Newborn Care Caring for Your Baby in the First Weeks

Feeding Your Newborn

Newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours, though patterns vary. If feeding concerns arise, your pediatrician can assess growth and intake.

Signs your baby may be hungry include rooting (turning toward touch), sucking motions, hand-to-mouth movements, and fussiness.

Get an overview of breastfeeding and what to expect in the early weeks

Compare breastfeeding and formula feeding to find the right approach for your family

Safe Sleep Practices

Safe sleep reduces the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).¹ Following safe sleep guidance supports newborn safety during the first year.

Current recommendations include:

• Placing baby on their back to sleep
• Using a firm, flat sleep surface
• Avoiding loose bedding or soft objects
• Sharing a room (but not a bed) when possible

Learn the safe sleep guidelines that help protect your newborn from SIDS

Diapering and Umbilical Cord Care

Newborns may have frequent wet and dirty diapers. Expect 6 or more wet diapers per day after milk supply is established, and stool color changes from dark meconium to yellow if breastfed. Umbilical cord stump care includes keeping the area clean and dry until it falls off naturally.²

Learn how to change a diaper and what to expect in the early weeks

Find out how to care for the umbilical cord stump until it falls off

Bathing Your Newborn

Newborns do not need daily baths. Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord falls off.² Gentle, fragrance-free products are typically recommended.

Get step-by-step guidance on how to safely bathe your newborn

Soothing a Crying Baby

Crying is a newborn primary way of communicating. Common reasons include hunger, wet diaper, tiredness, need for comfort, and gas. If crying feels excessive or unusual, consult your pediatrician.

Explore techniques for soothing a crying baby and understanding what they need

Newborn Health and Pediatric Visits

Early pediatric visits monitor weight gain, feeding patterns, jaundice, reflexes, and development. Routine visits help ensure healthy development.

Learn what newborn testing involves and what to expect in the first days after birth

Find out how to choose a pediatrician and what to look for

Newborn Jaundice

Mild jaundice is common in newborns and usually resolves with monitoring.³ Signs may include yellowing of the skin or eyes, sleepiness, and poor feeding. Always contact your provider if symptoms worsen.

Understand newborn jaundice, what causes it, and when treatment is needed

Bonding With Your Newborn

Bonding may happen instantly or gradually. Skin-to-skin contact, eye contact, feeding, and gentle touch support attachment and emotional development.⁴ Every family bonding story is unique.

Explore practical ways to strengthen your bond with your newborn

Caring for Yourself While Caring for Baby

Newborn care can be all-consuming. Your recovery and well-being matter just as much as your baby. It is okay to accept help, nap when possible, eat simple meals, ask questions, and admit when you are tired.

Learn what to expect during postpartum recovery and how to support your healing

A New Beginning

The newborn stage is short and profound. There may be sleepless nights and moments of doubt. There may also be quiet awe: the first time your baby grips your finger, the soft rhythm of their breathing, the realization that you are their whole world. You are learning. Your baby is learning. And that is enough.

Explore infant development and care guidance as your baby grows beyond the newborn stage