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Transition to the Outside World
 
Your newborn baby will take time to adjust to their new environment. This occurs during the first two or three days of life. Until the baby is three days old, sleep will seem more important than eating. It is not unusual for the baby to fall asleep while breastfeeding. During this period of transition, the baby may only consume a half-ounce of formula each feeding.
 
Sounds and Expressions
A variety of normal infant reflexes and behaviors develop as your newborn adjusts to their new environment. Clearing the nose or throat of mucous results in sneezing or coughing. The passage of gas relieves the air build-up in the intestines as the digestive processes begin to work. Yawns, burps, hiccups, crying and fussiness also occur. Eyes may seem to cross as the baby attempts to focus on close objects. Loud noises result in a startle reflex. All of these are normal behaviors.
 
Communication
Crying is the baby’s only way to communicate their wants and needs. As you get to know your baby, each cry will begin to sound a little different, indicating whether the baby is saying I'm hungry, I'm thirsty, I want to be held, I'm tired or I don't feel well.
 
The average baby cries a total of three hours a day. If you respond quickly and lovingly in the first few months, the baby will tend to cry less around one year of age. You cannot spoil a newborn. Provide as much love and attention to your baby as you can. This bond developing between you and your baby is very important. Eventually, the time will come when simply holding your baby will signal that all is well.
 
Excessive crying, sometimes referred to as colic, is frustrating to new parents. If you find it difficult to deal with a fussy baby, please call us. We have studied this problem extensively and will work together on solutions to this problem.
 
Sleep
Each baby needs a different amount of sleep. Some are alert and awake most of the time. Others wake only to feed. Sleeping through the night (a six hour period) usually begins around three to four months of age. Encourage sleeping through the night by feeding every two to three hours during the day. Feeding on demand at night also encourages the baby to sleep for longer periods. In the first two weeks we recommend you feed your baby at least once every four hours during the night.  The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep on their sides or backs to reduce the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
 
 
Sucking and Pacifiers
Infant sucking behaviors are normal and necessary in the first few months. This sucking desire seems to be the strongest right after feeding. Sucking, however, does not always indicate a need for feeding. Some babies suck more than others. You may want to use a pacifier. Contrary to past beliefs, thumb sucking or pacifiers do not affect dental development.