20 September 2025
Hey! Just a heads up — those first few weeks can feel super overwhelming, so don’t be afraid to ask for help. Even if you and your fam don’t agree on everything, their experience might come in handy. Just make sure anyone around baby is feeling well and up to date on their vaccines. And seriously, don’t feel bad about limiting visitors if you’re not up for it — your space, your rules.
Some tips for handling them if you are not super familiar with newborns
- Always wash your hands (or use sanitizer) before touching baby — their immune system’s still getting started.
- Support their head and neck every time you pick them up or lay them down.
- Never shake them, even in play — it can be really dangerous. If you need to wake baby, try tickling their feet or gently blowing on their cheek.
- Make sure they’re strapped in safely in the car seat, stroller, or carrier
- Download a baby tracker app on your phone to keep tabs on their growth
When should I feed my baby?
Whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula, most newborns eat every 2–3 hours. Feeding on demand is usually best, so if baby’s crying, sucking on their hands, or making sucking noises, they’re probably hungry.
If you're nursing, a few signs baby’s getting enough: they seem content after feeding, have about 6 wet diapers and a few poops a day, sleep pretty well, and are gaining weight. Another thing to watch for — your boobs might feel full before feeding and softer afterward.
Formula-feeding is a little easier to track since you can see how much they’re taking in, but either way, if you're ever unsure, your doctor can help figure out if baby's feeding and growing like they should.
Oh, and don’t forget to burp them during and after feeds — they swallow a lot of air, and it can make them uncomfortable and fussy.
What about their sleep?
Newborns actually sleep a lot, like 16+ hours a day! But it’s usually in short chunks of 2–4 hours at a time (day and night). Some babies start sleeping longer stretches (like 6–8 hours at night) by around 3 months, but if yours doesn’t, that’s totally normal too. Just like us, they all have their own little sleep patterns.
How to changer their diaper?
Newborns go through a lot of diapers (like 10+ a day), so be ready for up to 70 changes a week!
When you're changing them:
- Make sure you have everything you need (wipes, cream, fresh diaper) right next to you before you start.
- Always wipe gently front to back to avoid irritation or infection.
- If there's any redness or signs of diaper rash, go ahead and use some diaper cream.
- And don’t forget to wash your hands after — it’s easy to forget when you're half asleep!
You’ll be a pro in no time!