“Is This Normal?” More Newborn Questions Every Parent Asks
Every new parent has moments where they stop and wonder, "Is this normal?" From feeding and hiccups to diaper rash and safe sleep, Mama Nurse Tina answers some of the most common newborn questions with practical, reassuring advice you can trust.
Let's Take the Guesswork out of Newborn Care.
My Bundle of Joy, Bundle of Chaos: Newborn Care 101 course is packed with practical tips to help you feel calm and confident.
If you read my last blog, you know we tackled some of the most common newborn questions that keep parents up at night. If you missed it, you can catch up here: Top Newborn Questions Every Parent Asks (Part 1).
But let's be honest... once you bring your baby home, the questions just keep coming.
One minute you're wondering if your baby is sleeping enough. The next, you're Googling why they have hiccups after every feeding or whether you've somehow "spoiled" them by picking them up every time they cry.
First of all, take a deep breath.
I've been a labor and delivery nurse for years, and I'm also a mom of four. I can promise you one thing: you are not the first parent to ask these questions, and you definitely won't be the last.
So let's answer a few more of the newborn questions I hear all the time and hopefully help you close a few of those Google tabs.
Why Does My Baby Have Hiccups All the Time?
I swear newborns have two hobbies: eating and hiccuping.
The good news? Hiccups are completely normal.
Honestly, they usually bother parents a lot more than they bother babies.
Young babies often swallow a little air while feeding. It happens with both breastfeeding and bottle-feeding, although it's a little more common with bottles.
If your baby gets hiccups during a feeding:
Pause the feeding.
Try burping them.
Change their position.
Give them a few minutes to relax.
If the hiccups are still hanging around after about five to ten minutes, go ahead and try feeding again. Most of the time, they'll stop on their own.
One little tip I always share with parents: try feeding your baby before they're extremely hungry. A calm baby usually swallows less air than one who's crying because they're ready to eat right now.
How Often Should I Feed My Baby?
If I had a dollar for every time I heard this question, I'd probably have enough for a lifetime supply of coffee.
Here's the biggest thing I want you to remember:
Feed your baby, not the clock.
In those early weeks, I encourage parents to feed on demand by watching for hunger cues instead of waiting for a certain amount of time to pass.
Some early signs your baby is ready to eat include:
Licking their lips
Sticking out their tongue
Rooting (moving their jaw, mouth, or head in search of the breast)
Putting their hand to their mouth repeatedly
Opening their mouth
Fussiness
Trying to suck on anything nearby
Your baby's tummy is tiny in the beginning. At birth, it's about the size of a cherry. By day three, it's closer to a walnut. Around one week, it's about the size of an apricot, and by one month, it's roughly the size of an egg.
If You're Breastfeeding
Most breastfed newborns nurse about every two hours, which usually works out to 10 to 12 feedings every 24 hours.As your baby grows, those feedings will gradually spread out, but it doesn't happen overnight.
If You're Bottle-Feeding
Bottle-fed babies typically eat every 2 to 3 hours. During the first day or two, they may only take about half an ounce at a time. By the end of the first month, many babies are drinking around 3 to 4 ounces every feeding.
Every baby is different, so don't get too caught up comparing your little one to someone else's. Instead, focus on whether they're feeding well, growing steadily, having enough wet diapers, and seeming content between feeds.
How Can I Tell If My Baby Is Done Feeding?
Believe it or not, babies are actually pretty good at telling us when they're full.
You just have to know what to look for.
Your baby may:
Turn their head away
Release the nipple
Fall asleep
Become distracted or fidgety
Let a little milk dribble out of their mouth
Look relaxed and content after feeding
As babies get a little older, some of them will even stop feeding, look up at you, and flash the sweetest little grin. It's one of my favorite moments.
You can also look at the bigger picture by asking yourself:
Are they having enough wet diapers, and is their urine a healthy pale color?
Are they pooping regularly?
Are they gaining weight consistently?
Do they seem content between feedings?
Those signs tell us much more than the number of ounces they drank during one feeding.
Do Babies Need Pillows?
Short answer?
Nope.
When it comes to safe sleep, your baby's crib should be pretty simple.
That means:
No pillows
No stuffed animals
No loveys
No crib bumpers
No loose blankets
Just your baby, sleeping on their back on a firm mattress. That's the safest place for them to sleep.
If you haven't already, be sure to check out my blog all about newborn sleep, where I dive deeper into creating a safe sleep environment.
Can I Spoil My Baby by Holding Them Too Much?
I hear this one all the time.
And the answer is...
Absolutely not.
This is one of those old parenting myths that's been passed around for years, but we know so much more now.
Your baby spent months hearing your heartbeat, feeling your warmth, and being held close. Being in your arms is the most familiar place they know.
Babies don't only cry because they're hungry.
They cry because they're tired.
They're cold.
They're hot.
They're gassy.
They're uncomfortable.
They're overstimulated.
Crying is their only way of communicating with you.
Responding to your baby's needs helps them feel safe and secure, and that sense of security plays an important role in healthy brain development.
So if someone tells you you're holding your baby too much...
You have my permission to smile, thank them for their advice, and keep soaking up those baby snuggles.
How Do I Treat Diaper Rash?
If your baby develops diaper rash, don't panic.
At least half of all babies will have one at some point.
Most diaper rashes happen because delicate skin spends too much time in contact with urine or stool. They're also more common if your baby has diarrhea. As babies get older, you may notice diaper rash more during teething because extra saliva can make stools more irritating.
Here's what I recommend:
Change diapers often.
Clean the skin gently.
Let the area air dry whenever possible.
Apply a thick layer of diaper cream containing zinc oxide or petroleum jelly.
Make sure the diaper isn't too tight.
If your baby's skin is irritated, a gentle daily bath can also help keep the area clean while the rash heals.
Here's my favorite way to explain diaper cream.
Think of it like icing a cupcake.
Seriously!
Don't be stingy. You want a nice thick layer protecting your baby's skin from moisture. And unless the cream is dirty, you don't need to scrub it all off at every diaper change. Just add another layer right on top.
If the rash becomes bright red, spreads into the skin folds, develops little bumps, or isn't improving after a few days, it may be a yeast rash instead of a regular diaper rash. That's a good time to give your pediatrician a call.
You're Doing Better Than You Think
If you've ever found yourself Googling "Is this normal?" at two o'clock in the morning while staring at your sleeping baby...
Welcome to the club.
Every parent has moments where they wonder if they're doing things right.
The truth is, you're learning your baby a little more every single day, and that's exactly what this season is all about.
Keep asking questions. Trust your instincts. And remember, you don't have to have all the answers on day one.
You don't have to be a perfect parent. You just have to keep showing up for your baby.
You've got this, mama. ❤️
Medical Disclaimer
The information in this article is for educational purposes only and should not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment from your healthcare provider. Every baby is unique, and recommendations may vary based on your baby's individual health and needs. If you have questions or concerns about your baby's feeding, sleep, growth, umbilical cord, or overall health, please contact your pediatrician or healthcare provider. If you believe your baby is experiencing a medical emergency, seek emergency medical care immediately.
