For nine months, you've prepared for the day you bring your baby home. You've shopped for clothes and furniture. You searched baby books to find the perfect name. After all this time, the nursery is finally stocked, the layette is complete, and baby is home. All of a sudden, you have a tiny newborn who depends on you for everything, from eating to dressing to bathing. Fortunately, babies have just a few basic needs.
Step 1
Feed your baby. Newborns need to eat often, about eight to 12 times in a 24-hour period. Frequent feedings are necessary for a baby to gain weight, and, if you are breastfeeding, to stimulate your supply of milk. Comfort your baby by rocking or talking to him before offering the breast or bottle. A breast fed baby will nurse as often as every hour and a half, and take 20 to 30 minutes to feed. Hearing a swallow after every few sucks in a good indication that baby is nursing well. A formula-fed baby will take about 1 oz. of formula at each feeding. By the end of the first month, most babies will be drinking about 3 to 4 oz. of formula at each feeding, about every three to four hours around the clock.
Step 2
Change baby's diaper. Change the diaper as soon as it becomes wet or soiled. Keeping baby's bottom clean and dry helps prevent diaper rash. After removing the diaper, use the front of the diaper to help clean the soiled area. With a washcloth or wipe, wipe the baby clean, making sure to clean between skin folds. Pat the area dry, then put on a clean diaper.
Step 3
Let him sleep. A newborn will spend 14 to 18 hours a day sleeping, though it is not constant. Infants wake every two to four hours to eat. Always put baby to sleep on his back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Step 4
Dress your baby. When going outside in hot weather, dress baby in lightweight long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and a hat with a brim to prevent sunburn. Check occasionally to make sure he's not too hot. In cold weather, dress baby in layers, and if he gets too warm, remove a layer. Your baby may be too hot if the neck is damp from sweat, the skin is very warm to the touch or his cheeks are rosy. Outfits that snap or zip down the front and offer easy access to the diaper area make diaper changing quick and easy.
Step 5
Keep him clean. A bath every two to three days is plenty for a newborn. Until the baby's cord falls off, usually between 1 and 2 weeks of age, give sponge baths, keeping the umbilical area clean and dry to help prevent infection and help the area heal. Once the cord has fallen off, use a shallow sink or baby tub, and bathe in a warm, safe area. Keep all supplies within arm's reach so you never have to take your hand off of the baby. Use a mild soap to clean the neck, arms, stomach, belly button and legs, then support baby's chest with your arm to wash his back and bottom. Clean the genital area last. Rinse with clean, warm water, and wrap baby in a towel to keep him warm while you shampoo the hair.
Step 6
Give lots of love. Bonding, the process of falling in love with your baby, may take days or weeks. Over time, your love for baby will grow as you cuddle him, and sing, talk and provide care. Maintain a lot of skin-to-skin contact with your baby, and make close eye contact. Let baby touch and feel your face.
Tips and Warnings
- Bring baby to see a pediatrician regularly to make sure he is growing and thriving. Your pediatrician can also answer any questions you have about caring for your baby.
Things You'll Need
- Bottles
- Formula (optional)
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Crib
- Baby tub
- Baby shampoo
- Clothes
- Hat
- Washcloth
- Towel
