Umbilical Cord Care
While parents used to be told to frequently put alcohol on their baby's umbilical cord until it falls off, they are just as likely to be told to not put any alcohol on it at all anymore. It is usually best to just ask your pediatrician what he or she recommends concerning umbilical cord care.
Sponge Baths
To avoid getting her umbilical cord too wet, it is usually best to give your baby a sponge bath until her cord falls off.Diaper Changes
By the time she is five to seven days old, your baby will be needing a lot of diaper changes and should be having six or more wet diapers and three to four loose yellow stools each day.During this week, your baby's stools will change from the large, black, tarry meconium of the first few days, to green/yellow transitional stools, to the more regular yellow bowel movements of an older baby.
Nail Trimming
Trimming your baby's fingernails when they seem long is important so that your baby doesn't scratch her face, or more seriously, her eye. You can use a baby nail clipper or a nail file to trim your baby's nails. Get help or do it when she is sleeping or eating if she fights having them trimmed.Burping
You should usually burp your baby after each feedings to prevent gas and fussiness. Some babies do better, especially if they spit up a lot, if you burp them after they drink every ounce or so instead of waiting until the end of the feeding.If you are having trouble getting your baby to burp, consider varying the position you are holding your baby. For example, first try burping her while she is lying against your shoulder. Then, if you don't get a burp, sit her in a more upright position and burp her while she is sitting up.
