You've got a tiny human at home and a ton of questions. Keep this short list handy: feeding, sleep, safety, and knowing when to call your pediatrician. These are practical steps you can act on today, not just vague advice.
Feeding: whether you breastfeed, pump, or use formula, watch for hunger cues—rooting, lip smacking, fussing. For newborns, aim for 8–12 feeds in 24 hours. If bottle-feeding, follow the formula mixing instructions exactly and keep burping breaks every few ounces to reduce spit-up.
Sleep: newborns sleep a lot but in short bursts. Put baby on their back for every sleep, on a firm mattress with no loose bedding, toys, or bumpers. Try a consistent bedtime routine: dim lights, quiet voice, a feeding or diaper change, then lay them down drowsy but awake. That helps build good sleep habits fast.
Diapering and skin care: change diapers often to avoid rash. Use gentle wipes or warm water and a soft cloth. If redness appears, give the skin air and use a thin layer of barrier cream. For cradle cap, soft brushing after a bath usually helps more than heavy shampoos.
Keep small objects, loose cords, and hot liquids out of reach. Anchor furniture to the wall and use safety gates for stairs. Always strap baby into car seats correctly—check the harness level and tightness at each ride. Check pacifiers and toys regularly for wear and tear.
Temperature matters: bath water should be warm, not hot. Keep your home at a comfortable temperature and dress your baby in one more layer than you wear. Overheating raises SIDS risk, so avoid heavy blankets and sleep sacks that are too thick.
Only give medications approved by your pediatrician for your baby’s age and weight. Never use adult pills or guess doses. If you need to order medicine online, use a licensed pharmacy that requires a prescription, lists contact info, and shows clear shipping and return policies. Avoid sellers that offer prescription meds with no prescription.
Call your pediatrician or go to emergency care for any of these: a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) in a baby under 3 months, trouble breathing, blue lips or face, poor feeding for several hours, or a limp or very sleepy baby who won’t wake. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, seek help.
Quick checklist to save or print: feeding schedule, next doctor appointment, weight record, current meds and doses, allergy info, and emergency contacts. Keep all meds stored up high and locked away.
Baby care gets easier with small routines. Focus on consistent feeding, safe sleep, basic home-proofing, and clear rules for meds and online purchases. You don’t need to be perfect—just steady and sensible. If you want, I can make a printable newborn care checklist for your first month.
