Newborns

Babies are born with unique personalities. Just because they are from the same parents, and even if they are the same sex, they may be quite different. Discovering your baby's personality is one of the exciting parts of having a new baby. Is s/he active & intense, or easygoing? Timid with new situations, or quick to enjoy them? You're baby will give clues in everything s/he does, from falling asleep to crying. His/her traits will influence how you feel about and treat him/her. If you had specific ideas about child rearing before birth, reevaluate them now to see if they fit your baby's character. There is no "right way" to raise a child. You have to create your own guidelines based on your child's unique personality, your own beliefs, and the circumstances of your family life. The important thing is to remain responsive to your baby's individuality. Don't box him/her into some set mold or pattern. Your baby's uniqueness is his/her strength, and respecting that will help lay the best possible foundation for good self-esteem and loving relationships with others.

Crying

Many babies have a fussy time each day, usually between 6 pm & midnight. This usually peaks at about 3 hours a day by six weeks and then declines to 1-2 hours a day by 3 months. As long as baby calms by a few hours and is mostly peaceful the rest of the day, it's normal. If the crying doesn't stop, but intensifies and persists throughout the day or night, it may be colic or it may be a sign of a medical problem. Contact your pediatrician.

Pacifiers

If your baby wants to suck beyond what nursing or bottle-feeding provides, a pacifier may satisfy that need. But they are not to replace or delay meals. Offer a pacifier only after or between feedings, when you are sure s/he is not hungry. It is for your baby's benefit, not your convenience.
Pacifiers can be a hassle if baby "needs" them to fall asleep, as baby will often wake when it falls out. A good time to wean your baby off the pacifier is between 4-6 months. By this age, babies can pacify their "oral needs" in other ways: thumb, blanket, toys, etc.

Once your baby decides which pacifier shape s/he prefers, buy some extras. Any pacifier you buy should be a one-piece model and dishwasher-safe. Until 6 months old, a pacifier should be boiled or run through the dishwasher frequently, to protect from infection. Never fasten it around your baby's neck with a cord and don't make your own out of bottle nipples. Babies have pulled these apart and choked on them.

Some studies show a 2- to 3-fold decrease in the incidence of SIDS in babies who use pacifiers. However, pacifiers are associated with a shortened duration of breast feeding, an increase in the risk of repeated ear infections, and an increase in the risk of dental malocclusion. The risk of ear infections and dental problems are decreased when the pacifier is weaned at 4-6 months of age.

Going Outside

Fresh air and a change of surroundings are good for both you and your baby. Be careful to dress baby properly. In general, s/he should wear one more layer than you do. Babies are very susceptible to sunburn, so keep him/her out of direct and reflected sunlight. Use lightweight clothing and a hat or bonnet. Make sure baby is shaded and adjust position as the sun moves. Don't let car seats or strollers sit in the sun. The plastic and metal parts can get hot enough to burn your baby. In cold weather, when you must go out, bundle baby in a bunting bag over his/her clothes and use a warm hat to cover head and ears, and shield his/her face with a blanket.