Newborn Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know in the First Month

Bringing your newborn home is one of life's most exciting and overwhelming experiences. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about caring for your baby during the crucial first month, from feeding and sleeping to bathing and soothing.

What to Expect: The First 24 Hours

Immediately After Birth

Skin-to-Skin Contact:

• Place baby on your chest immediately after birth
• Helps regulate temperature, breathing, heart rate
• Promotes bonding and breastfeeding
• Continue for at least the first hour

Newborn Procedures:

• APGAR scores (at 1 and 5 minutes)
• Vitamin K injection (prevents bleeding)
• Eye ointment (prevents infection)
• Hepatitis B vaccine (first dose)
• Hearing screening
• Pulse oximetry (oxygen levels)
• Physical examination

What Baby Looks Like:

• Cone-shaped head (from birth canal)
• Puffy eyes, flat nose
• Vernix coating (white, creamy substance)
• Lanugo (fine body hair)
• Bluish hands and feet initially
• Umbilical cord stump attached
• May have acne, rashes, birthmarks

All Normal! Your baby may not look like magazine photos initially—that's completely expected.

First Bowel Movement

Meconium:

• Thick, black, tar-like
• First poop within 24-48 hours
• Made from what baby swallowed in utero
• 3-4 meconium diapers expected

Transition Stools:

• Days 2-4: Greenish-brown
• Days 4-5: Yellow, seedy (if breastfed) or tan, pasty (if formula-fed)

Feeding Your Newborn

Breastfeeding Basics

Frequency:

• 8-12 times per 24 hours
• Every 1.5-3 hours
• Cluster feeding common (every hour for several hours)
• Never longer than 4 hours without feeding (wake baby if needed)

Duration:

• 10-20 minutes per breast
• Total: 20-45 minutes per feeding
• Let baby finish first breast before offering second

Signs of Good Latch:

• Wide mouth (like a yawn)
• Lips flanged out
• Chin touching breast
• More areola visible above lip than below
• Comfortable for mother after initial latch

Hunger Cues:

• Early: Stirring, mouth opening, rooting, hand to mouth
• Mid: Stretching, increased activity, fussing
• Late: Crying (try to feed before this!)

Is Baby Getting Enough?

• Gaining weight appropriately
• 6-8 wet diapers per day (after day 5)
• 3-4 dirty diapers per day
• Content between feedings
• Swallowing sounds during feeding

Formula Feeding

Amount:

• Week 1: 1-3 oz per feeding
• Weeks 2-4: 2-4 oz per feeding
• By 1 month: 3-4 oz per feeding

Frequency:

• Every 2-4 hours
• 6-8 times per day
• On-demand or scheduled

Preparation:

• Follow formula instructions exactly
• Never dilute or concentrate
• Use safe water (boiled if under 4 months or immunocompromised)
• Prepare fresh bottles for each feeding
• Discard unused formula after 1 hour

Bottle Feeding Tips:

• Paced bottle feeding (baby controls pace)
• Hold baby semi-upright
• Tickle lips with nipple, wait for wide mouth
• Burp every 1-2 oz
• Never prop bottle

Combination Feeding

Breastfeeding + Formula:

• Establish breastfeeding first (3-4 weeks ideally)
• Have partner give bottle
• Use paced bottle feeding
• Slowest flow nipple
• Pump if replacing breastfeeding session

Sleep Basics

How Much Newborns Sleep

Total Sleep:

• 16-18 hours per 24 hours
• Broken into short periods
• Day and night not differentiated yet

Sleep Cycles:

• 45-60 minutes awake
• 1.5-2 hours asleep
• Wake to eat every 2-4 hours
• Totally normal and expected!

Safe Sleep Guidelines (ABC)

Alone:

• Baby sleeps alone (not co-sleeping)
• No pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers in crib
• Nothing between baby and firm mattress

Back:

• Always place baby on back to sleep
• For every sleep (naps and night)
• Reduces SIDS risk by 50%

Crib:

• Firm, flat mattress
• Fitted sheet only
• Meets current safety standards
• In your room for first 6-12 months (room-sharing, not bed-sharing)

Additional Safety:

• No overheating (68-72°F room temperature)
• Light clothing (no hats indoors)
• Pacifier OK after breastfeeding established
• No smoking exposure
• Offer breast for sleep (protective)

Day vs. Night Confusion

Teaching Day from Night:

During Day:

• Keep room bright during wake times
• Normal household noise
• Interact, play, talk during awake times
• Don't tiptoe around

During Night:

• Dark room for night sleep
• Minimal interaction during night feeds
• Quiet, boring
• No talking or playing
• Keep lights very dim

Be Patient: Takes 6-8 weeks for circadian rhythm to develop!

Diapering

How Many Diapers

What's Normal:

• Day 1: 1-2 wet diapers
• Day 2: 2-3 wet diapers
• Day 3: 3-5 wet diapers
• Day 4: 4-6 wet diapers
• Day 5+: 6-8 wet diapers per day

Dirty Diapers:

• Breastfed: 3-10 per day (wide range!)
• Formula-fed: 1-4 per day
• Can vary day to day

Diaper Changing Basics

Supplies:

• Clean diapers (several within reach)
• Wipes or warm washcloth
• Diaper cream/ointment
• Clean clothes (in case of blowout)
• Distraction toy

Step-by-Step:

1. Lay baby on changing pad
2. Never leave unattended
3. Open dirty diaper, use front to wipe most mess
4. Wipe front to back (especially girls)
5. Clean all creases
6. Pat dry or air dry briefly
7. Apply barrier cream if needed
8. Put on clean diaper
9. Wash hands thoroughly

Diaper Rash Prevention:

• Change frequently (every 2-3 hours, immediately if soiled)
• Clean gently but thoroughly
• Air dry when possible
• Barrier cream at each change
• Diaper-free time when possible

When to Worry

Call Doctor If:

• No wet diaper for 8+ hours
• Dark yellow or orange urine (dehydration)
• Red streaks, bleeding, or severe rash
• Diaper rash not improving with treatment
• Fewer wet/dirty diapers than expected for age

Bathing Your Newborn

Before Umbilical Cord Falls Off

Sponge Baths Only:

• 2-3 times per week (more dries skin)
• Warm room (75-80°F)
• Warm water in bowl
• Keep baby covered, expose one area at time

What You Need:

• 2-3 soft washcloths
• Mild baby soap (minimal)
• Towel (hooded ideal)
• Clean diaper and clothes
• Bowl of warm water

Step-by-Step:

1. Undress baby (diaper on)
2. Wrap in towel
3. Wash face with water only (no soap)
4. Wash hair gently
5. Pat dry head
6. Wash body (one area at time, cover others)
7. Remove diaper, wash diaper area last
8. Pat dry thoroughly (especially creases)
9. Dress quickly

After Cord Falls Off (1-3 Weeks)

Tub Baths:

• 2-3 times per week still enough
• Use infant tub or clean sink
• 2-3 inches of warm water (test with elbow)
• Never leave unattended

Bath Time:

1. Gather all supplies first
2. Fill tub with 2-3 inches warm water (90-100°F)
3. Support head and neck always
4. Lower baby feet first
5. Keep one hand supporting always
6. Wash face with water only
7. Wash hair with small amount of soap
8. Wash body front then back
9. Rinse thoroughly
10. Lift baby out onto towel
11. Pat dry quickly (babies get cold fast!)

Bath Safety:

• Never leave baby unattended
• Keep one hand on baby always
• Water temperature 90-100°F
• 2-3 inches of water only
• Gather supplies before starting

Umbilical Cord Care

Normal:

• Dries and falls off in 1-3 weeks
• May ooze slightly when falling off
• Small amount of blood normal

Care:

• Keep dry
• Fold diaper down below cord
• Sponge baths only until falls off
• No submerging in water
• Let air dry
• Don't pull or try to remove

Call Doctor If:

• Red, swollen area around cord
• Foul smell
• Excessive bleeding
• Oozing pus
• Baby has fever

Soothing a Crying Baby

Why Babies Cry

Common Reasons:

• Hunger (most common)
• Needs burping
• Dirty diaper
• Too hot or too cold
• Tired
• Overstimulated
• Wants to be held
• Uncomfortable position
• Sometimes...no clear reason!

The 5 S's (Dr. Harvey Karp)

1. Swaddle:

• Snug wrap with arms down
• Legs loose at hips
• Safe when baby on back
• Stop when rolling starts

2. Side/Stomach Position:

• Hold baby on side or stomach (in your arms only!)
• Never place to sleep this way
• Calming position for holding

3. Shush:

• Loud shushing sound near ear
• As loud as baby's crying
• White noise machines work too
• Mimics womb sounds

4. Swing:

• Gentle, rhythmic motion
• Support head always
• Small, quick movements
• Not vigorous shaking!

5. Suck:

• Pacifier
• Breast for comfort
• Clean finger
• Satisfies sucking reflex

Other Soothing Techniques

Movement:

• Walking
• Rocking
• Swaying
• Baby wearing
• Car ride
• Stroller walk

Sound:

• Singing
• Humming
• White noise
• Vacuum cleaner
• Hair dryer

Environment:

• Dim lights
• Quiet room
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Warm bath

When Nothing Works:

• Put baby safely in crib
• Take a break (5-10 min)
• Deep breaths
• Ask for help
• Remember: this is temporary

Never Shake Baby: Can cause brain damage or death. If frustrated, put baby down safely and walk away.

Normal Newborn Behaviors

Reflexes

Rooting:

• Turns toward touch on cheek
• Opens mouth searching
• Helps with breastfeeding

Sucking:

• Automatic sucking when something touches roof of mouth
• Strong survival reflex

Moro (Startle):

• Arms fly out when startled
• Then brings arms back in
• Looks like falling sensation
• Normal until 4-6 months

Grasp:

• Grabs finger when palm touched
• Very strong grip!

Stepping:

• Makes walking motions when feet touch surface
• Held upright under arms

All reflexes are normal and expected!

Sounds

Normal Newborn Noises:

• Grunting
• Squeaking
• Snorting
• Sneezing
• Hiccups
• Congested sounds (from small nasal passages)

When to Worry:

• Wheezing
• Stridor (high-pitched sound)
• Grunting with every breath
• Blue color
• Difficulty breathing

Appearance Changes

Normal:

• Peeling skin (especially hands, feet)
• Baby acne (2-4 weeks)
• Milia (tiny white bumps)
• Stork bites (pink patches on face/neck)
• Mongolian spots (blue-gray birthmarks)
• Crossing eyes occasionally
• Wobbly head control

When to Call the Doctor

Call Immediately (911) If:

• Not breathing or turning blue
• Limp or unresponsive
• Seizure activity
• Severe bleeding
• Can't wake baby

Call Doctor Same Day If:

Fever:

• Rectal temp 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
• Any fever in baby under 3 months is emergency!

Feeding Issues:

• Refuses multiple feedings
• Vomiting (not just spit-up)
• No wet diapers for 8+ hours
• Blood in stool

Breathing:

• Fast breathing (>60 breaths/min)
• Grunting with every breath
• Retractions (skin sucking in between ribs)
• Flaring nostrils

Appearance:

• Jaundice (yellow skin) worsening
• Extreme fussiness
• Extreme lethargy
• Rash with fever

Other:

• Umbilical cord red, swollen, oozing pus
• Inconsolable crying for 2+ hours
• Your gut says something is wrong

Trust Your Instincts!

You know your baby best. If something feels off, call the doctor. They would rather hear from you than have you wait and worry.

Newborn Schedule Example

Remember: This is a general guide. Follow your baby's cues!

Sample 24-Hour Period

Wake windows: 45-60 minutes Sleep cycles: 1.5-2 hours Total feeds: 10-12 per day

Taking Care of Yourself

Recovery for Birth Parents

Vaginal Delivery:

• Bleeding (lochia) for 4-6 weeks
• Perineal pain and soreness
• Hemorrhoids common
• Pelvic floor weakness

C-Section:

• Surgical incision care
• Longer recovery (6-8 weeks)
• No heavy lifting
• Watch for infection signs

Both:

• Hormonal shifts
• Night sweats
• Hair loss (3-6 months postpartum)
• Emotional ups and downs
• Exhaustion

Postpartum Warning Signs

Call Doctor If:

• Heavy bleeding (soaking pad in 1 hour)
• Large blood clots
• Foul-smelling discharge
• Fever over 100.4°F
• Severe abdominal pain
• Red, swollen, painful breasts
• Painful urination
• Severe headache with vision changes
• Thoughts of harming yourself or baby

Mental Health

Baby Blues (Normal):

• 50-80% of new parents
• Crying, mood swings, anxiety
• Peaks day 3-5
• Resolves within 2 weeks

Postpartum Depression (Needs Treatment):

• Persistent sadness
• Loss of interest in baby or activities
• Difficulty bonding
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Thoughts of harming self or baby
• Lasts beyond 2 weeks

Seek Help If:

• Baby blues don't improve after 2 weeks
• Symptoms worsen
• Difficulty caring for baby
• Thoughts of harm
• Severe anxiety

Help is available: Call your doctor, postpartum support hotline (1-800-944-4773), or therapist

Support System

Accept Help:

• Meal trains
• Laundry/cleaning help
• Holding baby so you can shower/sleep
• Grocery shopping
• Sibling care

Say No To:

• Visitors who stress you out
• Advice you didn't ask for
• Anything that depletes you

Prioritize:

• Sleep when baby sleeps
• Hydration
• Nutritious meals (even if simple)
• Gentle movement
• Connection with partner
• Time outside

Must-Have Supplies

Feeding

Breastfeeding:

• Nursing bras (2-3)
• Breast pads
• Nipple cream
• Breast pump (if planning to pump)
• Milk storage bags
• Nursing pillow

Bottle Feeding:

• 6-8 bottles
• Slow-flow nipples
• Bottle brush
• Drying rack
• Formula (if not breastfeeding)

Diapering

• Diapers (newborn and size 1)
• Wipes or washcloths
• Diaper cream
• Changing pad + covers
• Diaper pail or bags
• Portable changing pad

Clothing

• 6-8 onesies (newborn and 0-3 months)
• 4-6 sleepers
• 2-3 sleep sacks
• Socks or booties
• Hat for outdoors
• Mittens (prevent scratching)

Sleep

• Bassinet or crib
• Firm mattress
• Fitted sheets (3-4)
• Sleep sacks or swaddles
• White noise machine
• Blackout curtains (helpful)

Bathing

• Infant tub or sink insert
• Soft washcloths (4-6)
• Hooded towel
• Gentle baby soap and shampoo
• Soft brush

Health & Safety

• Rectal thermometer
• Nail clippers or file
• Saline drops
• Nasal aspirator
• Infant acetaminophen (ask pediatrician)
• First aid kit

Transportation

• Rear-facing car seat (installed before birth!)
• Stroller
• Baby carrier (optional but helpful)

Using Kuddle for Newborn Care

Track Everything:

• Feeding times and duration
• Wet and dirty diapers
• Sleep times
• Medication (if any)
• Growth measurements

Why Track:

• Ensures baby eating enough
• Monitors diaper output (hydration)
• Identifies patterns
• Useful info for pediatrician
• Peace of mind

Share with:

• Partner (sync care)
• Pediatrician (detailed history)
• Caregivers (continuity)

Identify Patterns:

• Cluster feeding times
• Best sleep windows
• Fussy periods
• Growth spurts

Pediatrician Visits

First Week

First Visit:

• Within 3-5 days after birth
• Weight check (critical!)
• Feeding assessment
• Jaundice check
• Answer questions

What to Bring:

• Diaper bag with supplies
• Feeding log
• Insurance card
• List of questions

First Month

Two-Week Visit (Often):

• Weight check
• Development check
• More feeding support

One-Month Visit:

• Full physical exam
• Measurements (weight, length, head)
• Development assessment
• Vaccines may begin
• Discuss concerns

Common First Month Concerns

Jaundice

What It Is:

• Yellow skin/eyes
• Elevated bilirubin
• Very common (60% of newborns)

Treatment:

• Frequent feeding
• Phototherapy if severe
• Monitoring

When to Worry:

• Jaundice in first 24 hours
• Very yellow skin
• Lethargy, poor feeding
• Jaundice worsening after day 3

Colic

What It Is:

• Crying 3+ hours/day, 3+ days/week
• Usually starts 2-3 weeks
• Peaks 6 weeks
• Resolves by 3-4 months

Coping:

• Rule out hunger, gas, discomfort
• Try 5 S's
• Take breaks
• Ask for help
• Remember: temporary!

Gas & Spitting Up

Normal:

• All babies have gas
• Spitting up common
• Burping helps
• Usually not a problem

Help Baby:

• Burp during and after feeds
• Upright position 20-30 min after feeding
• Bicycle legs for gas
• Tummy time when awake

When to Worry:

• Projectile vomiting
• Poor weight gain
• Blood in spit-up
• Extreme fussiness
• Arching back constantly

Remember

You've got this!

• No one is a perfect parent
• Every baby is different
• Trust your instincts
• Ask for help when needed
• This intense period is temporary

Be kind to yourself:

• You're learning
• Baby is learning too
• Mistakes happen
• You're doing better than you think
• Your baby is lucky to have you

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Disclaimer: This article provides general newborn care information. Every baby is unique and may have specific needs. Always consult your pediatrician for personalized medical advice, especially regarding fever, illness, feeding concerns, or anything that worries you. For emergencies, call 911. This information does not replace professional medical care.