Things to know about newborns

Knowing what to expect when you have a newborn can ease the anxiety that every new parent feels and give you confidence as you bond with your new baby.

• Baby may be a little funny-looking. His head may be smooshed from his journey through the birth canal, and he might be sporting a "bodysuit" of fine hair called lanugo. He could also be puffy-faced and have eyes that are often shut (and a little gooey). After all, he just spent nine months in the womb. But pretty soon, he'll resemble that beautiful baby you imagined.
• Don't expect rewards -- smiles or coos -- until about the 6-week mark. Up until then, you're working for a boss who only complains! To get through the exhaustion and emotional upheaval, keep this in mind: your efforts aren't lost on baby in those early days.
• Give baby sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. If it's kept dry, it falls off faster -- usually within two weeks. Besides, newborns don't get very dirty! If the cord does get wet, pat it dry. And if the stump bleeds a little when the cord falls off, that's okay, too.
• She'll let you know if she's getting enough food. Baby needs to eat every two to three hours - but if you're nursing, it's tough to know how much milk she's getting. Your pediatrician will check it within a few days of discharge. A newborn loses 5 to 8 percent of her birthweight within the first week but should gain it back by the second. Diaper-counting can also act as a gauge: her schedule those first five days is haphazard, but after that, you'll see five to six wet diapers a day, and at least one or two stools.
• Dry skin is the norm for newborns. Initially, he may be soft and silky, but that changes. You don't have to do anything about dry skin (it typically peels and flakes off), but if you're so inclined, reach for a hypoallergenic baby lotion that is fragrance-free. Little pink bumps, diaper rashes, and even baby acne may also make an appearance.
• You don't have to hole up at home. Keep baby out of the sun, and avoid sick people (no toddler birthday parties!) and crowded enclosed spaces (such as the mall during the holidays). And make your older child the hygiene police.
• Babies cry a lot -- that's how they communicate! Their piercing wails will let you know they're hungry, cold, have a dirty diaper, or want to be held. These early "conversations" can be frustrating, but rest assured, you'll get a better handle on what she needs in time.
• Newborn babies also sleep a lot -- but not for long stretches. Those first three months are a free-for-all. Baby needs to eat every two to three hours, so you're not getting much sleep either. In the meantime, try to get baby on a day and night schedule: during the day, don't let him snooze more than three hours without waking him to feed; at night let him sleep as long as he wants once he's regained the weight he lost at birth.

Write briefly about your baby during these first days of hs/her life. Also add some words about your feelings to the little one.