Going home with your baby

Try to heat your nursery to about 18 °C. Whether your baby can regulate their temperature properly depends on the season. It will take them about two days to get used to their new surroundings. Take your baby's temperature every morning and evening to check whether they are not too hot or cold. You can usually stop taking your baby’s temperature after two weeks. Your baby's body temperature should be between 36.8°C and 37.4°C. If your baby’s temperature is 36.7°C or lower, you can use a hot water bottle to keep them warm.

• When using a hot water bottle to keep your baby warm, always use a cover.
• You can either put the hot water bottle on top of the blanket
• or between two blankets.
• Make sure that the opening of the hot water bottle is always facing downwards.
• Using 2 hot water bottles? Put them in an L-shape, e.g. by placing 1 hot water bottle at your baby’s side and 1 at their feet.
• Avoid direct contact between the bottle and your baby.
• Good ventilation is essential for a nursery. Whenever your baby is not there, open the window.

• It’s best to let your baby sleep, even if you have visitors, so avoid waking them up by taking them out of their cot.
• Feed your baby in a quiet place, especially if they have difficulty drinking.
• During the day, leave the curtains open when your baby is sleeping to help them develop a circadian rhythm. The hospital was a very bright and noisy place, and your baby has grown used to this.
• If they are feeling restless and you can’t find a clear cause, try to soothe them with a light or by turning on the radio.

If you have a cot at home, you will find that most cots are far too big for babies. As a result, they can be difficult to heat up and allow babies to wriggle under the blankets. You can make the cot smaller by positioning your baby’s feet at the bottom of the cot or by using envelope-style bedding. Ask your maternity nurse for help. Tuck in the sheet at the top and turn it back up halfway down the mattress. See the picture for an example. If your baby’s temperature is 36.7°C or lower, preheat the cot or crib with a hot water bottle.

• You can bathe your baby whenever you like, the time does not matter. However, it is best to bathe your baby before a feed, as their tummy may need to settle a bit first.
• Make sure to bathe your baby in a warm room (approx. 24 °C).
• Avoid draughty rooms and make sure you have everything you will need for the bath at hand.
• A good way to check the bath water is by dipping your elbow in the water. If you feel a tingling sensation, the water is too hot. Using a bath thermometer is the most accurate way to test the water. The water should be 37°C.
• For the first few months, simply wash your baby’s hair with a soaped up flannel. After washing, rinse their hair thoroughly with water. If your baby has cradle cap (dry, scaly patches on the scalp) you could apply a small amount of baby oil to their head and allow it to soak. Brush your baby’s hair every day. Avoid combs with sharp teeth. Use soap and lotion sparingly.

• If your baby has a sticky eye, you can clean it with a cotton ball or gauze pad dipped in cold running water. Wipe towards the nose once and once only. If you need to wipe again, use a new cotton ball/gauze pad. If the eye doesn’t heal after a few days, consult your GP.
• You can clean your baby’s eyes and nose with a wet gauze pad or by twisting one end of a cotton ball. Avoid cotton buds, as they can damage the eardrum or the mucous membrane in the nose. Only remove clearly visible mucus or earwax. Make sure to dry your baby’s ears thoroughly, including the crease behind the ear, and remove any remaining soap.
• If your baby has a dirty belly button, you can clean it once a day. Use a gauze pad or cotton swab with chlorhexidine 70% (this prevents infection).
• Dry their skin folds (in the neck, armpits and groin) well to prevent intertrigo, a kind of rash. If the folds are still wet or damp, gently pat them dry. If necessary, protect the skin with a soft cotton cloth.
• If your baby has dry skin, add (baby) oil to the bath water and/or massage your baby with baby body lotion after bathing them.
• Your baby has very delicate skin and soiled nappies can easily cause a rash. Change your baby’s nappy regularly to prevent diaper rash. Dry their bum with a wet muslin cloth or baby wipe. Afterwards, gently massage the skin with baby oil or ointment. If the rash flares up, apply zinc oil or ointment. Avoid using plastic nappies if your baby has a rash.
• Use a wet muslin cloth or baby wipe to clean your baby’s labia, swiping down to the anus in one go. Use a clean cloth or wipe with each wipe.
• In boys, the foreskin will still stick to the head of the penis. Simply clean it with water.
• You can start cutting your baby’s nails after a month. Before the one-month mark, there is not enough space between the finger and the nail to cut the nails safely. Use special nail scissors with rounded tips. Put your baby on your lap, with their back towards you. Firmly grasp your baby’s hand or foot, making sure that you can cut the nail without cutting the skin too. If your baby is restless, it is best to cut their nails while they are asleep. Cut the nails straight across. Avoid cutting them too short: you should still be able to see a bit of white. Avoid cutting away the corners to prevent ingrown nails.

The nurse or pediatrician will explain when you can take your baby outside, e.g. for a walk. Usually, you will be able to take your baby outside after the first check-up in the outpatient clinic or about two weeks after you go home from the hospital. It is very important to keep your baby warm. Taking your baby home by car? Make sure to use an approved car seat. 

You have chosen to breastfeed or formula-feed your baby, or both.

• Click here for more information and advice on breastfeeding.
• Click here for more information and advice on formula.

For questions about feeding your baby after you go home from the hospital, ask a children’s nurse at the child health centre or aftercare centre. Question about breastfeeding? Your midwifery agency can put you in touch with a lactation consultant. You can also visit www.nvlborstvoeding.nl or put your question to a La Leche League volunteer.

Breastfed babies need vitamin D and K, as these vitamins are not present in high levels in breast milk.

• Start giving vitamin D and K when your baby is 8 days old.
• You can buy vitamin D and K at the supermarket or chemist.
• Give the vitamin drops with a spoon before you feed your baby.

Vitamin dosage instructions

• Vitamin K: For the first 4 months, give your baby the number of drops specified on the packaging. Give the drops all at once, using a spoon. Always check the packaging for advice on how to give the vitamin.
• Vitamin D: Give you baby 10 drops every day until they are 5 years old. Give the drops all at once, using a spoon. Always check the packaging for advice on how to give the vitamin.

Formula-fed babies need vitamin D, which is not present in formula. Vitamin dosage instructions for formula-fed babies.

• Vitamin D: Give your baby 5 drops a day until they are 5 years old. Give the drops all at once, using a spoon.
  
  

Everyone in the Netherlands is required to have health insurance, including your child. You do not have to pay a contribution for your child. Register your child with your health insurer within four months of their birth. If you register your child after this date, you will have to pay for healthcare costs yourself.

Your child needs an ID to make an appointment in the hospital, e.g. if they have an appointment at the outpatient clinic or if they need to be admitted to hospital. This is because we need to claim the cost of treatment from a health insurer. You need a DigiD to log in to the MijnRivas client portal. In this portal, you can access your child’s medical record. For more information about the client portal, click here.

If you have any questions after reading this information or after you are discharged from hospital, feel free to ask the nurse. Within 72 hours of discharge from hospital, call the Beatrix Birth and Child Centre (child and adolescent unit) on 0183 64 44 65. After 72 hours, call your GP with any questions.