Choose to breast or bottle feed newborns and infants. [1] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Breastfeeding is recommended because it offers the most benefits for your baby. [2] X Research source Most newborns need eight to 12 feedings per day. [3] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source After five to six months, most babies can have breast milk or formula and begin to eat cereal or mashed foods, which are sometimes called semi-solid foods. Burp your baby after feeding for a few minutes to help dissipate gas in their system. [4] X Research source Figure out if your baby is getting enough to eat by making sure they produce at least six wet diapers and several bowel movements daily. [5] X Research source Your baby should also be gaining about five to seven ounces every week for the first six months of life. Between six to 12 months, your baby should gain about three to five ounces per week. [6] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Ask your pediatrician questions about when it is best to begin semi-solids and solids, as well as drinking water.
Lay your baby flat on their back to change the diaper. Keep a close eye on them at all times and never leave them alone on the changing table. Remove the soiled diaper and gently wipe your baby’s genital area clean with wipes or a pre-moistened washcloth. Wipe baby girls from front to back to minimize the risk of urinary tract infections. Be aware that removing a diaper too quickly from a baby boy may cause him to urinate. [8] X Research source Place a new diaper under your baby and apply an ointment made for the diaper area before fastening up the diaper. Your doctor can give you suggestions about ointments to use. These ointments often feature zinc oxide as the main ingredient. Applying an ointment can help to prevent diaper rash. [9] X Research source Wash your hands after changing the diaper. [10] X Research source
Allow your baby’s stomach to calm for a bit if you want to bathe them after a feeding. [13] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Have a washcloth, towel with a hood, mild, unscented baby shampoo and soap, baby wipes, a clean diaper, and clean clothes ready before their bath. [14] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This can help you focus solely on the baby and not gathering items once you’ve started. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Consider a sponge bath if you don’t want to use a tub every time. [16] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Fill the tub with 2-3 inches (5-8 centimeters) of warm water. Pour the warm water on your baby throughout the bath to keep them warm. [17] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source The water should be around 100F (38 degrees Celsius) and lower than 120F (49C) to prevent scalding. [18] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Support your baby, including the head, throughout the bath so that they doesn’t slip and hurt themself. [19] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Focus on washing inside skin folds, especially on the face, neck, and diaper area. [20] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Wrap your baby in a towel with a hood when you’re finished to keep them warm and cozy. [21] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Massage baby with hypoallergenic lotion if you like. [22] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source This can calm them and give you a nice bonding experience. [23] X Research source
Use baby nail scissors or a small emery board. These are gentler and safer to use on a fidgety or squirming baby. [26] X Research source Consider asking your partner, a friend, or a family member to help you trim your baby’s nails. This may minimize the risk of cutting them. [27] X Research source Apply pressure to your baby’s finger if you accidentally cut it and draw blood. This is normal and you shouldn’t worry. Don’t use a bandage, which a baby may choke on if it gets into their mouth. [28] X Research source
You should keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry until it falls off, but you do not need to clean it unless it looks crusty or sticky. If you notice a crusty or sticky discharge around the umbilical cord stump, then clean it with a bit of warm water and pat dry with a clean, dry towel. Do not try to pull off the stump! Allow it to fall off on its own. [30] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Check the area each time you change your baby’s diaper. Clean off any stool or urine that gets on your baby’s penis with some mild, unscented soap and warm water. If you notice swelling, redness, or a cloudy, crusty fluid, then call your doctor. Your baby’s circumcision wound may be infected.
Infants 0-2 months need 10. 5-18 hours every day. Babies 2-12 months need 14-15 hours every day.
Keep in mind that most babies don’t have a specific bedtime in the first two to three months of life because they are still feeding every few hours. Take naps, feedings, baths, and your baby’s age when figuring out their bedtime. [33] X Research source Adjust your schedule for activities or other factors like illness. [34] X Research source
Start switching into bedtime mode at least two hours before bedtime. Dampen any noise. [36] X Research source Dim the lights in any spaces your baby might be. This signals them that it’s time to sleep. [37] X Research source Gently talk to your baby and rub their back to relax. This can also help soothe them if they are fussy. [38] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Reading or singing can help calm your baby. [41] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Give them a warm bath to stimulate sleepiness. A gentle massage may encourage somnolence and prepare them for sleep. [42] X Research source
A room temperature between 60 and 75 degrees is optimal for promoting sleep. [44] X Research source Remove electronics or anything else that might stimulate your baby. [45] X Research source Use soft bulbs and curtains or blinds to control light. A night light in a non-stimulating color like red can reassure a baby. [46] X Research source White noise machine can dampen noises and help them sleep. [47] X Research source Remove blankets and soft items from the crib or bassinet to minimize the risk of suffocation. [48] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Lay your baby on their back in their bed. [51] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Let your baby to adjust and see if they fall back asleep if they rouse when you put them in the bed. If they don’t, hold them until they become drowsy.
Massage or gentle stroking Vocal stimulation such as talking, singing, reading, or cooing. [53] X Research source Maintaining eye to eye contact at close range. [54] X Research source Playing with age-appropriate toys.
Avoid sudden movements, bright lights, and loud noises so that you don’t startle your baby. [56] X Research source Pick your baby up if they cannot calm down from crying. Stroke their skin and speak to them in a soft voice to help them calm down. [57] X Research source Swaddling newborns and babies under two months can help soothe them. [58] X Research source
Learn how to properly secure your baby in carriers, strollers, and car seats. Most hospital will not allow you to leave without an appropriate car seat that you can properly use. [60] X Research source Ask questions about using carriers, strollers, and car seats as you need. You can also read packaging instructions. Limit activities that are too rough or bouncy, which can be dangerous for a baby. [61] X Research source
Know that it’s okay to ask for help and that many people are willing to help out with babies. [63] X Research source If you don’t have any close friends or family to help you, your doctor or local hospital may help you find someone to help you. [64] X Research source
Schedule regular doctor’s visits for your baby. Your pediatrician will check that they are thriving and developing according to schedule. In addition, the doctor will make sure your child is vaccinated against diseases. Your baby should see their pediatrician at regular intervals including: at birth, three to five days old, two to four weeks, two months, four months, six months, nine months, one year, 15 months, and 18 months. [65] X Research source Note what each visit will entail so that nothing comes as a surprise. For example, at three to five days your doctor will check your baby’s weight, length and head circumference and ask questions about feedings, sleeping habits, and defecation. [66] X Research source At two months, your baby will receive his first round of vaccines. At nine months, your doctor will check your baby’s size and developmental issues such as speaking, standing, and playing peek-a-boo. [67] X Research source
