Everything You've Wanted to Know About Taking Care of a Newborn Baby

 Every parent needs some help. Here's everything you need to know about your newborn baby, from sleeping and feeding to crying and pooping. You've no doubt been dreaming about your newborn baby for months: what they'll look like, what they'll sound like, and even what they'll feel like. But no matter how much you've prepared, you'll likely welcome tips for taking care of a newborn—especially if it's your first child. Newborn Feeding No matter how you feed your baby, there are some things to remember. Below are tips for breastfeeding and formula feeding in the early weeks. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding Nursing may be a natural phenomenon, but it can prove challenging at first. These strategies will help if you choose to breastfeed: Don't delay: If you can, try to nurse within an hour of delivery when your baby is most alert. This will also help your newborn adjust to the world, and they can bond with their new parent right away. Nurse on demand: Your new baby will help your body establish a robust milk supply through frequent nursing —so let your newborn feed whenever they want. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), newborns might want to eat every 1 to 3 hours during their first few days.2 "Frequent feeding helps increase your milk supply and gives your baby practice at sucking and swallowing," says the organization Get a proper latch: A proper latch helps prevent sore nipples for you and ensures enough milk for your baby. If you're unsure what this looks like, don't hesitate to ask a nurse, pediatrician, or lactation consultant. Ask for help: Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff. In addition to helping you get a proper latch, they can guide you in experimenting with different positions. Create a nursing nest: A comfy chair, pillows, footstool, and access to water and snacks can keep you supported and comfortable while you feed your baby. Eat and drink enough: While breastfeeding, you need an additional 300–400 calories per day.2 And since you are losing fluids while breastfeeding, drink at least eight glasses of water every day. Expressing breast milk If your baby has trouble latching and is not getting enough colostrum (early nutrient-dense breast milk), or you are separated after birth due to complications, you may choose to express breast milk in the first few days or even long-term. In some cases, parents choose to feed their newborns expressed colostrum with a spoon or syringe in the first few days of life. These methods can help you avoid nipple confusion in those early days should you wish to try nursing directly from the breast later on. Some pumping tips include: Parents

BABIES BABY SAFETY Everything You've Wanted to Know About Taking Care of a Newborn Baby Every parent needs some help. Here's everything you need to know about your newborn baby, from sleeping and feeding to crying and pooping. By Lisa Milbrand Updated on May 30, 2023 Medically reviewed by Wendy L. Hunter, M.D. In This Article VIEW ALL In This Article Visitors Clothing Car Safety Newborn Feeding Your Newborn's Body You've no doubt been dreaming about your newborn baby for months: what they'll look like, what they'll sound like, and even what they'll feel like. But no matter how much you've prepared, you'll likely welcome tips for taking care of a newborn—especially if it's your first child. Well, take heart. Lots of parents have been there, struggling to know how to care for their baby in those exciting but often challenging first weeks. If you're a new parent, keep reading our newborn baby care guide for advice on handling visitors, choosing clothing, navigating car seat safety, maintaining a feeding schedule, settling into a sleep routine, handling fevers, and more.

mother holding newborn baby GETTY IMAGES Visitors Family and friends will probably want to visit as soon as possible, but you may choose to keep them at bay for a while. That way, you can focus on spending time alone as a new family. Because a newborn is usually alert and receptive immediately after birth, it's the perfect time to bond, so look them in the eyes and talk to them. They know your voice from being with you throughout pregnancy and may find it soothing. Let the visitors come whenever you feel ready! Clothing A cute going-home outfit may be irresistible, but remember that babies can't regulate their body temperature until they're about 6 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies generally need one more layer of clothing than adults to be feel comfortable.1 Pack layers to be safe, and if you aren't sure about sizing, give yourself options with a NB size and a 0-3M size. We also recommend choosing clothes that are easy to put on. Don't forget the socks or booties, depending on the weather forecast, and consider brining a blanket to avoid the standard ones provided by the hospital. Check out the AAP website for more tips on dressing your newborn.

Baby Coming Home Outfit Ideas for Every Season Car Safety A few weeks before your due date, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website to ensure you install your chosen car seat properly. Alternately, you can call 866-SEAT-CHECK to locate a certified child passenger safety expert who can make sure the car seat is secured correctly in your vehicle. First, the basics, according to NHTSA:

The harness may not fit properly if your baby wears too much clothing. If it's cold out, put your baby in the seat first, buckle them in, then place a blanket on top. Puffy coats might loosen the harness, making the car seat less safe during a crash. The harness must be snug against the hips and shoulders. The chest clip should be level with your baby's armpits. The seat must be installed at an angle so the baby is semi-reclining; their head must not flop forward (see your car seat manufacturer instructions for details). Once you've installed the seat, push on it—hard. It shouldn't move more than an inch in any direction. How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child Newborn Feeding No matter how you feed your baby, there are some things to remember. Below are tips for breastfeeding and formula feeding in the early weeks. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding Nursing may be a natural phenomenon, but it can prove challenging at first. These strategies will help if you choose to breastfeed: Don't delay: If you can, try to nurse within an hour of delivery when your baby is most alert. This will also help your newborn adjust to the world, and they can bond with their new parent right away. Nurse on demand: Your new baby will help your body establish a robust milk supply through frequent nursing —so let your newborn feed whenever they want. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), newborns might want to eat every 1 to 3 hours during their first few days.2 "Frequent feeding helps increase your milk supply and gives your baby practice at sucking and swallowing," says the organization. Get a proper latch: A proper latch helps prevent sore nipples for you and ensures enough milk for your baby. If you're unsure what this looks like, don't hesitate to ask a nurse, pediatrician, or lactation consultant. Ask for help: Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff. In addition to helping you get a proper latch, they can guide you in experimenting with different positions. Create a nursing nest: A comfy chair, pillows, footstool, and access to water and snacks can keep you supported and comfortable while you feed your baby. Eat and drink enough: While breastfeeding, you need an additional 300–400 calories per day.2 And since you are losing fluids while breastfeeding, drink at least eight glasses of water every day.

How to Breastfeed: Nursing 101 Expressing breast milk If your baby has trouble latching and is not getting enough colostrum (early nutrient-dense breast milk), or you are separated after birth due to complications, you may choose to express breast milk in the first few days or even long-term. In some cases, parents choose to feed their newborns expressed colostrum with a spoon or syringe in the first few days of life. These methods can help you avoid nipple confusion in those early days should you wish to try nursing directly from the breast later on. Some pumping tips include:

Pick the pump that's best for you: For expressing colostrum, hand expressing can be especially effective. But as time passes, most parents who pump prefer manual hand pumps or electric pumps. Get support: Don't hesitate to request assistance from the hospital's lactation consultant; they may even be able to hook you up with a hospital-grade rental pump. Be patient and persistent: Like breastfeeding, pumping takes practice and will get easier with time should you choose to continue long-term. Also, pumping should not hurt; if it does, reposition or lower the suction and try again. Do your best to relax: Your milk ejection reflex is inhibited when you are tense or stressed, so try looking at your baby or distracting yourself with a TV show, guided meditation, or even a phone call with a friend. Store breast milk safely: According to the CDC, you should store pumped breast milk in food-grade containers.3 In addition, you can store freshly pumped breast milk for four hours at room temperature, four days in the fridge, and six-12 months in the freezer. If your baby does not finish the milk from a feeding, you can reuse it within two hours. Formula Feeding Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates formulas to ensure they're safe and contain the most essential nutrients, most commercial formulas are essentially the same. Ask a pediatrician if they recommend a formula with added iron, DHA, or other nutrients for your baby. Your choice of powder, liquid, or concentrate primarily boils down to issues of cost and convenience. In This Article Visitors Clothing Car Safety Newborn Feeding Your Newborn's Body You've no doubt been dreaming about your newborn baby for months: what they'll look like, what they'll sound like, and even what they'll feel like. But no matter how much you've prepared, you'll likely welcome tips for taking care of a newborn—especially if it's your first child. Well, take heart. Lots of parents have been there, struggling to know how to care for their baby in those exciting but often challenging first weeks. If you're a new parent, keep reading our newborn baby care guide for advice on handling visitors, choosing clothing, navigating car seat safety, maintaining a feeding schedule, settling into a sleep routine, handling fevers, and more.

mother holding newborn baby GETTY IMAGES Visitors Family and friends will probably want to visit as soon as possible, but you may choose to keep them at bay for a while. That way, you can focus on spending time alone as a new family. Because a newborn is usually alert and receptive immediately after birth, it's the perfect time to bond, so look them in the eyes and talk to them. They know your voice from being with you throughout pregnancy and may find it soothing. Let the visitors come whenever you feel ready!

Clothing A cute going-home outfit may be irresistible, but remember that babies can't regulate their body temperature until they're about 6 months old. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), babies generally need one more layer of clothing than adults to be feel comfortable.1 Pack layers to be safe, and if you aren't sure about sizing, give yourself options with a NB size and a 0-3M size. We also recommend choosing clothes that are easy to put on. Don't forget the socks or booties, depending on the weather forecast, and consider brining a blanket to avoid the standard ones provided by the hospital. Check out the AAP website for more tips on dressing your newborn.

Baby Coming Home Outfit Ideas for Every Season Car Safety A few weeks before your due date, check out the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) website to ensure you install your chosen car seat properly. Alternately, you can call 866-SEAT-CHECK to locate a certified child passenger safety expert who can make sure the car seat is secured correctly in your vehicle. First, the basics, according to NHTSA:

The harness may not fit properly if your baby wears too much clothing. If it's cold out, put your baby in the seat first, buckle them in, then place a blanket on top. Puffy coats might loosen the harness, making the car seat less safe during a crash. The harness must be snug against the hips and shoulders. The chest clip should be level with your baby's armpits. The seat must be installed at an angle so the baby is semi-reclining; their head must not flop forward (see your car seat manufacturer instructions for details). Once you've installed the seat, push on it—hard. It shouldn't move more than an inch in any direction. How to Choose the Right Car Seat for Your Child Newborn Feeding No matter how you feed your baby, there are some things to remember. Below are tips for breastfeeding and formula feeding in the early weeks. Breastfeeding and chestfeeding Nursing may be a natural phenomenon, but it can prove challenging at first. These strategies will help if you choose to breastfeed: Don't delay: If you can, try to nurse within an hour of delivery when your baby is most alert. This will also help your newborn adjust to the world, and they can bond with their new parent right away. Nurse on demand: Your new baby will help your body establish a robust milk supply through frequent nursing —so let your newborn feed whenever they want. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), newborns might want to eat every 1 to 3 hours during their first few days.2 "Frequent feeding helps increase your milk supply and gives your baby practice at sucking and swallowing," says the organization. Get a proper latch: A proper latch helps prevent sore nipples for you and ensures enough milk for your baby. If you're unsure what this looks like, don't hesitate to ask a nurse, pediatrician, or lactation consultant. Ask for help: Most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff. In addition to helping you get a proper latch, they can guide you in experimenting with different positions. Create a nursing nest: A comfy chair, pillows, footstool, and access to water and snacks can keep you supported and comfortable while you feed your baby. Eat and drink enough: While breastfeeding, you need an additional 300–400 calories per day.2 And since you are losing fluids while breastfeeding, drink at least eight glasses of water every day. How to Breastfeed: Nursing 101 Expressing breast milk If your baby has trouble latching and is not getting enough colostrum (early nutrient-dense breast milk), or you are separated after birth due to complications, you may choose to express breast milk in the first few days or even long-term. In some cases, parents choose to feed their newborns expressed colostrum with a spoon or syringe in the first few days of life. These methods can help you avoid nipple confusion in those early days should you wish to try nursing directly from the breast later on. Some pumping tips include: Pick the pump that's best for you: For expressing colostrum, hand expressing can be especially effective. But as time passes, most parents who pump prefer manual hand pumps or electric pumps. Get support: Don't hesitate to request assistance from the hospital's lactation consultant; they may even be able to hook you up with a hospital-grade rental pump. Be patient and persistent: Like breastfeeding, pumping takes practice and will get easier with time should you choose to continue long-term. Also, pumping should not hurt; if it does, reposition or lower the suction and try again. Do your best to relax: Your milk ejection reflex is inhibited when you are tense or stressed, so try looking at your baby or distracting yourself with a TV show, guided meditation, or even a phone call with a friend. Store breast milk safely: According to the CDC, you should store pumped breast milk in food-grade containers.3 In addition, you can store freshly pumped breast milk for four hours at room temperature, four days in the fridge, and six-12 months in the freezer. If your baby does not finish the milk from a feeding, you can reuse it within two hours. The Best Breast Pumps, Tested by Parents and Their Hungry Babies Formula Feeding Since the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates formulas to ensure they're safe and contain the most essential nutrients, most commercial formulas are essentially the same. Ask a pediatrician if they recommend a formula with added iron, DHA, or other nutrients for your baby. Your choice of powder, liquid, or concentrate primarily boils down to issues of cost and convenience. Fear of food allergies makes some parents reluctant to give their babies cow's milk-based formula. However, according to the American College of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, only 2% to 3% of children under 3 years old have a milk protein allergy. If your baby has a milk protein allergy or milk intolerance, a pediatrician may advise a hypoallergenic formula (in which milk proteins are broken down so they're more easily digested) or soy-based formula (which doesn't contain any milk protein). Keep these formula-feeding safety tips from the CDC in mind: If you want to heat the formula, do so under running warm water (being careful not to get water in the bottle) or with a bottle warmer. Never use a microwave, which can create dangerous hot spots. Check the temperature by putting a few drops of formula on the back of your hand. Use room-temperature formula within two hours; after that, the risk of bacteria growth increases, so you should discard it. Use refrigerated formula within 24 hours. Store containers of formula in a cool, dry place (not the freezer or refrigerator). Don't save any formula your baby leaves behind in the bottle; bacteria from their saliva can contaminate it. Use formula within one month of opening; never use after the "use-by" date on the packaging. Clean and sanitize all bottles and parts between feedings.