baby · newborn · Parents Q & A · Soothing ·Sep 18, 2025

Parent's Hub: Parent's Top Questions with Answers

Welcome to our cozy little corner of the internet, designed just for you—the wonderful, weary, and endlessly curious parents! We know that sometimes, a simple question can lead you down a late-night rabbit hole of search results. That’s why we’ve gathered some of the most-asked questions and provided a little GooseWaddle wisdom to help you along. Think of this as your gentle guide through the beautiful, messy, and absolutely magical journey of parenthood.

Newborns & Infants (0-6 Months)

Q: How do I know if my newborn is getting enough to eat? A: The best clues are in their diaper. Look for 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 bowel movements per day after the first week. A content baby who is gaining weight steadily is usually a well-fed baby.
Q: Why does my baby grunt, squirm, and make so much noise while sleeping? A: Newborns are just learning how to use their digestive systems, which can be a noisy process. These little grunts and wiggles are very common and don't necessarily mean they're in pain.
Q: What is the best way to soothe a fussy baby? A: The "Five S's" are a great place to start: swaddling, side/stomach position (for comforting, not sleeping!), shushing, swinging, and sucking. Find what works best for your little one—each baby is unique!
Q: When should I start tummy time? A: You can start tummy time from day one! Begin with just a few minutes, 2-3 times a day. Place them on your chest or lap if a flat surface feels too overwhelming at first.
Q: How can I tell if my baby is overtired? A: Look for signs like yawning, rubbing their eyes, a glazed-over stare, or getting very fussy and difficult to soothe. A happy baby is a well-rested baby.
Q: What's the deal with "witching hour"? A: Many babies experience a period of intense fussiness in the late afternoon or evening. It’s a very common developmental phase, and it helps to have a calm routine, like a warm bath, gentle massage, and swaddling.
Q: My baby has a flat spot on their head. Should I be worried? A: It’s called plagiocephaly and it's quite common. Make sure your baby gets plenty of supervised tummy time and vary their head position when they are awake. Talk to your pediatrician for personalized advice.

Sleep & Schedules

Q: When will my baby sleep through the night? A: Every baby is different! Some may start sleeping longer stretches around 3-4 months, while others take longer. Focus on creating a consistent bedtime routine—it's the most loving gift you can give them.
Q: How do I establish a good bedtime routine? A: Start with a predictable sequence of calming activities about 20-30 minutes before bed. Think a warm bath, putting on pajamas, a gentle song or book, and a goodnight kiss. Consistency is key!
Q: What is a wake window? A: A wake window is the amount of time your baby can comfortably stay awake between naps. For newborns, it's often just 45-60 minutes. Keeping an eye on these helps prevent over-tiredness.
Q: My baby is 4 months old and suddenly waking up all the time. What's going on? A: This is likely the "4-month sleep regression." It's a developmental leap where their sleep patterns are maturing. Be consistent with your routine and be gentle with yourself during this temporary phase.

Feeding & Solids

Q: When can I introduce solid foods to my baby? A: The general recommendation is around 6 months of age. Look for signs of readiness: they can sit up with support, have good head control, and show an interest in what you're eating.
Q: What are the best first foods for a baby? A: Start with single-ingredient, puréed foods like sweet potato, avocado, banana, or iron-fortified baby cereal. Introduce one new food every few days to watch for any reactions.
Q: How much water should my baby drink? A: Babies under 6 months do not need water. Breast milk or formula provides all the hydration they need. You can introduce a few sips of water once they start solids.
Q: My baby is a picky eater. How can I help? A: Keep mealtimes positive and pressure-free. Continue to offer a variety of foods, even if they've rejected them before. It can take many tries for a child to accept a new flavor.

Health & Development

Q: When should my baby start rolling over? A: Most babies start rolling from their tummy to their back between 4-6 months, and from back to tummy a bit later. Regular tummy time will help them build the necessary strength.
Q: What are the signs of teething? A: Look for drooling, red cheeks, irritability, and a desire to chew on everything! A gentle gum massage or a cool teether can offer some comfort.
Q: What is a fever in a baby, and when should I call the doctor? A: For babies under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher warrants an immediate call to the doctor. For older babies, consider their behavior and other symptoms. Always trust your gut!
Q: How do I childproof my home? A: Get down on their level! Crawl around your home to see what they see. Cover outlets, secure furniture to the wall, and use cabinet locks. Safety first, always.
Q: When can my baby sit in a high chair? A: When they can sit up on their own, with minimal to no support. This usually happens around 6 months, when they are ready to start solids.
Q: My baby is obsessed with putting everything in their mouth. Is this normal? A: Absolutely! This is how babies explore their world. They are learning about different textures and shapes. Just ensure all objects are safe and not a choking hazard.

Toddlers (12+ Months)

Q: My toddler is having temper tantrums. What can I do? A: Acknowledge their big feelings and stay calm. Offer a hug and a simple phrase like, “I see you’re frustrated.” Redirect their attention when they're ready. Check out GooseWaddle’s board books that help kids understand big emotions and how to best deal with them (bonus…adorable matching plush companions are available as well!).
Q: When should I start potty training? A: Look for signs of readiness, not age. Are they showing interest in the potty? Can they pull their pants up and down? Are they staying dry for longer periods?
Q: How can I handle separation anxiety? A: Keep goodbyes brief and positive. Tell them you’ll be back and create a consistent goodbye routine, like a special wave or hug. Trust that they will be okay and you will too.
Q: What's the best way to encourage a toddler’s language development? A: Talk to them! Narrate your day, read books together, and sing songs. Respond to their babbles and gestures as if they are a full conversation.
Q: My toddler won’t share. How do I teach them? A: Sharing is a learned skill that develops over time. Start by modeling sharing yourself and using phrases like, "In a minute, it will be your turn." Don’t force them to share—they’ll get there!
Q: What is "parallel play"? A: It's a normal stage where toddlers play side-by-side without much interaction. They are still learning how to socialize and it’s an important step toward cooperative play.

Got more questions? We’re always here to help. Feel free to reach out to us or consult with your pediatrician—the ultimate parenting pro!