The arrival of your newborn baby is an exciting and amazing time. As you get to know your little one and adjust to life as a new parent, there is a lot to learn about caring for an infant. While every child is unique, there are some universal tips and information that can help you feel more prepared and confident during the newborn stage.

This article will cover 10 key things you should know about feeding, sleeping, development, safety, and more when it comes to welcoming your bundle of joy home.

Feeding Your Newborn

One of the most important jobs you have as a new parent is making sure your baby is properly fed. Whether you choose to breastfeed or formula feed, having the right information can help ensure your child gets the nutrition they need in those critical early months.

Breastfeeding vs. Formula Feeding

This is a very personal decision based on your preferences and circumstances. Both breast milk and formula can provide complete nutrition. Here are some factors to consider:

• Benefits of breastfeeding: Breastmilk provides ideal nutrition and contains antibodies that boost your baby’s immune system. It’s easier to digest, so may reduce fussiness. Breastfeeding releases hormones that promote bonding between mom and baby. It’s free and convenient – no bottles to wash or formula to purchase.
• How to establish a good breastfeeding routine: It can take some time for both baby and mom to get the hang of breastfeeding. Expect to feed 8-12 times per day in the early weeks. Ensure proper latch by bringing baby to breast with a wide open mouth. Schedule lactation consultant visits if needed. Be patient through growth spurts.
• Tips for bottle feeding with formula: Choose an infant formula and pick a system like ready-to-feed bottles, powder, or liquid concentrate. Follow instructions closely when preparing and storing bottles. Test temperature before feeding. Try different nipple flows if the baby seems frustrated. Burp halfway through feeds.

No matter how you choose to feed your infant, one of the best gifts you can give your new arrival is nutrition and nourishment. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from lactation consultants, your pediatrician, or other moms.

Feeding Schedules and Cues

New parents often wonder if they should follow a strict feeding schedule or just feed on demand. Here are some tips:

• Feed on demand rather than strict schedules: Let your baby’s hunger cues guide when to feed rather than the clock. This ensures baby gets enough milk as appetite increases. Crying is a late hunger cue – learn early signs like smacking lips.
• Look for early hunger cues: Babies first show signs like increased alertness, rooting, and mouthing hands. Crying tends to come later after other cues have been missed. Ideal to start feeding at first signs of readiness.
• Expect 8-12 feeds per day: Newborns need to eat frequently. For breastfed babies, aim for 8-12 feedings daily or whenever the baby shows interest. Bottle-fed infants may take less but larger volumes per feed.

As you get to know your baby’s patterns, feeds will start to fall into a loose routine. However, avoiding strict scheduling allows you to adapt to growth spurts and changing needs.

Proper Latching and Positioning

A good latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding. Here are some tips for proper technique:

• Get comfortable and supported: Sit upright in a chair or propped up in bed. Use pillows under the elbow and behind the back. Relax shoulders and bring baby to breast level – avoid hunching over.
• Aim for a wide open mouth: Lightly tickle lips to encourage mouth opening. Pull the baby straight on the chest for optimal head tilt. Target a mouth wide over the areola, not just the tip.
• Readjust if feed seems painful: Pain is a sign of improper latch. Break the suction gently with a finger. Reposition nipple deeper and rotate the baby slightly for a new attempt.
• Consult lactation specialists: Meet with one within days of birth and anytime thereafter if struggling with latch or discomfort. Getting positioned correctly is key.

Don’t hesitate to ask the nurses for help establishing that first latch while still in the hospital. A good experience in those early feeds will set you up for success.

Newborn Sleep Patterns

In the first few months of life, expect a baby’s sleep cycles to be quite different from older children or adults. Being prepared for the unique newborn sleep rhythms can prevent worry about whether the baby is getting adequate rest.

Short Sleep Cycles

Newborns typically sleep a total of 14-17 hours per day but only take short naps of 1-2 hours before waking again. Here’s what to expect:

• Sleep in 1-3 hour increments: Total sleep is plentiful but broken up. As the baby’s sleep cycles mature, naps will lengthen. Don’t try to force longer stretches.
• Be prepared for night wakings: For night feedings every 2-3 hours at first. Gradually space out as the baby takes more volume at each feed. Sleeping through the night comes later.
• Swaddling can help: Mimic the coziness of the womb. Prevents startling awake. Allows some longer stretches but doesn’t eliminate night wakings.

Frequent wakings can be tiring for parents. But rest assured this slapdash pattern is developmentally normal and will improve over the first few months.

Creating Day/Night Routines

As baby matures, their biological clock starts to recognize the difference between night and day. Here are some tips to help encourage longer night time sleep:

• Encourage daytime alertness: More activity during daylight hours helps baby recognize day vs. night. Talk, sing, read books, provide tummy time.
• Keep feedings business-like at night: Avoid stimulation by keeping lights dim with limited talking or eye contact during night feeds.
• Put baby down drowsy but awake: Allows baby to learn to self soothe without being rocked fully to sleep. Aim for consistent nap/bedtimes.

Setting good sleep habits now pays off down the road. But be patient – it takes weeks or months to make progress synchronizing with the circadian rhythms.

Safe Sleep Practices

Creating a safe sleep environment is crucial for your newborn, both for naps and at nighttime. Follow these recommendations:

• Place baby alone on their back: Share a room but not the same bed. Back sleeping reduces SIDS risk. Use a firm, safety-approved crib mattress.
• Avoid soft bedding: No pillows, blankets, bumper pads, or plush toys which can impair breathing. Swaddle instead.
• Choose sleepwear carefully: Use sleep sacks instead of loose blankets. Make sure baby’s head remains uncovered.
• Room sharing recommended: Having baby sleep in your room but in their own crib for the first 6-12 months is associated with lower SIDS rates.
• Check safety standards: Ensure all nursery products from cribs to swings meet current CPSC safety standards and have not been recalled.

Your baby will outgrow the strict safe sleep rules eventually. But following best practices in the vulnerable early months helps protect your precious little one.

Crying and Comforting Your Newborn

Fussiness and crying are part of normal newborn behavior. Understanding the common reasons babies cry along with effective soothing techniques will help you feel empowered responding to your infant.

Decoding Your Baby’s Cries

Babies cry for different reasons. Learning to recognize your baby’s cries can help you respond appropriately.

• Hunger: Short, low-pitched cry. May smack lips. Calms when fed.
• Tiredness: Crying with eye rubbing, yawning. Try swaddling and white noise.
• Discomfort: Sudden, shrieking wail. Check diaper, burp, or reposition.
• Overstimulation: Arched back, flushed face. Lower lights and noise, offer pacifier.

Try not to become frustrated. With time you’ll learn to interpret your baby’s cries based on the intensity, timing, and associated behaviors.

Colic

Colic is intense, inconsolable crying in otherwise healthy babies that peaks in the evening and lasts for hours. Symptoms start at 2-3 weeks and improve after 12 weeks. It is not your fault and does not indicate poor parenting.

• Try remedies like swaddling, white noise, swing naps, baby carriers, and soothing rides in the car. Sometimes nothing relieves a colicky baby – and that’s normal.
• Consult your pediatrician if concerning or causes caregiver distress. Medication is rarely needed but rule out other issues.
• Take breaks when needed. It’s OK to set baby in a safe place like the crib and take time to regroup when you’ve hit your limit. Self-care helps prevent burnout.

While extremely challenging, rest assured that colic does eventually pass. Support and patience gets parents through this difficult period.

The Period of PURPLE Crying

Many babies go through a phase of frustrated crying that peaks around 6-8 weeks then improves by 3-4 months. Experts call this the Period of PURPLE Crying:

• Peak pattern – crying peaks around 2 months then eases up
• Unpredictable – crying for no apparent reason
• Resistant to soothing – continues despite your best efforts
• Pain-like look – a distressed facial expression during outbursts
• Late afternoon/evening cluster – occurs more in late day/early evening
• Extended duration – crying bouts last over an hour

This is a normal phase driven by baby’s developing nervous system. Respond with loving comfort but avoid feelings of frustration or failure if baby remains inconsolable.

Newborn Development

In the first weeks and months, you will witness your newborn master many exciting developmental milestones. These include motor, sensory, social, and communication skills.

Milestones in the First Months

Here are some milestones to look for in your baby’s first months:

• Fixates on faces and objects 8-12 inches away – their initial eyesight range. Provide high contrast toys.
• Learns to settle when being held and comforted – feels secure with your support.
• Begins cooing and smiling – first social communication!
• Startle reflex fades – they learn to self-calm when stimulated.
• Head control improves – they hold head up briefly when on tummy, can turn head side to side.
• Holds objects placed in hand – discovers their hands through touch.
• Holds head up 90 degrees when on tummy – building strength through tummy time.
• Begins swiping at and eventually grasping toys – eye-hand coordination emerging.

It’s amazing to witness your baby gain new abilities almost daily in their first few months. Keep notes on these exciting milestones.

Tummy Time

Placing your baby on their tummy when awake and supervised helps build neck, shoulder and trunk strength needed for key milestones like rolling over, sitting up, and crawling.

• Start with just a few minutes once or twice a day. Increase as baby shows they enjoy the activity. Place toys nearby to swipe at.
• Lay on a firm surface – blanket on floor, play mat or your chest. Always supervise.
• Try tummy to tummy – lay facing baby so they are motivated to lift their head to see you.

Don’t worry if they fuss at first. Given frequent practice, babies quickly adapt to tummy time and it becomes an important part of their routine.

Tracking Growth

Frequent weight checks and measurements ensure your baby is growing well and allow early intervention if any issues emerge. Here’s what to expect at routine well visits:

• 1 week visit: The pediatrician will check baby’s weight, length, and head circumference. Discuss breastfeeding progress and jaundice.
• 1 month visit: Same measurements and milestone check. May give first immunizations. Talk about sleep and fussiness issues.
• 2 month visit: Growth measurements and vaccines. Discuss sleep, feeds, development. Check vision and hip joints.

Don’t hesitate to discuss any concerns like poor weight gain, developmental delays, persistent reflux or colic at these crucial well visits. Monitoring growth allows your pediatrician to spot problems early.

Newborn Health and Safety

In addition to nutrition, proper hygiene, health practices, and safety steps help keep your baby thriving.

Bathing and Grooming

Newborn skin is delicate and baths are not needed daily at first. Start with sponge baths and limit immersion until the umbilical cord falls off around 1-4 weeks.

• Wash skin folds thoroughly. Use damp cloth to clean under neck, arms and diaper area where milk or urine can collect.
• Trim nails frequently. Newborns have sharp little nails that tend to scratch. Use baby clippers or baby nail file weekly.
• Care for any skin irritation. Use barrier cream on rashes. Allow wet skin to air dry fully after washing.
• Handle baby gently. Their young bones are fragile. Support head during baths. Careful when cleaning delicate genital areas.

Caring for your baby’s hygiene needs provides bonding time. You’ll quickly become an expert at diapering, dressing, grooming and soothing your little one.

Recognizing Illness

While worrying about every sneeze is normal, learn to spot true signs of illness that warrant medical attention.

• Take temperature rectally if fever is suspected. Fevers warrant caution in infants under 3 months. Call doctor if over 100.4°F.
• Look for signs of respiratory distress: labored, rapid or wheezy breathing, coughing, nasal congestion or discharge.
• Trust your instincts if baby seems unwell. You know your child best. Better to have doctor examine than miss something serious.

Your pediatrician will educate you about responding to illnesses, whether managing at home or seeking urgent care. Don’t delay getting medical advice.

Babyproofing Your Home

Creating a safe environment allows your baby to explore while minimizing harm once mobility increases. Key tips:

• Install safety devices on cabinets, drawers, toilets. Use corner guards and edge bumpers. Cover outlets.
• Keep small objects out of reach. Small items are choking hazards. Mount TVs securely.
• Check CPSC recalls for nursery items from cribs to baby carriers and swings. Remove any hazardous products.

You’ll likely need to re-babyproof as your child becomes increasingly mobile. For now, focus on safety in main areas like the nursery, living spaces and kitchen.

FAQs:

How much should a newborn eat?

For breastfed babies, allow your infant to nurse on demand to get the milk volume they need. Expect 8-12 feedings or more daily in the early weeks. Bottle-fed babies may take 2-3 ounces per feeding to start, increasing ounce per day until taking 4-5 ounces at a time.

How do I burp my newborn?

Try burping halfway through a feeding and at the end. Gently rest baby upright over your shoulder and pat or rub their back. Alternate patting with gentle circular rubbing until you hear a good burp. Using a burp cloth under baby’s mouth helps catch any spit up.

What temperature should a house be for a newborn?

Ideal room temperature for a newborn is 68-72°F. Dress your baby in one more layer than you are wearing to avoid chilling or overheating. Place a fan nearby rather than bundling baby if they feel hot.

How do I know if my newborn is getting enough breastmilk?

Signs baby is getting sufficient milk include: hearing swallowing sounds during feeds, 6 or more wet diapers daily, soft and seedy yellow bowel movements, alertness, and steady weight gain verified at pediatrician visits. Consult a lactation consultant if concerned.

When can a newborn use a pacifier?

Introducing a pacifier is fine after breastfeeding is well established, usually around 3-4 weeks old. Don’t force it if baby resists. Limit pacifier to naps and bedtime, avoiding overuse that can interfere with consistent feeding times or reduce interest in breast.

Conclusion

The first weeks and months with your newborn will be filled with ups and downs. Don’t hesitate to rely on your medical providers, family, and community for advice and support. With time you’ll gain confidence in caring for your baby and delight in getting to know your little one’s unique personality. Trust your instincts and enjoy this precious period of your life as a new family.