Newborn care tips for new parents

Bringing your new baby home is exciting. Whether it’s your first child or your fourth, it may also make you a bit nervous. Every little one is different, so baby care for new parents is an adventure every time.

Babies don’t come with instruction manuals. But if you know the baby care basics, you can figure out how to meet your child’s needs in no time. To help you during the first few months, Irene Wong, DO, an Atlantic Health family physician, offers insights on how to take care of a newborn.

The first few days: What to expect after birth

According to Dr. Wong, your baby will do three main things for the first several days after birth: sleep, eat and poop. Being born is tough work. To recover, your infant will snooze most of their first few days. They’ll wake up to eat several times during the day. Even though your child is eating, it’s normal for them to lose up to 10% of their body weight during their first week. They may take a week or so to rebound to their birth weight and continue growing.

You’re also going to go through lots of diapers. You can expect at least four wet diapers and one poopy diaper a day. Your baby’s first poop — called meconium — will happen within their first 24 to 48 hours. It will be greenish-black and look like tar. As they start to eat more, their poop turns yellow.

When your baby is awake, they may look around and clutch whatever touches their palms. It’s normal for them to sneeze and hiccup often. Remember your baby’s vision is blurry. They can best see things that are about 8 to 10 inches away.

Newborn sleep schedule and tips for better rest

Newborns need a lot of sleep, Dr. Wong says. Their bodies and brains develop quickly, and sleep supports that growth. During their first few months, your little one will sleep at least 14 to 17 hours a day. You can’t control how many hours they sleep. But you can take these steps to help them create a regular day-night sleep pattern over time:

• Keep naps to less than two hours during the day
• Try to keep them awake for 60 to 90 minutes at a time
• Wake them every two to three hours for feedings

There’s no such thing as a strict newborn sleep schedule. You can expect your baby to wake up early around 6:00 to 7:00am. Then, they’ll spend the rest of their day alternating between taking naps and waking up to eat. For newborns, bedtime is typically around 8:00pm. Plan for three additional nighttime feedings.

Your sleep matters, too. You need enough rest so you can take care of your newborn. Follow these tips to maximize your zzzs:

• Ask for help. Trusted friends and loved ones can watch your baby while you nap.
•  Let chores slide. The dishes will be there in the morning, and you can always sweep later.
• Practice good sleep hygiene. Avoid caffeine, put your phone away at night and try to stick to a sleep schedule.
• Put the crib close to your bed. It’s easier and faster to care for your baby and get back to sleep.
• Share nighttime feedings and diaper changes with your partner.
• Sleep when your little one does. Even 20 minutes here and there can help.

Feeding your newborn: How often, how much and when

Initially, you may feel like you’re feeding your baby all the time. A newborn’s stomach is roughly the size of their tiny fist. So, they must eat frequently — about an ounce of breastmilk or formula — every hour or two. Be careful not to overfeed your baby. That can lead to frequent spitting up or vomiting.

Your baby needs to eat between eight and 12 times in 24 hours. For newborns, on-demand feeding every two to three hours is best. Your baby will show you when they’re hungry. To feed them before they start to cry, Dr. Wong suggests watching for these hunger cues:

• Licking their lips
• Making sucking noises
• Putting their hands in their mouth
• Turning their head from side to side

Bathing, diapering and skin care: Baby care basics

For the first few days, sleeping and eating may be your child’s main activities. But they’ll also need baths and diaper changes.

Bathing: Being gentle is the key to bathing your newborn, Dr. Wong says. Never leave your baby alone during bathtime. Always check the water temperature before putting your baby in it. And keep baths short — around three to five minutes.

Give them a sponge bath until their umbilical cord stump falls off. This usually happens within the first week or two. For a sponge bath:

• Lay your baby on a towel.
• Use a soft washcloth, lukewarm water and mild soap.
• Wash their face, neck, behind the ears, the rest of their body and their diaper area last.
• Pat them dry with a soft towel.
• Put on a clean diaper and dress them.

Once their umbilical cord stump falls off, switch to a tub bath every few days:

• Fill a small tub with 1-2 inches of lukewarm water (around 95° to 100°F).
• Gently cradle your baby and place them in the water feet first.
• Use a soft washcloth and mild soap to wash them from head to toe, ending with their diaper area.
• Pat them dry with a soft towel.
• Put on a clean diaper and dress them.

Diapering: To prevent diaper rash, change your baby’s diaper every two to three hours. Before you start, get all your supplies ready. You will need a clean diaper, wipes and diaper cream. Wash your hands, then follow these newborn diapering tips:

• Undo the tabs to open the dirty diaper.
• Lift their legs and use wipes to clean them from front to back.  
• Move the dirty diaper away and replace it with a clean one.
• Apply a thin layer of diaper cream to their clean skin.
• Pull the front of the clean diaper between your baby’s legs.
• Use the tabs to close and securely fasten it.
• Fold the dirty diaper into a tight bundle, throw it away and clean the diaper-changing surface.

It’s also important to protect your baby from the sun. Use umbrellas, stroller canopies or blankets to shield their skin. Dress them in hats and sun-protective clothing. Avoid sunscreen for babies under six months unless it’s necessary. If you must, use broad-spectrum sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Bonding with your baby: Emotional and physical connection

Bonding with your newborn starts immediately. From the moment you first hold them in your arms, you begin building a connection. It’s impossible to spoil a newborn infant. Hold them as much as possible. Comfort them when they cry. Soothe them when they’re upset.

Dr. Wong offers these additional tips on how to bond with your newborn:

• Cuddle your child
• Gently play during bathtime
• Make eye contact
• Read, sing and talk to your baby
• Try skin-to-skin contact
• Wear your baby in a carrier during daily activities

Common concerns and when to call a pediatrician

As a new parent, you’ll have many questions. When you do, don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician or family medicine doctor. In many cases, they have a nurse advice line dedicated to giving you the answers you need.

Some common concerns with newborns include:

• Digestive or feeding problems like colic (intense crying from gas pains), constipation or frequent spitting up
• Infections, including ear infections, respiratory viruses or thrush (a fungal infection in the mouth)
• Skin problems like jaundice (yellowing of the skin), peeling or rashes

Call your doctor immediately if your baby experiences:

• Bloody poop
• Fever over 100.3°F
• Lethargic, sluggish behavior
• Projectile vomiting
• Refusal to eat
• Seizure-like activity, including sudden shaking or jerking
• Swollen or sunken-in soft spot on their head

Newborn care guide: More questions from parents

Q: Can I give my baby water?

A: No, do not give your baby water. Water doesn’t contain nutrients, but it can take up space in your baby’s tiny stomach. Milk or formula should be their primary source of calories and nutrition.

Q: How should my baby sleep?

A: Even though co-sleeping can be tempting, your baby should have their own sleep space. To protect them, follow the ABCs of safe sleep: Alone, on their back and in a crib. Keep their face and nose uncovered and use a wearable blanket.

Q: Can I put soft toys or blankets in my baby’s crib?

A: Don’t place any loose material — blankets, comforters, loose sheets or stuffed animals — in your baby’s crib. They could possibly block your baby’s breathing when they sleep.

How Atlantic Health supports new parents

Welcoming a new little one changes your life. It can be exciting and overwhelming. Atlantic Health pediatricians and family medicine specialists are here to help you get used to your new normal. We’re ready to support you and your baby.

Need help as a new parent? Atlantic Health is here. Schedule a visit with a pediatrician. Register for a breastfeeding or parenting class. We have the resources you need.