EGSpect

EGSpect

Complete Newborn Care Guide

Essential care tips and practices for your newborn's first weeks of life

8-12
Feeds per day
16-20 hrs
Sleep per day
6-8
Wet diapers/day
2-3
Baths per week

Welcome to Newborn Care

Caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and preparation, you'll gain confidence quickly. This comprehensive guide covers all the essential aspects of newborn care to help you provide the best care for your baby during those crucial first weeks.

Basic Needs

Feeding, sleeping, diaper changes, and comfort

Health & Safety

Temperature, hygiene, and medical care

Development

Bonding, stimulation, and growth monitoring

Feeding Your Newborn

Breastfeeding Basics

  • • Frequency: 8-12 times per day
  • • Duration: 15-30 minutes per session
  • • Signs of hunger: Rooting, sucking motions, fussiness
  • • Good latch: Wide mouth, lips flanged out
  • • Positioning: Cradle, cross-cradle, football hold
  • • Milk supply: Established by 2-4 weeks

Breastfeeding Tips:

  • • Feed on demand, not by schedule initially
  • • Switch breasts during feeding
  • • Stay hydrated and eat well
  • • Seek help from lactation consultant if needed

Formula Feeding Basics

  • • Frequency: 8-10 times per day
  • • Amount: 1-3 oz per feeding initially
  • • Preparation: Follow instructions exactly
  • • Temperature: Room temperature or slightly warm
  • • Sterilization: Bottles and nipples until 12 months
  • • Storage: Use within 2 hours once prepared

Formula Safety:

  • • Never microwave formula
  • • Discard leftover formula after feeding
  • • Check expiration dates
  • • Use filtered or boiled water for mixing

Diaper Changing & Hygiene

Step-by-Step Diaper Changing

Preparation:

  • • Gather supplies: diapers, wipes, cream
  • • Clean, flat changing surface
  • • Safety strap or keep one hand on baby
  • • Have everything within reach

Process:

  • • Remove dirty diaper carefully
  • • Clean from front to back (especially girls)
  • • Let skin air dry briefly
  • • Apply barrier cream if needed
  • • Secure new diaper snugly but not tight

Normal Output:

  • • First 24 hours: 1-2 wet diapers
  • • Day 2-3: 2-3 wet diapers
  • • Day 4+: 6-8 wet diapers daily
  • • Meconium: First 2-3 days
  • • Transitional stools: Days 3-5
  • • Regular stools: After day 5

Diaper Rash Prevention:

  • • Change diapers promptly
  • • Clean gently with water or mild wipes
  • • Allow skin to air dry
  • • Use barrier cream with zinc oxide
  • • Ensure proper diaper fit
  • • Give diaper-free time daily

Bathing Your Newborn

Sponge Bath (First Few Weeks)

  • • Frequency: 2-3 times per week
  • • Until: Umbilical cord falls off
  • • Supplies: Washcloths, mild soap, towels
  • • Water temperature: Lukewarm (98-100°F)
  • • Order: Face first, then body
  • • Areas to clean: Face, neck folds, diaper area

Tub Bath (After Cord Heals)

  • • Water depth: 2-3 inches
  • • Temperature: 98-100°F (test with elbow)
  • • Support: Hold securely under arms
  • • Duration: 5-10 minutes
  • • Soap: Mild, fragrance-free baby soap
  • • Shampoo: Once or twice per week

Bath Safety Tips:

  • • Never leave baby alone, even for seconds
  • • Keep water temperature consistent
  • • Have all supplies ready beforehand
  • • Support baby's head and neck
  • • Dry baby immediately after bath
  • • Clean from cleanest to dirtiest areas

Sleep & Safe Sleep Practices

Newborn Sleep Patterns

  • • Total sleep: 16-20 hours per day
  • • Sleep cycles: 2-4 hours at a time
  • • Day/night confusion: Normal for first 6 weeks
  • • Active sleep: Lots of movement and sounds
  • • Wake windows: 45-90 minutes initially
  • • Sleep cues: Yawning, rubbing eyes, fussiness

Safe Sleep Guidelines

  • • Back sleeping: Always place on back
  • • Firm mattress: No soft bedding or pillows
  • • Empty crib: No toys, bumpers, or blankets
  • • Room sharing: Baby in your room 6+ months
  • • No smoking: Smoke-free environment
  • • Temperature: Keep room comfortable, not hot

Sleep Environment Tips:

  • • Use a fitted sheet only
  • • Consider a sleep sack instead of blankets
  • • Keep room slightly cool (68-70°F)
  • • Use blackout curtains for day naps
  • • White noise can help some babies
  • • Swaddling may help in early weeks

Health Monitoring & Medical Care

Vital Signs & Normal Ranges

Temperature

  • • Normal: 97.7-99.5°F (36.5-37.5°C)
  • • Rectal temperature most accurate
  • • Fever: 100.4°F+ requires immediate care

Heart Rate

  • • Normal: 120-160 beats per minute
  • • May vary with activity/sleep
  • • Check by feeling chest or pulse

Breathing

  • • Normal: 30-60 breaths per minute
  • • Irregular patterns are normal
  • • Watch for difficulty breathing

Umbilical Cord Care

Daily Care:

  • • Keep cord stump clean and dry
  • • Clean with water if soiled
  • • Fold diaper below cord stump
  • • Allow air exposure when possible
  • • No alcohol or antiseptics needed

Normal Process:

  • • Falls off in 7-21 days
  • • May have small amount of bleeding
  • • Slight odor is normal
  • • Belly button may look raw initially
  • • Complete healing in 2-3 weeks

Bonding & Early Development

Bonding Activities

  • • Skin-to-skin contact: As much as possible
  • • Eye contact: During feeding and play
  • • Talking and singing: Baby loves your voice
  • • Gentle massage: Promotes relaxation
  • • Reading: Never too early to start
  • • Responsive care: Attend to baby's cues

Early Stimulation

  • • Tummy time: 2-3 minutes, several times daily
  • • High contrast patterns: Black and white images
  • • Gentle sounds: Soft music, nature sounds
  • • Different textures: Soft fabrics and toys
  • • Varied positions: Carry baby in different ways
  • • Limit overstimulation: Watch for baby's cues

Safety Guidelines

Never Leave Baby Alone

  • • Changing table: Always keep one hand on baby
  • • Bath time: Not even for a second
  • • Car: Never leave unattended in vehicle
  • • High surfaces: Beds, couches, chairs
  • • With pets: Always supervise interactions
  • • Near water: Drowning risk in small amounts

General Safety

  • • Car seat: Properly installed, rear-facing
  • • Hand hygiene: Wash before handling baby
  • • Visitors: Ask sick people to stay away
  • • Sun protection: Keep out of direct sunlight
  • • Temperature: Avoid overheating or cold
  • • Choking hazards: Keep small objects away

When to Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Emergency Signs:

  • • Fever 100.4°F+ (rectal) in baby under 3 months
  • • Difficulty breathing or blue lips/face
  • • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep feeds down
  • • No wet diapers for 12+ hours
  • • Extreme lethargy or difficulty waking
  • • Inconsolable crying for hours

Call Your Pediatrician For:

  • • Poor feeding or refusing to eat
  • • Excessive sleepiness or irritability
  • • Signs of dehydration
  • • Rash with fever
  • • Unusual or concerning behaviors
  • • Any time you're worried about your baby

Trust your instincts: You know your baby best. If something doesn't feel right, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency care.

Support for New Parents

Remember that caring for a newborn is a learning process. It's normal to feel overwhelmed, and it's okay to ask for help. Every baby is different, and you'll gradually learn what works best for your little one.

Be Patient
Learning takes time
Ask for Help
Family, friends, professionals
Trust Yourself
You're doing great

Related Resources