Getting to Know Your Baby

Congratulations on the birth of your baby!

Consider the first weeks at home wth your baby a getting-acquainted period. Attempt to figure out and meet your baby's needs, but keep in mind that some babies are more demanding than others. As the parents, the people most closely involved, you will know your baby best. Trust yourself and you will gain confidence in making decisions. Don't take too seriously all the advice of well-meaning friends and relatives. As your baby grows older he or she will become more content.

All babies sneeze, yawn, belch, have hiccoughs, pass gas, cough and cry. They may occasionally look cross-eyed. Sneezing is the only way in which a baby can clean his nose. Hiccoughs are little muscle spasms. They do not bother the baby so don't let them bother you. Coughing is a baby's way of clearing his or her throat. Crying is his or her way of saying I'm hungry, I'm wet, I'm thirsty, I want to turn over, I’m too hot, I’m too cold, I have a stomach-ache, or I’m bored. Even a well baby will probably cry for a little while each day and could cry for about an hour or so occasionally without doing himself any harm.