Feeding Essentials
Breastfeeding Basics
Latch support, hunger cues, and hydration tips to establish your milk supply in the first weeks.
Learn more →Formula & Bottle Feeding
Sterilizing bottles, mixing safely, and pacing feeds to help baby digest comfortably.
Learn more →Burping & Spit-Up
Positions that release trapped air and signs the pediatrician should evaluate regurgitation.
Learn more →Sleep & Soothing
- Newborns sleep 14–17 hours per day in short stretches—expect frequent waking for feeds.
- Always place baby on their back on a firm mattress with a fitted sheet only; skip pillows, blankets, and bumpers.
- Share a room (not a bed) for the first 6–12 months to lower the risk of SIDS.
- Watch sleepy cues (yawning, glazed eyes, sudden fussiness) and start nap routines before baby becomes overtired.
Newborn Care Calendar
Use this week-by-week roadmap to stay ahead of appointments, routines, and self-care tasks.
Week 1: Settle In
- Track feeds and diapers to share with the pediatrician at the first visit.
- Limit visitors so you can learn baby’s cues and focus on recovery.
- Schedule your postpartum check and confirm pediatric appointments.
Week 2: Find a Rhythm
- Add a daily walk or fresh-air break if cleared by your provider.
- Experiment with gentle tummy time for a few minutes on your chest or a mat.
- Rotate night shifts with a partner/support person to protect sleep.
Weeks 3–4: Build Confidence
- Introduce simple routines—feed, play, sleep—to spot patterns.
- Plan your first outing (pediatric visit, park stroll) with a stocked diaper bag.
- Review developmental questions for the next well-baby appointment.
Newborn Care Topics
Bringing Baby Home
Hospital discharge tips, car seats, and visitor boundaries for a calm homecoming.
Open guide →Medical Care & Vaccines
Scheduling checkups, understanding newborn screenings, and why vaccines matter early.
Open guide →Crying & Soothing
Normal cry patterns, colic coping ideas, and when to call the pediatrician.
Open guide →Growth & Development Snapshots
Growth
Expect a weight drop the first few days, then steady gains after your pediatrician confirms feeding is on track.
Development Checks
Doctors look for reflexes, movement symmetry, and responses to faces or sounds in early visits.
Play & Bonding
Skin-to-skin, gentle talking, and high-contrast toys encourage sensory development.
Safety Spotlight
Car Seat Safety
- Rear-facing only, installed tight at the base, and registered for recalls
- Straps snug at armpit level with no bulky coats
Babyproofing
- Secure furniture, cover outlets, and store cords high before baby becomes mobile
- Keep small objects and plastic bags out of reach
Lead & Household Hazards
- Test older homes for lead, avoid peeling paint, and use certified water filters if needed
- Store cleaning products and meds in locked cabinets
Track Baby’s Health at a Glance
Diapers
By day 5 expect six or more wet diapers and three or more stools; note color changes for easy pediatric updates.
- Use a phone app or simple tally sheet on the fridge.
- Call your doctor if diaper counts drop suddenly.
Feeding
Log which breast, ounces, or pumping output plus start/end times to monitor supply and baby’s intake.
- Share concerns with lactation consultants or pediatricians early.
- Cluster feeds in the evening are common—build in couch time.
Sleep & Mood
Record longest stretch of sleep and note soothing techniques that work so tired caregivers can repeat them.
- Snap quick photos of rashes or breathing noises to show your provider.
- Write down questions as they pop up—brain fog is real.
Soothing Toolkit
5S Method
- Swaddle snugly with hips free.
- Side/stomach hold for calming (only while supervised).
- Shush or play white noise.
- Swing gently or rock.
- Offer a clean pacifier if desired.
Skin-to-Skin Reset
- Place baby in a diaper against your bare chest with a blanket over both of you.
- Great before feeds, after shots, or during evening fussiness.
Parent Break Plan
- Set a 10-minute timer to breathe, stretch, or call a friend while someone else holds baby.
- If you’re solo, place baby safely in crib and step into another room to regroup.
Care for the Caregivers
Your recovery matters as much as your baby’s needs. Share this checklist with partners or family so they can follow up.
Physical Recovery
- Take medications, stool softeners, and supplements as prescribed.
- Keep peri bottles, pads, or C-section incision supplies stocked in every bathroom.
Mental Health
- Check in daily using a mood scale (1–5) and share with someone you trust.
- Store hotline numbers (Postpartum Support International, local crisis lines) in your favorites.
Support Team
- Draft a list of chores visitors can pick from (laundry, dishes, pet walks).
- Schedule a standing message thread or video call with friends for encouragement.
Top Questions
How often should my newborn eat?
Typically every 2–3 hours. Watch hunger cues like rooting or hand-to-mouth motions even before crying begins.
When will my baby sleep longer at night?
Some babies give 5–6 hour stretches by 2–3 months, but others take longer. Follow safe-sleep rules while you wait.
How do I handle the “baby blues”?
Mood swings are common the first two weeks. If sadness deepens or lasts, contact your provider to screen for postpartum depression.
Can visitors hold the baby?
Yes—ask them to wash hands, postpone if sick, and keep visits short so baby can rest and feed.
When should I call the doctor?
Fevers, breathing issues, poor feeding, or fewer wet diapers are all reasons to reach out immediately.
Key Takeaways
Feed on Cue
Offer breast or bottle every 2–3 hours and watch baby, not the clock.
Prioritize Safe Sleep
Back to sleep, firm mattress, and room-sharing lower SIDS risk.
Hygiene & Safety
Handwashing, car seat checks, and early babyproofing prevent accidents.
Call When Unsure
Pediatricians expect questions—reach out for fevers, feeding issues, or breathing concerns.
Important Medical Disclaimer
This topic center provides educational information only. It does not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always follow the instructions of your pediatrician and healthcare team.
If you see breathing changes, persistent fever, dehydration signs, or anything that worries you, contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room.