Thinking and Feeling

• All babies have their own temperament. I might be a quiet and easy to care for baby, or I might be more active and demanding. You will soon learn my temperament. But don’t be surprised if it changes over time!
• I might smile at you when you talk to me, play with me or care for me.
• I am learning that you are my special person and I know when you are around.
• I can feel lonely or scared.
• I learn to feel safe with people when you respond to my needs.

Crying

• I usually cry when I need something. I often cry because I am hungry, but I also cry if I am tired, wet, gassy, too hot or too cold, or just lonely. Sometimes I cry just to hear myself cry.
• I know that it can be frustrating to hear me cry but please never shake me. Shaking can cause brain damage, blindness, paralysis or even death.

Here are some ways you can try to soothe me when I am crying:

• Feed me. I might still be hungry, even if I just ate.
• Talk to me quietly and softly.
• Touch my skin and massage my arms and legs.
• Hold my arms against my chest.
• Swaddle me in a blanket.
• Cradle me in your arms and rock me.
• Bicycle my legs.

If you are concerned about my crying, talk to our community health nurse or doctor.

Sleeping

• I usually sleep about 12 to 18 hours a day.
• I might sleep for up to 5 to 6 hours at a time, or I might sleep for shorter periods throughout the day and night. If you are concerned about my sleeping, talk to your community health nurse or my doctor.

Diapers

• I will have 6 to 10 wet diapers a day.
• I might have a bowel movement (poop) after every feeding or I might only poop 2 or 3 times a day. My stools (poop) should be soft.
• If you are concerned about my bowel habits, talk to our community health nurse or doctor.

Playing

• You are my favorite toy! I like it when you talk and sing to me. I also like to be stroked, rocked and cuddled.
• When you play with me, it develops life-long feelings of safety and helps me to learn and grow.
• I like to look at new and different things.
• If the weather is okay, you can take me outside for a walk.

Eating

• The only food I need is breast milk or iron-fortified infant formula.
• If I am breastfed, I need a vitamin D supplement. Ask our community health nurse or doctor about supplements.
• I eat at least 8 times a day. Sometimes I might want to eat very often, such as every half hour.
• Hold and cuddle me when you feed me. Please don’t prop my bottle and leave me alone. I could choke!

Care

• When I am inside, I need to wear about the same amount of clothes that you wear plus one layer (like a sweater or blanket).
• Wash my bum after every bowel movement (poop).
• I need a full tub-bath at least once or twice a week. You will soon learn what I need to keep my skin clean and healthy.