Every baby that comes into the world defenseless needs the most attention and affection from their mother. However, if mothers are inexperienced during this period, they may face some difficulties. Starting from this point, we have compiled answers to the 5 most frequently asked questions about caring for newborn babies in our article. Enjoy reading!

• Is My Baby Full?

One question that almost every new mother wonders during the first days after giving birth is, is my baby full? The most important sign that babies are getting enough breast milk is regular weight gain. A 1-month-old baby should gain an average of 600 grams to 1 kg. In the first 3 months, they are expected to gain 30 grams per day. However, there may be physiological weight loss during the first 15 days after birth. This means your baby may lose about 5% of their birth weight. This situation is quite normal and does not require concern.

Another important sign that your baby is getting enough breast milk is the frequency of diaper changes. If your baby soils their diaper an average of 8 to 10 times a day, we can say that they are benefiting enough from breast milk.

Your baby's overall condition will also help you understand if they are full. If they can sleep comfortably, are mostly calm during the day, look happy and healthy, and are active while awake, it means they are getting enough to eat.

To reduce your concerns about whether your baby is full, you need to know how often to breastfeed throughout the day. Newborn babies should typically be breastfed every 2.5 hours. Breastfeeding for a total of 15-20 minutes from both breasts is sufficient. Especially during the first month, to avoid the risk of low blood sugar, the interval between breastfeeding should not exceed 2.5 hours. If necessary, the baby should be awakened and fed. In the following times, the interval between two feedings can be slightly longer.

• How Can I Tell If They Are Cold?

One of the biggest misconceptions mothers have is thinking their babies are constantly cold. As a result, most mothers dress their babies in layers unnecessarily. Excess clothing can make the baby uncomfortable and, in some cases, may even lead to sweating and illness.

So, how can we tell if the baby is cold? Mothers often try to determine whether their babies are cold or not by checking their hands or feet. However, the extremities, which are the farthest points of blood circulation, can be colder in babies, just like in adults, and this can mislead mothers. The most practical way to understand if babies are cold is to check the nape or chest area. If these areas are cold, it can be considered that the baby is cold. However, the most certain way to understand this is by using a thermometer. The normal body temperature for babies is between 36 and 37 degrees. A temperature below 36 degrees indicates that the baby is cold.

To ensure that your baby is not cold, it is important to keep the room temperature at ideal levels. The ideal temperature for newborns is between 21 and 24 degrees, while for premature babies, it can be increased by one degree. On the other hand, it is sufficient to dress your baby in one layer more than you wear, and ensure that the clothing is made of cotton fabric.

• Is It Normal for Them to Sleep a Lot?

Newborn babies need approximately 16 to 18 hours of sleep for their physical and mental development. Although this duration may sound excessive, newborns spend a large part of the day sleeping. During the remaining time, they want to feed. However, over time, the duration of sleep will gradually decrease.

• What Should I Pay Attention to in Skin Care and Hygiene?

Babies are born with a white/yellowish layer called vernix on their body. This layer can actually be thought of as a protective shield for babies. Research has shown that vernix protects the baby from infections, regulates body temperature, and protects the skin. Therefore, doctors do not recommend washing babies immediately after birth. In fact, it is stated that babies should not be bathed until the umbilical cord falls off. Therefore, for the first 10-15 days, it is healthier to clean your baby's skin with a damp cloth and bathe them only after this period. After the first bath, you can switch to a routine of washing every other day. Using the moisturizing creams recommended by your doctor after bathing will reduce the risk of atopic dermatitis, a common skin disorder in babies.

Although wet wipes are convenient, they can cause redness and diaper rashes in babies with sensitive skin. Therefore, it is not recommended to use ready-made wipes when cleaning your baby. Instead, you can use clean water and baby cleansing cottons. Frequent diaper changes, ensuring the absorbency of the diaper is good, and allowing air circulation will also help prevent rashes. Additionally, since powders are thought to accelerate the development of fungi and bacteria, it is healthier to prefer diaper creams containing zinc oxide after changing the diaper.

• When Should We Go for a Doctor's Check-up?

Doctor visits are very important for checking the overall health status of newborn babies. Even if you do not encounter any serious situations after birth, you should go for a general check-up every month until your baby is 6 months old. Especially in the first few months, your doctor will want to see your baby every 15 days for issues such as jaundice risk and eye and hearing examinations.

So, how can you understand if there is an unusual situation? If your baby has a high fever, the umbilical cord has not fallen off after 2 weeks, or there is bleeding in the area after the umbilical cord has fallen off, if the skin color is turning increasingly blue, if there is excessive wheezing, or if they appear to be losing consciousness, you should go for a check-up without waiting.