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Newborn Care: What Every New and Expectant Mother Should Know

Nie Lina MD PC Blog Newborn Care: What Every New and Expectant Mother Should Know

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to newborn care, but thankfully, you don’t have to wait until your baby is born to start learning. You can start now!

In addition to learning from books, podcasts, and the mothers in your own family, Nie Lina, MD, PhD, and the Nie Lina MD PC Pediatrics team are here to help new mothers learn to care for their newborn babies. (对于中文: 请点击此处。)

Here’s a guide to help you feel more confident and prepared as you care for your baby, courtesy of our team.

Trust yourself

As a new mom, it’s natural to feel uncertain at times, but remember to trust yourself. 

Give yourself lots of grace. It’s OK to ask for help, to ask questions, and to practice self-care as you heal from labor and delivery. 

What you need to know about feeding

Newborns eat about every 2-3 hours. Whether you choose to breastfeed, pump exclusively, or use formula, the most important thing is to ensure that your baby gets enough to eat.

Keep an eye out for hunger signs like rooting or sucking on hands. These hunger cues usually come before crying.

Some breastfed babies like to suckle for comfort — rather than to fill their belly — so you may notice that a newborn suckles and then quickly falls asleep. This is normal, but if you’re concerned about how much your baby is eating, you can track wet and dirty diapers to monitor fluid intake.

If you’re breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if needed.

What you need to know about sleep

It’s normal for newborns to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day! 

To reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), always place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm mattress without loose bedding or toys.

If your baby falls asleep in a baby wrap, always check that their airway is clear.

What you need to know about diapering

Newborn babies can go through 8-12 diapers a day. During diaper changes, use unscented wipes (or warm water with a soft, washable flannel cloth) to clean your baby. For baby girls, always wipe front to back. 

You can also use baby powder to keep your baby’s bottom dry, but make sure it’s talc-free.

To keep diaper rash at bay, apply a thick layer of petroleum jelly. If you start to see signs of a diaper wash, use an ointment that contains zinc oxide. 

What you need to know about bathtime

Your newborn doesn’t need daily baths. Two or three full baths per week is enough. Stick with washcloth baths until your baby’s umbilical cord stump falls off. That being said, you may need to clean your baby’s face and neck daily if they spit up or dribble milk.

For bathtime, you’ll need:

Babies are extremely slippery when they’re wet, so always keep a firm yet gentle grip, and never leave your baby unattended. 

Decoding your baby’s cries

Crying is how your baby communicates with you. It may signal hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or simply the need for a cuddle.

Try different soothing techniques like swaddling, gentle rocking, white noise, or skin-to-skin contact. Your baby may also need to burp, so if your baby has recently eaten, try burping.

It’s OK if you go through a few soothing techniques before you find the right one. With time, you’ll become a pro at figuring out what your baby needs. 

Scheduling your baby’s first well-care exam

Caring for a newborn may seem overwhelming at first, but with patience, practice, and the right information, you’ll find your rhythm — and we can help you with that. 

Your baby’s first checkup typically happens here in our office in the Sunset Park neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, about 2-5 days after hospital discharge. 

During this checkup, you can expect:

If you’re a new mother and need to schedule your baby’s next well-baby check, call us at 718-380-2385.  If you’re expecting, it’s not too early to meet Dr. Nie Lina and get started with your paperwork. Call or click to get started!