{"id":159436,"date":"2026-01-28T05:57:17","date_gmt":"2026-01-28T11:57:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/?page_id=159436"},"modified":"2026-04-09T16:26:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-09T22:26:10","slug":"newborn-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/americanpregnancy.org\/postpartum\/newborn-care\/","title":{"rendered":"Newborn Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Newborn Care <\/b>Caring for Your Baby in the First Weeks<\/h1>\nThe first weeks with your newborn can feel tender, overwhelming, joyful, and exhausting, often all at once. You are learning your baby sounds, rhythms, and cues. Your baby is learning your voice, your scent, and the safety of your arms. Newborn care does not require perfection. It requires presence, patience, and support.\n\nIf you would like to return to the Postpartum guide, visit the Postpartum hub<\/a>.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Pregnancy Topics<\/h3>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t
\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t
\"Changing<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Changing a diaper<\/a><\/p>

How to change a diaper Changing your baby’s diapers can seem like a daunting task, especially if you’ve never been…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Soothing<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Soothing Your Crying Baby<\/a><\/p>

Babies cry for many reasons, this is because they don’t know how else to communicate what they need. Trying different…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Newborn<\/a><\/div>
The First Year<\/a><\/div>

Newborn Jaundice<\/a><\/p>

Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment After the birth of a baby, it is common for care providers to watch a newborn…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Newborn<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Newborn Testing<\/a><\/p>

  Newborn testing is part of the services hospital and birthing centers provide after your baby is born. Depending on…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Average<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Average Newborn Weight<\/a><\/p>

It seems some of the most common questions parents hear from the moment a new baby arrives is \u201cwhat does…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Umbilical<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Umbilical Cord Care<\/a><\/p>

The umbilical cord transported nutrients from you to your baby throughout your pregnancy. Now your baby has a purplish-blue stump…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Choosing<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Choosing a Pediatrician<\/a><\/p>

Choosing a pediatrician might not appear to be important early in pregnancy, but selecting a pediatrician is very important. Many…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Baby<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Baby Circumcision<\/a><\/p>

When you learned that you were having a boy, you probably started thinking about baby circumcision. The decision to have…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Premature<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Premature Baby Care<\/a><\/p>

What is a Preemie? Babies born before the 37th week of gestation are considered premature and are sometimes referred to…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"How<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

How to Bond With Your Baby<\/a><\/p>

You\u2019ve just endured seemingly endless hours of labor and pain that only a momma who has given birth can know…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Sudden<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) Prevention<\/a><\/p>

Having a newborn can be very exciting (albeit exhausting) time in your life, but it can also be scary to…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"How<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

How to Wash Your Hands Effectively<\/a><\/p>

Effective hand washing is one of the best ways to protect yourself and your family from getting sick especially during…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Work<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Work at Home with a New Baby<\/a><\/p>

So you\u2019ve welcomed your bundle of joy home. Congratulations! But now maternity leave is over, and you\u2019re diving back into…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"What<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

What You Need to Know About Thrush in Babies<\/a><\/p>

Thrush is an oral yeast infection that develops in your child\u2019s mouth. It causes little white or yellowish bumps to…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"Cradle<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

Cradle Cap Symptoms and Natural Treatments<\/a><\/p>

Does your beautiful newborn baby\u2019s head have a patch of skin that\u2019s oily or crusty? That\u2019s likely cradle cap and…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\t
\"How<\/a><\/div>
Postpartum<\/a><\/div>

How to Burp Your Baby<\/a><\/p>

Burping helps everyone expel air that was ingested along with food and drink. Babies aren\u2019t able to burp on their…<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

Feeding Your Newborn<\/h2>

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

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

Get an overview of breastfeeding and what to expect in the early weeks<\/a><\/p>

Compare breastfeeding and formula feeding to find the right approach for your family<\/a><\/p>

Safe Sleep Practices<\/h2>

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

Current recommendations include:<\/p>