Taking Care of a Newborn: The Key Things to Know
If you have a recently arrived infant in your home—or there’s one on the way very soon—it’s likely that you’ve spent the past several months doing everything you can to prepare for this moment. You’ve read books, watched videos, sought advice from experts, and spent hours Googling everything you can think of. But there are some things about taking care of a newborn baby that nothing can really prepare you for.
This guide for first-time parents will go into nitty-gritty detail about what you need to know—from little-known parenting tips to tricks for keeping a baby happy. Read on for the parenting advice that every new mom should know.
All About Feeding
Newborn babies are hungry creatures. In general, a newborn will need to be fed at least every 2 to 3 hours. There is some debate about whether you need to wake up your baby to feed if they don’t seem hungry.
Here’s what experts say: when your baby is under 1 week old, they may not awaken when they get hungry, so you should wake them to feed. Under 4 weeks, a baby shouldn’t go more than 4-5 hours without eating. After this time, it usually isn’t necessary to wake them for feedings if they’re not hungry.
Baby’s First Bath
Bathing your baby—especially for the first time—is a special moment, but if you’re new to the process, it can be stressful and confusing, as well. First, know that babies don’t need to bathe as much as adults. Around 2 to 3 times a week should be ok.
Next, make sure the water is shallow and at the right temperature. Around 100 Fahrenheit is a good heat to aim for. Keep a hold on your baby the whole time they are in the tub and be sure to wash them very gently, it might be scary for them at first.
Make Sure You’re Always Prepared
Your role as a new parent is somewhat like that of a girl scout in that you’ll need to be ready for anything at all times. Part of this is staying attentive and alert and part is having the proper equipment to help you with whatever you need.
Some essentials: tonnes of diapers, extra clothing, wet wipes, a breast pump, and a burping bib. When you’re on the move, you’ll need to make sure you’ve got a reliable and sturdy backpack purse diaper bag in which to carry all of your essential items.
Don’t Forget to Slow Down
Caring for your new arrival can be scary, stressful, and tiring. But it’s also a time you’ll never be able to get back. As exhausted as you are, make sure to stop every once in a while to appreciate the magic of these first few weeks and months.
Taking Care of a Newborn 101
Of course, there are tonnes of other parenting tips for taking care of a newborn. But the above isn’t a bad place to start. If you’d like more invaluable pieces of parenting advice, check out the rest of our site now.
