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When all else fails:

• put the baby down in a safe place and let him cry. Check him at

intervals.

• call a friend or parent support hotline. The telephone numbers are on

the back cover of this booklet.

G. Bowel Habits
Each baby will establish his own bowel habits. Breast fed babies will usually
have frequent loose, seedy, yellow stools. Formula fed babies' stools are
usually darker and more formed. During the first 7 to 10 days of life infants
should have at least 2 bowel movements each day. At about 4 to 6 weeks of
age they may have one or two stools each day or may go a week between bowel
movements. As long as the baby is comfortable between stooling and his stools

are soft this is normal for him. A certain amount of straining and grunting is
normai while passing stool.

H. Activity
Your baby may constantly be moving. Allow him room to move. NEVER LEAVE
YOUR BABY UNATTENDED on the bed, dressing table, etc., for even a
newborn can move enough to accidentally fall.

I. Play
You will find many of your own "games" and forms of play with your newborn.
Stroking your infant's skin and gently exercising his arms and legs will be
pleasant for both of you. Newborns tend to look to the side rather than up when
they are on their backs. Placing a happy face drawn with black on a white
background on the inside of his crib sides will draw his attention. Music played
softly nearby is another way to "entertain" your baby.

II. GENERAL PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE

NEWBORN

A. Jaundice

Many healthy babies may have a yellow color to their skin called jaundice. It
usually will develop on the second day of life. Jaundice is seen first in the face
and then moves down the body to the chest, belly, arms, and legs as it
increases. Most babies have mild jaundice that is normal and harmless;
however, sometimes it can become severe. Breastfed babies are more likely to
become jaundiced and so we recommend that all breastfed babies be seen in
the office within 72 hours of discharge from the hospital.

Reasons to call us:

• your baby's skin seems more yellow
• your baby's belly, arms or legs are yellow
• your baby is jaundiced and is fussy or not feeding well
(Adapted from the AAP Policy on Jaundice)

B. Cradle Cap
A flaky white or yellow waxy scale may appear on the scalp soon after birth.
This is usually due to immature oil glands, and is a temporary condition. It is

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