Newborn Care Basics

Whether breastfeeding or formula feeding, your newborn will eat frequently, typically eight to twelve times in 24 hours. Newborns have tiny stomachs and digest breast milk or formula quickly, necessitating frequent feedings around the clock.

Watch for feeding cues including rooting (turning toward anything that touches their cheek), bringing hands to mouth, sucking motions, and increased alertness. Crying is a late hunger cue, and it is easier to feed a calm baby.

If breastfeeding, ensure proper latch and positioning. Breast milk is produced on supply and demand, so frequent nursing builds adequate supply. If formula feeding, follow preparation instructions carefully and never dilute formula. Whether breast or bottle, burp your baby during and after feeds to release swallowed air.

Newborns sleep 16 to 17 hours per day but in short stretches of two to four hours. Their sleep cycles are shorter than adults, and they spend more time in light, easily-disrupted sleep. Day and night confusion is common initially.

Safe sleep practices reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface with a fitted sheet. The sleep space should be free of blankets, pillows, bumpers, and toys. Room sharing (but not bed sharing) for the first six months is recommended.

Keep the room at a comfortable temperature and dress your baby appropriately, avoiding overheating. A sleep sack or wearable blanket is safer than loose blankets. Never sleep with your baby on a couch or armchair.

You will change many diapers in these early weeks, up to ten to twelve per day. Clean your baby thoroughly with each change, wiping front to back for girls to prevent infection. Allow the diaper area to air dry when possible and use barrier cream to prevent diaper rash.

The umbilical cord stump typically falls off within one to three weeks. Keep it clean and dry, folding the diaper below it to expose it to air. Sponge bathe your baby until the stump falls off. Do not pull on the stump even if it seems ready to detach.

Signs of cord infection requiring medical attention include redness spreading around the base, foul-smelling discharge, or bleeding beyond slight oozing. A small amount of blood when the cord falls off is normal.

Newborns do not need daily baths. Two to three sponge baths per week until the cord falls off, then tub baths two to three times weekly, are sufficient. Over-bathing can dry out your baby's sensitive skin.

Gather all supplies before starting: warm water, washcloth, mild baby soap, towel, clean diaper, and clothes. Never leave your baby unattended near water, even for a moment. Keep one hand on your baby at all times during the bath.

Newborn skin is sensitive and may have normal variations including dry or peeling skin, baby acne, and milia (tiny white bumps). Use fragrance-free products designed for babies. Avoid lotions and powders in most cases unless recommended by your pediatrician.

Normal newborn behaviors can seem alarming if you do not know to expect them. Irregular breathing patterns including periodic breathing (pauses of up to 20 seconds) are normal in newborns. Sneezing and hiccups are common and help clear nasal passages.

Newborns startle easily, often flinging their arms out (Moro reflex). They may have jerky, uncoordinated movements since their nervous system is immature. Crossed eyes are normal before three months as eye muscles strengthen.

Crying is your baby's primary communication. Common causes include hunger, need for diaper change, tiredness, overstimulation, gas, or simply wanting to be held. Sometimes babies cry for no identifiable reason. Holding, swaddling, gentle motion, white noise, and sucking (pacifier or nursing) often soothe a crying baby.