Practical But Weird Newborn Questions You Are Afraid to Ask (But Should!)

Welcoming a new baby home is magical, but let's be honest: it's also confusing, messy, and sometimes downright weird. At The Jacksonville Baby Company, we're all about giving you real answers to the real (and sometimes awkward) questions every new parent secretly wants to ask. We're here to validate your experience, ease your worries, and make sure you feel confident and supported every step of the way. Let’s jump right in!

The most common newborn questions you are afraid to ask:

How often do I really need to bathe my newborn?

Short answer? Not every day! In fact, bathing your newborn two to three times a week is usually plenty. Over-bathing can actually dry out their delicate skin. In between baths, you can do "top and tail" cleanings — gently wiping their face, neck folds, hands, and diaper area with a soft cloth and warm water. I like to do quick "bird baths" for newborns on days in between baths.

Pro Tip from The Jacksonville Baby Company: Babies are super-duper slippery when wet! Silence your phone, stay calm, always keep one hand on baby when they are in the bath, and put everything within arm's reach before you begin.

Is it normal to still look pregnant weeks after giving birth?

Absolutely. Most people are surprised (and sometimes disheartened) to find that their belly doesn't "bounce back" immediately after birth. Your uterus takes around 6-8 weeks to shrink back to its normal size. Plus, your body is adjusting from months of growing a human — give yourself time (at least 40 weeks), grace, and lots of love. After all you created an entire human from scratch!

Real Talk: Healing isn’t linear, and "pre-baby body" expectations are unrealistic for most moms. Focus on feeling nourished, rested, strong, and supported — the rest will follow.

How do I clean baby boys vs. baby girls during diaper changes?

Great question! For baby girls, always wipe front to back to avoid transferring bacteria. For baby boys, gently clean around (but don't pull back) the foreskin if they are intact, like wiping a finger. If circumcised, follow your pediatrician’s aftercare instructions until healed.

Heads Up: Baby boys (and girls too) can surprise you with "sprinkler" moments during diaper changes. Keep a clean diaper or cloth ready to shield yourself!

Do I have to entertain my newborn? What if I'm bored?

No, you don't have to entertain your newborn like a mini cruise director. For the first few months, your baby’s "activities" mainly involve eating, sleeping, and simply soaking in the world around them. Gentle talking, singing, or just holding them and making some eye contact is plenty.

Permission Slip: It's normal (and okay!) to feel bored sometimes. Loving your baby and enjoying every single moment are not the same thing. You're still an amazing parent.

How do I deal with all the unwanted advice and visitors?

It’s tough when well-meaning friends and family crowd your space or offer outdated (or just plain wrong) advice. Setting boundaries is healthy and necessary. Honestly, there is no time like NOW as a new parent to get use to the idea or holding boundaries. You can blame your postpartum doula if you need to! (Seriously, we don’t mind.) A simple, "We're following our pediatrician's advice and (doing x, y, and z) keeping visits short right now" usually does the trick.

Jacksonville Baby Company Tip: Create a "newborn visiting policy" ahead of time. Include handwashing, no kissing baby’s face, and short visit durations. Communicate it kindly but firmly. For client's we provide you will a Welcome Packet that includes a thorough postpartum plan and these tips and printables inside!

How often should my newborn really poop (and what should it look like)?

In the early days, newborns can poop after almost every feeding — that's totally normal! Breastfed babies especially might have frequent, seedy, mustard-yellow poops. Formula-fed babies usually have fewer bowel movements, but they’re still soft and easy to pass.

Expect at least 3-4 good-sized poops a day once your milk comes in, but don't panic if it's more (or a little less) as long as baby is gaining weight and seems content. Color and texture will change too — from thick and tarry (meconium) to lighter and looser stools as days go on.

Helpful Visual Guide:

• Meconium (first poop): Black, sticky, tar-like

• Transition stool (days 3-5): Greenish brown, less sticky

• Breastfed baby poop: Mustard yellow, seedy, loose

• Formula-fed baby poop: Tan to brown, more formed but still soft

Important: If you notice very pale, white, or red-streaked stools, call your pediatrician. Trust your instincts — weird baby poop questions are totally fair game!

Closing Thoughts

At The Jacksonville Baby Company, we believe there's no such thing as a silly question — just parents doing their absolute best for their babies. Our team of experienced postpartum and infant care specialists are here to help you navigate every weird, wonderful moment with confidence and compassion.

Need help settling in at home with your new baby? Connect with us today and feel the difference expert care makes right here in Jacksonville, Florida!

Authored by Elizabeth Luke

Elizabeth is the founder and CEO of The Jacksonville Baby Company. Elizabeth and her husband and best friend, Richard are parents to four children. With certifications in Postpartum and Infant Care Support, Childbirth and Newborn Care Education, Lactation Support, and Infant Sleep, Elizabeth is a wealth of knowledge and has a heart for helping parents live their best lives while also ensuring their children are safe, happy, and leading their healthiest lives possible! Contact us today to invest in your motherhood journey!