Newborn Basics: Pediatrician Tips for Caring for Your New Baby

Bringing home a new baby is an incredible, although sometimes overwhelming, experience. While you may be embarking on the wildest emotional roller coaster of your life, you don’t have to go it alone. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health pediatrician Nivedita More, MD, is here to reassure you with some expert advice for navigating this new phase. She also discusses this topic in a HealthTalks podcast.

Essential baby supplies

When it comes to getting your home ready for baby, Dr. More suggests prioritizing a few key items, such as a car seat and a safe sleeping area.

“First things first, a car seat is legally required for hospital deliveries. So, make sure you have one and that it is rear-facing and installed correctly,” she said. “The next most important thing is the safe sleep area. So, a bassinet or a crib would be really good to have. Initially, the bassinet is going to be placed next to the mother or father’s bed. Newborns should sleep on their backs on a foam mattress with a fitted sheet, so make sure that the bed is safe.”

Dr. More recommends installing the car seat in advance of your baby’s arrival. The California Highway Patrol can help make sure your car seat is installed correctly if you have any concerns.

Feeding and diapering

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusively breastfeeding for the first six months of age. Newborns typically eat every two to three hours—about eight to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period.

“We want all mothers to be set up for success right when they deliver their babies. So, for mothers who want to breastfeed, they need some breastfeeding gear, like a breast pump, some nursing pads, and nursing cream,” Dr. More explained.

“For moms who are not successful with breastfeeding and for those working mothers who are going to be eventually bottle feeding, it is a good idea to have some of the bottle supplies as well, with the right-size nipples and the bottles, along with some backup formula just in case mom needs to supplement.”

And, of course, what goes in must come out! You will also want to be prepared with a supply of diapers, wipes, and diaper cream. While you may be tempted to stock up on newborn sizes, keep in mind that babies grow quickly, so they may not wear those teeny tiny diapers for long. When choosing diaper supplies, opt for products that will be gentle on baby’s skin.

“There are a lot of sensitive wipes now; those tend to be easier on the baby’s skin, so I definitely recommend those. With the diaper rash cream, we want something with zinc oxide in it to protect the very tender skin in the diaper area,” she said.

“You will also need some bathing supplies. Initially, you will be only sponging the baby until the cord falls off, so we don’t need a bathtub at all in the first couple of weeks, but it’s good to have on hand before the baby arrives so you are not scrambling last minute.”

Soothing your baby

Even if you do your best to anticipate your baby’s needs, there will still be crying. All babies cry because crying is the only way they know how to communicate, and it is perfectly normal. Some techniques Dr. More recommends are swaddling, shushing, and swinging to help babies feel calm. Dr. More urges parents to hold the baby often and not worry about spoiling them.

“The first three months of the baby’s life is like the fourth trimester for the baby because it’s an adjustment period that they’re going through, from the mother’s womb to this whole new world that they’re breathing on their own and stuff like that,” she said. “It’s OK to hold the baby a lot, and they do need a lot of holding and spoiling in the first three months of their lives.”

Keeping baby healthy

A newborn’s immune system is not fully developed, so it’s harder for them to fight off even common viruses. Even a cold can make them very sick. Since they are too young for most vaccines, it’s up to the adults around them to keep them safe from infection. During the first few weeks, Dr. More advises parents to avoid closed-in areas and opt for outdoor activities instead.

“To protect infants who are so vulnerable to all these respiratory illnesses, I suggest that parents be protective of their infant in terms of crowds and visitors for the first eight weeks until they get their first set of vaccines,” she said.

“They are not completely protected, but they get some partial protection from the first set of vaccines. Going outdoors in fresh air and taking walks with mom or dad is great to do with newborns starting really early.”

She also recommends washing hands before holding the baby, not letting people kiss the baby, and avoiding contact with other children or siblings who are sick.

Dr. More reminds parents that the newborn stage is fleeting. Before you know it, the sleepy little newborn will be an alert and interactive 3-month-old with a new set of challenges and treasures. The sleepless nights and endless feedings will pass. Cherish each day with your newborn, and don’t be afraid to ask for support.

“Parents definitely need to not forget themselves in terms of taking care of themselves. I have to remind parents to do that sometimes. Take breaks when possible, eat well, talk about how you’re feeling,” she said. “Don’t hesitate to ask for help from friends and family. Trust your instincts, and bring up any concerns you have at your well visits.”

For more expert advice from Dr. More, read Getting Help When the Baby Blues Don’t Go Away or Practical Tips for Dealing With Bedwetting.