Caring for a newborn mostly comes down to a few daily rhythms — feeding 8–12 times a day, safe sleep on the back, diaper changes, gentle cord and skin care, plenty of holding — plus knowing the handful of warning signs that mean you should call the doctor. This guide covers each one in plain language, so the first weeks feel a little less overwhelming.
Key takeaways
- Feed on cue, 8–12 times in 24 hours, and track wet and dirty diapers.
- Every sleep on the back, alone, in an empty crib or bassinet in your room.
- Sponge-bathe until the umbilical cord stump falls off; keep it clean and dry.
- A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months needs a call to your doctor right away.
- Crying often peaks around 6–8 weeks. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely and take a break — never shake a baby.
The first days at home
Most newborns have a check-up within a few days of leaving the hospital to look at feeding, weight and jaundice. Bring your questions — and your diaper log. Newborns lose some weight in the first days and should be back to birth weight by around two weeks.
Before the first car ride home, make sure your rear-facing car seat is installed correctly; many fire stations and certified technicians will check it for free.
Feeding
Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed or both, newborns need to feed often — about every two to three hours, including at night. Feed when you see early hunger cues (rooting, sucking on hands, lip-smacking), before crying starts.
- Breastfeeding: focus on a deep latch and frequent feeds. See our breastfeeding guide.
- Formula: mix exactly as directed and use clean bottles. See our formula feeding guide.
- Vitamin D: breastfed and partially breastfed babies need a daily 400 IU supplement.
By day five, expect at least six wet diapers and several stools a day.
Sleep
Newborns sleep 14–17 hours a day in short stretches, waking to feed. Follow the ABCs — Alone, on their Back, in a Crib or bassinet — for every sleep, and share a room but not a bed. Our safe sleep guide has the full checklist, and our wake windows guide helps with nap timing.
Diapers and skin
- Change often — around 8–12 times a day at first. Wipe front to back for girls.
- Stool changes are normal: black, sticky meconium becomes greenish, then yellow and seedy (breastfed) or tan and pasty (formula-fed).
- Diaper rash: change promptly, let skin air-dry, and use a thick barrier cream with zinc oxide.
- Newborn skin often peels or has small spots (milia, baby acne). These clear on their own — skip lotions and fragrances.
Umbilical cord care
Keep the stump clean and dry; fold the diaper below it so it can air. It usually falls off within one to three weeks. A little dried blood is normal. Call your doctor if the skin around it becomes red and swollen, it smells bad, oozes pus, or bleeds more than a few drops.
Bathing
Sponge baths two or three times a week are plenty until the cord falls off. After that, a short tub bath in a few inches of warm water (about 100°F / 38°C — warm, not hot, on your wrist or elbow) works well.
- Gather everything first: towel, washcloth, mild fragrance-free wash, clean diaper and clothes.
- Keep one hand on your baby at all times. Never leave them, even for a second.
- Wash face with plain water, then body, then hair last so they don’t get cold.
- Pat dry, paying attention to skin folds.
Holding, bonding and tummy time
- Support the head and neck whenever you lift or carry your baby.
- Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate temperature, heart rate and breathing, and supports breastfeeding.
- Talk, sing and make eye contact — this is how language and connection begin.
- Tummy time while awake and supervised, a few minutes several times a day from the first days, building up gradually.
Crying and soothing
All babies cry, and many have a period of increased crying that peaks around six to eight weeks and eases by three to four months. Check the basics (hunger, diaper, temperature, tiredness), then try swaddling, shushing, gentle rocking, a pacifier or a walk. Our soothing and sleep guide has more ideas.
Health basics
- Well-baby visits are usually at 3–5 days, 1 month and 2 months, then every few months. They track growth and development and include routine vaccinations.
- Taking a temperature: a digital rectal thermometer is the most accurate for babies under three months.
- Jaundice: yellowing of the skin is common in the first week. Call if it spreads to the belly or legs, or your baby is very sleepy and feeding poorly.
- Nails: file or trim carefully — newborn nails are thin and sharp.
- has a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or is unusually cold;
- is breathing fast, grunting, or pulling in at the ribs, or their lips look blue (call emergency services);
- is very sleepy, floppy or hard to wake, or feeding poorly;
- has fewer wet diapers than expected, or vomits forcefully or green;
- has yellow skin spreading below the chest, or seems unwell in any way that worries you.
Looking after yourself
Newborn care is round-the-clock work. Rest when you can, eat regularly, accept help, and share night duties if possible. Baby blues are common in the first two weeks; low mood or anxiety that lasts longer or feels overwhelming deserves support — our guide for new moms lists helplines.
Newborn must-haves
Frequently asked questions
Can I take my newborn outside?
Yes. Fresh air and daylight are good for both of you. Dress your baby in one more layer than you, avoid direct sun, and limit close contact with anyone who is sick.
How often should I bathe my newborn?
Two or three times a week is enough. Daily baths can dry out sensitive skin.
Is hiccupping or sneezing a sign of illness?
Usually not — newborns hiccup and sneeze a lot to clear their noses. Look for fever, poor feeding or breathing changes instead.
