The Ultimate Newborn Care Guide: Everything You Need to Know

 The Ultimate Newborn Care Guide

Hopefully More Up To Date Than What Your Mom Tells You

Introduction

Navigating parenthood for the first time can be difficult for even the most well-equipped parents. Most reasonable people would not allow a new roommate to move into their living space if they knew their new roommate would poop and pee all over the place and not be able to feed themselves. Fortunately for us, our parents understood that new roommates can turn into something beautiful and, if you’re reading this, we hope you see that possibility, too.

Disclaimer: The content contained within this article is for informational purposes only and should not be used in place of the advice of a medical professional.

Importance of newborn care

The first 12 weeks of a newborn’s life has been described as the fourth trimester - a time when the entire family is adjusting to the new addition. Newborns need this time outside of the womb to adjust to their new environment.

Overview of the ultimate newborn care guide

This guide, while lengthy, is not meant to be the end-all, be-all of parenting. There are many different paths to achieving the same goal and no two paths are exactly the same. What we hope to do with this guide is provide you with a starting point for your journey into parenthood. We will cover the following topics below:

  • Preparing for Arrival

  • The First Few Days

  • Sleep and Soothing Techniques

  • Health and Development

  • Feeding

  • Bonding and Engagement

  • Postpartum Care for Parents

  • Safety Tips

  • Going Back To Work and Childcare Options

  • Resources and Further Support

We recommend supplementing this guide with additional information, such as your hospital or birthing center’s birthing and parenting classes, or one of the many baby parenting books available.

Preparing for Arrival

Setting up the nursery

For those of you who wanted to paint polka dots on the walls in your living space - now is your time to shine. Creating a nursery can be both a fun and painful experience, but it is perhaps one of the first steps many parents take to prepare their home for a baby.

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1. Choosing the right crib and bedding

  • Initially, a newborn might sleep in a bassinet next to the parent’s bed - this allows for easy access for nighttime feedings or comforting

  • Crib/bassinet mattresses should be covered with a waterproof mattress cover and a tightly fitted sheet. Pro tip: wrap the mattress in multiple mattress covers and fitted sheets (e.g., mattress cover, fitted sheet, mattress cover, fitted sheet, mattress cover, fitted sheet). When (not if) the bed gets wet or messy at night, you can simply remove the top layer without having to search for a new sheet.

  • Avoid loose materials in the crib, such as blankets or pillows. Babies need to sleep on their back in either warm pajamas or a swaddle/sleep sack. If you use a swaddle, make sure it won’t come loose!

2. Arranging essential items (diapers, wipes, clothing)

  • If possible, put your diaper changing supplies (wipes, diapers, diaper bin) and clothes all close together.

  • Having everything within arms reach is not only convenient, but also a safety concern - you shouldn’t leave a baby unattended on an elevated changing pad

  • For example, you could get a wide dresser, secure a changing pad on top, along with a diaper caddy that has diapers, wipes, diaper rash cream, lotion, etc.. Add some spare diapers and wipes in one of the drawers for an emergency, and place the diaper bin next to the dresser.

Preparing a postpartum care kit

When getting ready for your new addition, don’t forget to prepare some things for the mom-to-be. Although the baby will make the most noise, mom’s care should not be neglected. Having the appropriate supplies on-hand ahead of time will help avoid unnecessary pain. You’ll want to bring most of these things to the hospital (except over-the-counter medications) and have more on-hand at home.

  • Maternity Pads or Disposable Underwear: These are specifically designed for the heavy bleeding that occurs after childbirth. Look for products that are absorbent, comfortable, and provide good coverage.

  • Perineal Cold Packs: Cold packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort in the perineal area. Some are designed specifically for postpartum use and can be applied directly to the area.

  • Sitz Bath Supplies: A sitz bath is a shallow, warm water bath that can help soothe and cleanse the perineal area. Sitz bath kits often include a basin that fits over the toilet, and some may come with soothing herbs or Epsom salts.

  • Perineal Spray or Foam: These products are designed to provide relief and promote healing for the perineal area. Look for a spray or foam with soothing and antibacterial properties.

  • Nursing Pads: If you plan to breastfeed, nursing pads can help absorb leaks and keep your clothing dry.

  • Nipple Cream: Breastfeeding can sometimes lead to sore or cracked nipples. Nipple cream or lanolin can provide relief and help with healing.

  • Comfortable Nursing Bras: Supportive and comfortable bras are essential for breastfeeding mothers. Look for bras that provide easy access for nursing.

  • Hydration and Nutrition: Staying hydrated and nourished is crucial during the postpartum period. Consider including a reusable water bottle and some nutritious snacks in your kit.

  • Stool Softeners or Laxatives: After childbirth, some women may experience constipation. Stool softeners or gentle laxatives can help ease bowel movements and reduce discomfort.

  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Consult with your healthcare provider, but having over-the-counter pain relief medication suitable for postpartum use can be helpful for managing pain and discomfort.

  • Comfortable Clothing: Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing is essential during the postpartum period. Consider including some soft and breathable pajamas, robes, or loungewear.

Creating a birth plan

Preparing the new parents

Before giving birth, it is important for all parents, but especially first-time parents, to discuss how the difficult work of supporting a newborn will get done. Figuring out the answers to some of the following questions will keep things sailing smoothly during this transition period in your lives. Some of these questions might be a little more difficult to discuss - which is why you want to do it ahead of time. Mix in some of the fun questions for the more serious conversations.

  • Parental Leave:

    • How much time off does each parent receive? Are both parents returning to work full-time at some point?

    • Does the partner giving birth get additional leave from short-term disability insurance, FMLA, or some other source?

    • If the partner not giving birth has a generous parental leave policy, how long should both parents stay at home after birth?

    • If both parents are returning to work, when do we need to identify/register for child care? How long do we need to care for our child before they get into child care? Pro tip: Many child care centers/daycares have wait lists - you should reach out to them to identify one ASAP, even before your child is born

    • What do the transitions between working/leave look like? When do we shift night duty responsibility?

  • Division of Responsibilities:

    • How do we divide night responsibilities so that everyone gets a fair share of sleep?

    • Are we bottle feeding or breast feeding? What if we have to do both? Or we can only bottle feed?

    • How do we split up the current household chores that still need to get done after birth?

  • Support

    • Who can help us? Have we talked to them about what kind of help we might need?

    • What can we do now that we can get out of the way before child birth? Think big things, like taxes, and small things, like haircuts

    • How will we feed ourselves the first couple of weeks?

  • Fun

    • What do we think our child’s personality will be like? What traits will they pick up from each of you?

    • Besides “mama'“ and “dada,” what do you think their first word will be?

    • Which toys are you looking forward to playing with the most?

Preparing siblings and pets for the new arrival

The First Few Days

Hospital stay and post-birth recovery

Newborn screenings and vaccinations

Establishing a feeding routine

1. Breastfeeding tips

2. Formula feeding guidelines

Diapering basics and hygiene

Sleep and Soothing Techniques

Creating a sleep-friendly environment

Safe sleep practices

Swaddling techniques

Soothing a fussy baby

Health and Development

Monitoring baby's growth and development milestones

Recognizing signs of illness

Regular pediatrician check-ups and vaccinations

Building a strong immune system

Feeding Guide

Breastfeeding troubleshooting

Breastfeeding 101

Planning to breastfeed? Tips for a strong start

1. Common challenges and solutions

Formula feeding guidelines

1. Choosing the right formula

2. Feeding schedules

Bonding and Engagement

Skin-to-skin contact and the importance of touch

Stimulating baby's senses through play

Reading and singing to your newborn

Babywearing and its benefits

Postpartum Care for Parents

Uncharted Territory: Surviving the Fourth Trimester's Unique Obstacles

Physical and emotional well-being

Balancing responsibilities and self-care

Sharing the Load: How to Include Another Caregiver in Baby Care Routines

Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals

Safety Tips

Childproofing the home

Car seat safety

Safe sleep practices

Recognizing and preventing common accidents

Going Back to Work and Childcare Options

Transitioning back to work

Choosing the right childcare option

Maintaining a healthy work-life balance

Resources and Further Support

Online communities and forums

Parenting classes and workshops

Recommended books and websites

Support groups for new parents

Conclusion

Recap of key points

Encouragement for new parents

Wishing a happy and healthy journey into parenthood