Caring for a newborn infant can be both simple and overwhelming at the same time. Caring for a newborn only requires fulfilling his basic needs, which include nourishment, warmth, cleanliness, entertainment and affection. Learning what your baby's needs are based on his cues takes time, but soon it will get easier. Request help from your support system when needed.
Step 1
Hold your baby as much as possible. At this young age, you can't spoil your baby by giving him all the love and attention he wants. Skin-to-skin contact is helpful in stimulating your infant's development. Mom's body temperature fluctuates to keep baby warm. Rock, snuggle and talk to your baby often. Even in the womb, he heard voices. This same noise can make him feel comfortable and will help him develop. Avoid putting pressure on the soft spots on the head, and be sure to support his neck at this time.
Step 2
Keep your baby warm and dry. Dress your baby in one layer more than you in the winter. Soft cotton clothes help wick away any moisture in the summer months. A hat may help keep his body temperature regulated. Newborns may wet eight or more diapers a day and may have more than one "dirty" diaper daily too. Be sure to keep your baby's bottom clean with mild wipes. Apply a small amount of diaper rash cream only when needed. Avoid rubbing harshly with wipes. Baby boys who have been circumcised may have special home-care procedures directed by your doctor.
Step 3
Clean your baby with a soft wash cloth, warm water and mild baby shampoo. Until the umbilical cord falls off or the circumcision has healed, a sponge bath is best. Keep your baby warm during the bathing process to make it more pleasant. Take baby's clothes off and put him in a hooded towel. Place the baby and the towel into a baby bathtub with warm water. Be sure to use a thermometer specially made to test the temperature of the water. Infants are more sensitive to temperature changes than adults. Baby's hair really doesn't need to be shampooed very often. Instead, focus on the hands, face and bottom.
Step 4
Feed your baby according to your pediatrician's recommendations. Some infants eat every two hours and others can make it three or four hours. Depending on your baby's birth weight your doctor may not want you to let your infant go more than four hours between feedings. Soon, you will be allowed to let your baby sleep through the night, but for now you may need to wake him every four hours to eat until your doctor tells you differently.
Step 5
Stimulate your baby with a short walk, a session in a baby swing, strapped onto mom or dad in a sling or some time in a baby bouncer. A change of scenery is good for baby, but you don't want to expose him to groups of people just yet. His immune system is still developing. Singing songs and talking to your baby can provide the stimulation he needs at this age. Spend some time watching baby carefully as he rests on his tummy. Tummy time may not be your baby's favorite time of the day, but several short sessions a day will help him develop physically.
Step 6
Let your baby sleep. He needs many hours of rest a day. He may spend all his time sleeping and eating or doing both at the same time. Now is not the time to let your baby cry himself to sleep. He has yet to develop the skills necessary to drift off alone. Re-create the womb by swaddling him snugly in a commercial swaddle blanket or a receiving blanket. Rock him and make shushing sounds. The womb was not a quiet place, so he may need white noise or some other sounds played while he tries to get to sleep. You may have decided to use a pacifier to help soothe your baby. Offer it as needed.
Things You'll Need
- Diapers
- Wipes
- Diaper cream
- Wash cloths
- Mild baby shampoo
- Baby bathtub
- Towels
- Commercial bath-water temperature gauge
- Swaddling blankets or receiving blankets
