Bringing a newborn home is one of the most exciting—and let’s be honest—overwhelming moments of your life. I still remember the feeling of holding my little one for the first time and thinking, “Now what?” The truth is, no amount of books, articles, or advice can fully prepare you for those first few weeks. But don’t worry—you’ll find your rhythm.

That being said, there are some basic newborn care tips that every parent should know. These are the lessons I’ve learned along the way—some through research, and many through good old trial and error. My hope is that this guide will help ease your transition into parenthood and give you the confidence to navigate this beautiful, messy journey.

Here are the tips for you

1. Prioritize Skin-to-Skin Contact

Skin-to-skin contact is magical—it helps regulate your baby’s body temperature, heartbeat, and breathing, while also creating a sense of security. Those early snuggles are not just comforting but also essential for bonding.

Tip: Spend at least an hour a day holding your baby skin-to-skin, especially during the first few weeks. It’s also a great opportunity for dads to bond with the baby!

2. Master the Art of Feeding

Feeding is one of the most frequent activities during the newborn stage. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula-feeding, your baby will likely feed every 2-3 hours.

For breastfeeding moms, don’t hesitate to ask for help if you’re struggling with latch issues or milk supply—lactation consultants can be lifesavers. If you’re using formula, make sure to follow the instructions carefully to ensure your baby gets the proper nutrition.

Signs Your Baby is Hungry: Rooting, sucking on hands, or lip-smacking are common cues. Crying is usually a late sign of hunger.

3. Learn to Decode Your Baby’s Cry

Every baby cries—it’s their way of communicating. While it can be stressful at first, you’ll soon learn to recognize different types of cries.

• Hunger Cry: Often rhythmic and repetitive.
• Sleepy Cry: Whiny and fussy, paired with rubbing eyes.
• Discomfort Cry: Intense and sharp, usually due to a dirty diaper, gas, or feeling too hot/cold.

If all else fails, try the 5 S’s: Swaddle, Side/Stomach position (while holding), Shush, Swing, and Suck (pacifier or feeding). This method by Dr. Harvey Karp worked wonders for us!

4. Keep Baby’s Skin Healthy

Newborn skin is delicate and prone to dryness, rashes, and irritation. Use gentle, fragrance-free products for bathing and moisturizing. Also, limit baths to 2-3 times a week to avoid drying out their skin.

For diaper rash, apply a barrier cream with zinc oxide after every change. And if your baby develops cradle cap (dry, flaky patches on the scalp), a soft brush and baby oil can help loosen it up.

5. Nail Care is Important

I’ll admit, trimming tiny baby nails was one of the scariest things for me at first! But it’s crucial to keep their nails short to prevent accidental scratches. Use baby nail clippers or a gentle nail file while your little one is calm or asleep.

6. Focus on Safe Sleep Practices

Sleep (or the lack of it) is a huge part of newborn care. For the first few months, newborns sleep around 16-18 hours a day, but in short bursts.

To ensure your baby sleeps safely:

• Always place them on their back to sleep.
• Use a firm mattress with no blankets, pillows, or toys in the crib.
• Follow the “room-share but no bed-share” guideline for at least the first 6 months.

Creating a bedtime routine, even in the early weeks, can also help establish healthy sleep habits over time.

7. Burping is Non-Negotiable

Babies tend to swallow air during feeding, which can lead to gas and discomfort. Burping your baby after every feed is a must. There are different positions you can try:

• Hold them upright with their chin on your shoulder and gently pat their back.
• Sit them on your lap, supporting their head and chest, and pat their back.

If your baby seems especially gassy or fussy, consider a tummy massage or bicycle leg exercises.

8. Diapering Like a Pro

Newborns go through a lot of diapers—expect 8-12 changes a day. Always check for signs of wetness or soiling, as prolonged exposure can cause diaper rash.

When changing diapers:

• Wipe from front to back to prevent infections (especially for baby girls).
• Let your baby’s bottom air dry before putting on a new diaper to reduce moisture.

Keep an eye on your baby’s output—it’s a great indicator of their overall health. Wet diapers and regular bowel movements mean they’re feeding well.

9. Stay Calm During Bath Time

Bathing your baby can feel intimidating at first, but it’s easier than you think. Use a baby bathtub with a non-slip surface and lukewarm water (test it with your elbow—it should feel warm, not hot).

Hold your baby securely and start with a sponge bath until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Once it heals, you can give them a full bath. My favorite moment during bath time? Watching my little one kick and splash with pure joy!

10. Don’t Forget About Self-Care

This one’s for you, mom and dad. Taking care of a newborn is exhausting, and it’s easy to forget about your own needs. But remember: you can’t pour from an empty cup.

Sleep when the baby sleeps (yes, really). Accept help when it’s offered. Take breaks when you need them. Parenting is a team effort, and it’s okay to lean on your partner, family, or friends for support.

Final Thoughts

Caring for a newborn is a beautiful mix of chaos and bliss. You’ll have moments where you feel like you’ve got it all figured out, and others where you’re completely lost—and that’s okay. Parenting is about learning and growing alongside your baby.

My biggest advice? Trust your instincts. No one knows your baby better than you do. And when in doubt, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician or other trusted parents.

These newborn days are fleeting, so soak in the cuddles, the tiny fingers, and even those sleepless nights. You’re doing an amazing job, and your baby is lucky to have you. 💕