Newborn Care: Practical Tips Every Parent Needs
Just brought a newborn home? Congrats. The first days feel intense, but a few clear rules make life easier. This guide gives simple, useful steps you can follow right away — feeding, sleep, hygiene, warning signs, and where to get help locally.
Feeding basics
Breastfeeding is best when possible, but any clean, safe feeding is fine. Newborns usually feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Watch for hunger cues: rooting, lip-smacking, or hands to mouth. Aim for good latch — your baby’s mouth should cover more of the lower areola than the top. If feeding hurts, change position or ask a nurse or lactation counsellor to help.
If you use formula, follow the instructions exactly. Use clean water, and sterilise bottles and nipples. Prepare fresh feeds and store made-up bottles in the fridge for no more than 24 hours. Always warm feeds safely — never microwave.
Sleep and soothing
Newborns sleep a lot but in short bursts. Lay your baby on their back for every sleep on a firm, flat surface without pillows, loose blankets, or toys. Room-share for the first six months if possible — it lowers risk and makes night feeds easier. To soothe, try skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or a calm, quiet room.
Develop a short bedtime routine: a clean nappy, dim lights, soft voice. Keep day and night cues different so your baby learns the pattern slowly — bright and active by day, quiet and dim at night.
Hygiene and cord care are straightforward. Keep the umbilical stump clean and dry; fold nappies below it. Give baby a sponge bath until the stump falls off. Clean face and nappy area gently with warm water. Bathing every few days is enough unless baby is very messy.
Watch for normal signs: small spit-ups, irregular breathing pauses, and soft fontanelle. Call your clinic or doctor if you see fever (over 38°C/100.4°F), blue lips, fast or troubled breathing, poor feeding, fewer than six wet nappies in 24 hours after day 5, or yellowing skin and eyes that gets worse — these need urgent review.
Newborn checks and immunisations matter. Your local clinic will check weight, jaundice, and offer newborn vaccinations like BCG or polio where provided. Ask about the immunisation schedule and follow-up visits for growth checks and breastfeeding support.
Get support early. Family, community health workers, and clinic staff can help with feeds, baby checks, and rest. If you feel overwhelmed or low, tell someone — postpartum support is essential for both parents.
Small steps each day add up. Keep things simple: safe sleep, steady feeds, clean care, and quick action on warning signs. You’ll learn your baby’s patterns fast — trust your instincts and ask for help when you need it.
