As the arrival of your little one approaches, it’s natural to focus on last-minute preparations and the big day itself. But don’t overlook the basics of newborn care! From those first moments in the hospital to the initial days at home, here’s what you need to know to make the transition as smooth as possible.
Preparing to Head Home
The moment has finally arrived—you’re bringing your baby home! But before you head out the hospital door, there are a few essential things to keep in mind.
Dressing Your Baby
Choosing your baby’s first outfit is exciting, but simplicity is key. A comfortable onesie or footie, a hat, and socks will do the job. “Parents often overdress their baby,” says Suzanne Clinton, BSN, RN, from Banner Desert Medical Center. “Babies generally need one more layer of clothing than adults.” If it’s cold outside, use a blanket to keep your newborn warm in the car seat. However, avoid strapping your baby in while wearing bulky clothing, as it can compress in a crash, leaving room for them to shift.
Getting Home Safely
Your baby’s first car ride is a milestone, but safety comes first. Ensure your car seat is rear-facing, properly installed, and placed in the back seat. The chest clip should be level with your baby’s armpits and the straps snug. “It’s best to have the car seat installed before the baby is born,” Clinton advises. Some parents wait until the last minute, which can lead to unnecessary stress. Many local police and fire stations offer free car seat inspections, so take advantage of this service.
Choosing a Pediatrician
Before leaving the hospital, you’ll need to have a pediatrician lined up. Your baby’s first check-up usually happens within a few days of birth, so it’s wise to have a pediatrician ready. “Most pediatricians offer a free meet-and-greet,” Clinton says. “Use this opportunity to find a doctor whose philosophy and personality align with your family’s needs.”
Knowing the Basics of Newborn Care
Caring for a newborn can be overwhelming, but a few basics will help you navigate those early days. Prepare yourself for a cycle of sleep, feeding, diaper changes, and yes, more sleep!
Sleep Patterns
Newborns often sleep more than you might expect—up to 20 hours a day during the first few weeks. Dr. Sara Siddiqui, MD, FAAP, from Hassenfeld Children’s Hospital, explains, “Newborns may sleep up to 22 hours a day.” Ensure your baby’s sleeping area is safe, with a crib or bassinet free of toys, blankets, and pillows.
Feeding Your Newborn
New parents often worry about how much their newborn should eat. Babies have tiny stomachs, so they need to eat frequently. If breastfeeding, feed on demand—this could be up to 12 times a day. Bottle-feeding with breast milk or formula usually requires 2 to 4 ounces every two to four hours. Your pediatrician will monitor your baby’s growth to ensure they’re on track. It’s normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first week due to birth-related swelling. Most regain their birth weight within a week or two.
Diaper Duty
Counting diapers is one way to gauge if your baby is eating enough. In the first week, the number of wet diapers should match your baby’s age in days. After day six, expect six to eight wet diapers daily. The number of dirty diapers varies, especially between breastfed and formula-fed babies, but typically expect at least one stool a day in the first few days, increasing to three to four times daily for breastfed infants.
Crying and Comforting
Crying is your baby’s primary way of communicating. They might be hungry, tired, too warm, or uncomfortable. As you get to know your baby, you’ll begin to understand what different cries mean. It’s normal for new parents to feel overwhelmed by crying, but remember never to shake your baby in frustration. If you need a moment, place your baby in a safe spot and step away to calm down.
Caring for the Umbilical Cord
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will still be healing when you come home. Keep it dry, and give your baby sponge baths until it falls off. Fold the diaper away from the stump to prevent irritation, and it should fall off naturally in about seven to ten days.
Venturing Outside
Taking your newborn outside can be nerve-wracking, especially with their developing immune system. It’s fine to go for a walk in an open area like a park, but avoid crowded indoor spaces like malls for the first six to eight weeks. If you need to take public transportation, try to choose less crowded times.
Managing Visitors
Everyone will be eager to meet your baby, but it’s wise to limit visitors in the first few weeks. Ensure that anyone who does visit washes their hands thoroughly and avoids kissing the baby. Children under five, except for siblings, should also be kept at a distance to minimize germ exposure. It’s also a good idea to check that visitors are up-to-date on their vaccinations, particularly for whooping cough and measles.
Baby Acne and Cradle Cap
It’s common for newborns to develop baby acne or cradle cap. Both conditions are usually temporary and don’t require treatment. Baby acne will clear up on its own—just avoid picking at it to prevent infection. Cradle cap, which appears as scaly patches on the scalp, will also resolve with time. If these conditions worsen, consult your pediatrician.
Crossed Eyes
Newborns often appear cross-eyed because their eyes aren’t fully coordinated yet. This is normal, as their vision is still developing. If this persists, your pediatrician will assess for lazy eye around six months of age.
When to Call the Doctor
As a new parent, it can be difficult to know what’s normal and what’s not. Don’t hesitate to call your pediatrician if you’re unsure. However, certain symptoms should prompt an immediate call to the doctor. Keep an eye out for yellowing of the skin or eyes, which could indicate jaundice.
