Congratulations on the arrival of your bundle of joy! The first few weeks with a newborn are a whirlwind of emotions, sleepless nights, and endless questions. While it's a truly special time, it can also feel overwhelming. You will likely be bombarded with “well meaning advice” from elders, friends and even your friendly neighborhood auntie! You will likely be using google more than you ever have! Calling or visiting your pediatrician every other day is not possible for you. And all moms, especially the first time ones face this issue.
Does this sound like you? Don't worry, you are not alone! All new moms go through the same emotions, second guessing their every decision and wondering if they are doing it right. We are here to help you with a few tips that every new mom must know about her newborn baby!
Here are a few essential newborn care tips to get you started:
Diapering : Newborns go through a lot of diapers! Be prepared for frequent changes and learn the signs of a dirty diaper (wetness, smell, or fussiness). Apply coconut oil or diaper cream to prevent rashes and give your baby some diaper-free time to let their skin breathe. Keep a diaper bin nearby for hygiene.
Feeding: Establishing a feeding routine takes time. Babies typically feed every 2-3 hours. Learn hunger cues like sucking on fists or crying, and don’t wake a baby from sleep to feed once they've regained their birth weight.
Sleeping: Newborns sleep a lot, often in short bursts. Pay attention to sleep cues like rubbing eyes or yawning, and try to nap when your baby naps. Create a calm, safe sleep environment by placing your baby on their back in a crib without blankets or toys.
Bathing: Bathing doesn't need to be daily. Use warm water and gentle baby soap. For the first few weeks, sponge baths are sufficient until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Always check the water temperature with your elbow first.
Tummy Time: This strengthens your baby's neck and back muscles. Start with short sessions on a soft surface, gradually increasing as your baby gets stronger. Tummy time also helps with issues like colic pain. Tummy time should always be done under supervision for newborns!
But here's the most important part: We want to hear from YOU!
Moms, you've likely been there – feeling overwhelmed and wishing someone had shared those secret tips! When you were struggling to find answers that you know now! Now's your chance to pay it forward! Share your best newborn care advice which helped you deal with colic, sleep deprivation, blocked nose, breastfeeding or swaddling your baby!
Don't forget to like and share this article to help more moms who have a newborn baby! Every comment you post motivates me to write another one!
This article is endorsed by Dr. Balakumari, a prominent OB-GYN from Chennai with 33 years of experience.
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Shibani
As a mom who recently navigated the newborn stage, I want to share a few tips that might help you too. Embrace a flexible routine because newborns don’t always stick to a strict schedule; watch for your baby’s cues instead of the clock. Swaddling was a lifesaver for us, helping my baby feel secure and sleep better—just be sure to wrap them snugly but allow their hips to move freely. Skin-to-skin contact worked wonders, calming my baby and making breastfeeding easier by stimulating milk production. Don’t hesitate to accept help from family and friends; whether it’s cooking, cleaning, or holding the baby while you shower, every bit of support counts. Taking care of myself was crucial, so I made time for simple self-care activities like short walks, warm showers, or quick naps. Lastly, joining a support group, like we have Zactive moms , provided much-needed emotional support and practical advice. Remember, every baby is different, so trust your instincts and enjoy these precious moments with your little one!
Rima
Hello Moms, being a new mom myself life has been good and challenging! I have learnt that each day is different. Advice for all moms of newborn is – please take rest. Also sleep when baby sleeps it’s very important. For colic pain do try hing on navel it helps a lot. Tell elders not to give anything from out to baby only breastmilk is needed. Make baby nap well in day time so night also they sleep. I attended sessions at House of zelena so I know about baby sleep now. So get information as much as u can it makes you a confident mom! Sometimes newborns cry a lot and nothing we do calms them down . But don’t worry. Of ur feeling angry and frustrated leave baby in safe place. Go and breathe then pick up baby again. You are a good mom!
Ritika Sharma
First of all, many thanks to house of zelena community. Thanks for being there for the new moms like us, it’s a big help and a social course you are into by helping new borns to develop and guiding their moms in such a nice and convenient way.
I must say there are people around you who guide you according to their time and facilities they hardly had like 10-20-30 years ago or so. But in today’s world, a lot of sources are available then why can’t we use them and make the birth journey so easy.
Like in my case, parents told me not to wear suits (kurti) but only saree as in the blouse it’s more convenient to feed the baby. However meternity Kurtis are easily available in variety.
Again this was just an example but a lot more advices are given to nre moms but thanks to zactive mom group there we get to know the opportunity and options available.
Another advice, people might ask you to not to carry new born baby most of the time as they will get addicted but actually until 3 months or afterwards also we required to carry the baby as they feel like they are still in the womb. You may keep the distance and draw a line and straight away tell them that baby is not going to be of this age forever. Let me keep the baby with me as the baby.
Moms believe in yourself, you are stronger and fighter when it comes to the baby.
Great knowledge always win. Keep updated.
Anisha
Newborns are cute but very hard also. I feel mom should listen to their own mom instinct first! Every mom knows what is right for her baby. Also join mom community like zactive moms where other mom support is above everything! First few days please swaddle baby as it helps them sleep long. Massage baby and do it on your own! Many moms say that baby cries when we massage but that is not true. Baby should not cry. Also bathe baby in the morning as baby will sleep well then! Dress baby in soft clothes. We make baby wear used clothes in newborn age. And definitely take cat naps moms! Hope this helped you!
Pooja
Very well written and useful article for new mummas.
Since my baby is now almost 6months, would like to share some of my learnings – having said that each child is different, each journey is different.
Every mother struggle for initial 4-5days as the feed is very negligible. Dont be scared, let them have formula just for initial few days (if required) but keep trying as baby can only help in production of milk. Moreover, the first milk after birth contains colostrum that is highly concentrated with nutrients and antibodies to fight infection – thus a must have fir the newborn
Drink jeera water as it helps to increase milk supply – atleast helped in my case.
I used to feed my baby as per her demands as she used to and infact still feeds very little at a time. Its tiring for mom – but please be patient – this time will also pass :)
I went for traditional way of feeding – did not used any pumps and bottles – as I wanted to avoid effort of sterilisation, etc.
Babies cry – dont get scared – keep them close. Mine used to cry for hours at night. They need you – the mother, the parents – to get used to this world.
Ensure timely paed consultations and vaccinations without fail. The paed will prescibe vit D drops – please give it daily without fail. Only sunlight is not sufficient; moreover, direct sunlight can be harmful for the newborn
I personally like taped diapers and not pants one as you can keep them loose and tight as per baby’s comfort
Also, mummas, please sleep when the baby sleeps – all chores can wait – take rest as much as you can – if you are relaxed – it will help both – you and the baby
Please prioritise your health too – else it will be difficult for you in later months and years