Newborn Care: A Complete Guide for New Parents
The
first weeks and months with a newborn can be both exciting and challenging.
Proper newborn care is essential to help babies thrive. This guide covers all
the basics for caring for your precious little one.
- Feeding
Your Newborn
- Soothing
and Sleep
- Safety
and Preventing SIDS
- Newborn
Health and Checkups
- Developmental
Milestones
- Tips
for New Dads
- Frequently
Asked Questions
Feeding Your Newborn
Newborns
need to eat every 2-3 hours, ideally breastmilk or formula. Tips for successful
feeding include:
- Hold
baby close with head elevated
- Aim
nipple toward roof of mouth
- Alternate
sides for breastfeeding
- Burp
baby halfway through feeding
Soothing and Sleep
Ways
to soothe a fussy or crying newborn include:
- Rocking,
swinging, or holding baby close
- Soft
music, white noise, or humming
- Gentle
motion like a car ride or stroller
- Pacifiers
for nonsucking related fussiness
Newborns
sleep 14-17 hours a day. Help baby sleep by:
- Establishing
a calming bedtime routine
- Swaddling
- Putting
baby down drowsy but awake
- Using
a white noise machine
Safety and Preventing SIDS
Ways
to keep your newborn safe and reduce SIDS risk include:
- Place
baby on back to sleep in a crib, never on soft surfaces
- Keep
sleep area clear of toys and blankets
- Don't
smoke or allow smoking around baby
- Set
your home's water heater below 120°F
Newborn Health and Checkups
Newborns
see the pediatrician at:
- 3-5
days old
- At
1 month
- 2
months
- 4
months
- 6
months
Schedule
any missed well-child visits. Keep track of feedings and diaper changes to
discuss with doctor.
Developmental Milestones
In
the first months, babies will:
- Lift
their head briefly while on stomach
- Track
objects with their eyes
- Recognize
parents’ faces and voices
- Smile
and coo
- Grasp
a finger
Tips for New Dads
New
dads play a crucial role. Here are some tips:
- Help
care for and bond with baby
- Support
mom’s physical and emotional needs
- Learn
infant CPR and first aid
- Join
other new dad groups for support
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should a newborn eat?
Newborns
need 2-3 ounces every 2-3 hours, ideally breastmilk or formula.
How can I get my newborn to sleep
through the night?
Establish
a bedtime routine. Put baby down drowsy but awake. Expect wakeups for night
feedings.
What supplies do I need for a newborn?
Essentials
are diapers, wipes, clothes, crib, car seat, stroller, thermometer, baby wash,
and blankets.
How do I know if my newborn is getting
enough to eat?
Track
diapers. Expect 5-6 wet and 3-4 dirty per day. Note weight gain at checkups.
When can my newborn go out in public?
Experts
recommend waiting until 2 months for crowded indoor spaces. Take walks earlier.
