

To order copies of this publication, 

write to: ED Pubs, Education Publications Center, US. Department of Education, 

P.O. Box 1398, Jessup, MD 20794-1398; 

or fax your request to: 301-470-1244; 

or email your request to: edpubs@inet.ed.gov 

or call in your request toll-free: 1-877-433-7827 (1-877-4-ED-PUBS). If 877 service is not 

yet available in your area, call 1-800-872-5327 (1-800-USA-LEARN). Those who use a 

telecommunications device for the deaf (TDD) or a teletypewriter (TTY), should call 

1-800-437-0833. 

or order online at www.ed.gov/pubs/edpubs.html/. 

This publication is also available on the Department’s Web site at: 

www.ed.govloffices/OESE/teachingouryoungestl. 

On request, this publication is available in alternate formats, such as Braille, large print, 

audiotape or computer diskette. For more information, please contact the Department’s 

Alternate Format Center (202) 260-9895 or (202) 205-8113. 
37 
US. Department of Education 

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0 

This document is Federally-fbnded, or carries its own permission to 

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