Any advice for newborn dads? Like how to help her sleep, how much nursing should she get?

She's been eating so differently. Only 11 days old. She used to eat every three hours, then it went to 4, now its down to every 2 hours during day, sometimes she only goes for 10 minutes on one side. It's just tough to regulate, should I be trying this early?Any advice for newborn dads? Like how to help her sleep, how much nursing should she get?
I commend you for being and active Dad. Let her tell you when she is hungry at this age..she is growing rapidly and it depends on how active she is and how long she sleeps as to how often she will usually feed. Again, Kudos for helping with her...I'm sure your wife really appreciates it...even if she might be a little moody from the whole experience.Any advice for newborn dads? Like how to help her sleep, how much nursing should she get?
Congrats on the baby. Newborn babies eat often and not regularly. they should always be fed when hungry, there is no regulating. Trying to put them on a schedule causes alot of distress and frustration on both sides. All babies are different. They will eat on weird schedules till you start with solid foods one a 3-4 meal/ day schedule for her with your meals. Newborns sleep for 18-20 hrs a day and continue at about 16hrs/day for 6 mos, then about 14 for 2 yrs. They are growing so much they need their sleep. youll see that often a tired baby is a fussy baby. Also studies show that about 70% of sucking is non-nutritional, so buy a binky, so that mommy doesnt become a human-pacifier.





Very Important. At bedtime make the room quiet and dark, with bed already. Have a quiet bath before, sing softly, and rub on some lavender lotion. In the room put on some classical music or Enya. In a soft voice read a short story, pat her back in a heart-beat 1,2 pattern, rock. At night, do not turn on alot of lights to change diapers or do stuff, if she wakes up continue with the soft calm singing and patting/rocking, do not engage in play even when she gets older. As she gets older she will gradually develop a longer period of sleep around mid-afternoon (a naptime), this time should also be in her room, quiet, dark, soft music, etc.





For a newborn its ok to let her cry for 5 mins, she'll learn that you will come rescue her, dont let her cry for more though. And encourage mom alot with nursing, bring her a pillow, glass of water, footrest, anything she needs. After nursing 3, I can safely say that nursing can be difficult and frustrating, it is a LEARNED behavior. Dont forget that you can never spoil a baby. Studies show taht babies who are held ALOT are more confidant, cry less, and happier, with less signs of anxiety/distress
Sometimes you get a lazy eater... they should nurse for atleast 15-20 minutes per breast. Breast fed babies usually eat every 2 hours, if you supplement with formula that fills them up more so they go longer between feedings.





Sleep.... I have an 18 year old and still don't sleep all night. But both of my girls liked music. I had a radio tuned to a classical music station that I kept on all night tuned very low, and they both slept well. Or atleast until they got hungry.





Never turn on a bright light for night feedings and rock gently and they should fall back to sleep pretty quick.