- Some newborns poop (stool) after every feeding. Others stool less often. Both are normal. Change the diaper whenever it’s wet or dirty.
- It’s normal for a newborn’s stool to be yellow, watery, and look like it contains little seeds. The color may range from mustard yellow to pale yellow to green. If it’s another color, tell the healthcare provider.
- A boy should have a strong stream when he urinates. If your son doesn’t, tell the healthcare provider.
- Give your baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. If you have questions about caring for the umbilical cord, ask your baby’s healthcare provider.
- Follow your healthcare provider's recommendations about how to care for the umbilical cord. This care might include:
- Keeping the area clean and dry.
- Folding down the top of the diaper to expose the umbilical cord to the air.
- Cleaning the umbilical cord gently with a baby wipe or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
- Call your healthcare provider if the umbilical cord area has pus or redness.
- After the cord falls off, bathe your newborn a few times per week. You may give baths more often if the baby seems to like it. But because you are cleaning the baby during diaper changes, a daily bath often isn’t needed.
- It’s OK to use mild (hypoallergenic) creams or lotions on the baby’s skin. Avoid putting lotion on baby’s hands.
