Newborn Baby Guide

Welcoming a newborn baby into your home is an exciting milestone, especially for first-time parents. This newborn care guide will walk you through the first few weeks, offering practical advice while reassuring you that you’re not alone in this new life journey.

At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we know how important these early days are. Contact our friendly team for support tailored to new parents in Austin, Texas.

What Parents say:

“Everyone we interacted with today was wonderful! It’s not easy seeing a family of five all at once! We appreciate all the extra efforts put in place to make our visit safe and efficient.”

– Ethan M.

Symptoms & Conditions We Treat

Newborn Babies and First-Time Parents

Becoming first-time parents can feel overwhelming. You’ll experience many babies take longer naps than expected, burst into tears, or need your attention during nighttime feedings.

It’s normal for most new parents to worry about everything from how a baby develops to a baby’s health. Know that you’re building confidence every day as your new baby settles into routines and bonds with you.

Some important things new parents should be aware of include the following:

Crying baby: Expect frequent crying. It’s how babies communicate hunger, discomfort, or the need for a cuddle. With time, you will learn to differentiate hunger cries from tired or fussy cries.
Feeding: If breastfeeding, expect cluster (frequent) feeding. Engaging a lactation counselor, which we have at PAA, in the early days can help. For formula-fed babies, feeds happen every 2–4 hours. Our lactation counselors can help with formula-fed babies too!
Baby’s health monitoring: Basics include checking the baby’s temperature, weight gain from birth weight, and tracking daily bowel movements.

What to Expect When Caring for a Newborn

Newborns have unique needs right from the start. Understanding what to expect can help ease stress.

Sleep and Feeding

A baby sleeps most of the day in short bursts, typically for 2–4 hours, and wakes often for feeding. Most babies start sleeping longer after 6–8 weeks.

Ensure your baby has a safe sleep environment:

A firm crib mattress
No crib bumpers, stuffed animals, or blankets.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends back sleeping and room sharing (not the same bed) for the first six months to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome.

Physical Development

You should notice the following physical traits in your newborn:

Newborns exhibit reflexes like rooting and gripping.
They have downy hair called lanugo, which typically disappears during the first few weeks.
Baby’s head should be supported carefully due to soft spots (fontanelles).
They can tolerate gentle tummy time under supervision once they’ve had a couple of weeks to adjust.

What Does a Newborn Baby Look Like?

Every baby’s appearance is unique, yet there are common characteristics in most newborns:

Tiny white bumps on their nose or forehead. These are milia, and typically disappear within a few weeks.
Cradle cap: Scaly patches on the scalp; use gentle baby shampoo and brush softly.
Downy hair and peeling baby’s skin are common as your baby’s body adjusts.
Their birth weight may dip slightly initially, but most regain it by two weeks.

Protecting Your Baby

Keeping your newborn safe and healthy involves an array of safety tips:

Car seat safety. Use a rear-facing car seat in the back seat, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
Not the same bed. Avoid co-sleeping. This is a key recommendation to prevent sudden infant death syndrome. However, the crib, play yard, or bassinet should be in your room.
No crib bumpers or stuffed animals, and avoid loose blankets. Use wearable sleep sacks if needed.
Keep pets and siblings under supervision during handling.
Limit visitors if your baby is showing signs of illness and until your baby is 2 months old. It’s also important to ensure visitors do not hold the baby if they have “sniffles” or “allergies,” as these symptoms could be a sign of a minor cold, which could turn into a more significant illness in a newborn. Before a visitor holds a baby, be sure they wash their hands or use hand sanitizer.

Umbilical Cord Care

Proper umbilical cord care helps prevent infections and ensures it heals fast:

Clean the cord stump with warm water (no soap), pat dry with a clean cloth.
Fold back the diaper to avoid covering the stump.
Let it air dry. No need for petroleum jelly.
Expect it to fall off within around two weeks. If you see redness, foul odor, or swelling, contact your baby’s provider.

Protecting Your Baby's Health

It is recommended to follow safety guidelines to protect your baby’s health:

Begin immunizations based on the AAP schedule. The first vaccine, Hepatitis B, is given in the hospital and then is administered in our office again at age 1 month. Thereafter, routine vaccines for diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, polio, etc., start at 2 months.
Perform regular diaper changes to check for rashes or signs of illness.
Keep nails trimmed to prevent your baby from scratching their face.

Newborn Home Preparation

Get your baby’s room ready before their arrival:

Crib or play yard with a firm mattress and fitted sheet.
White noise machine near 60–65 dB to mimic womb vibes.
Stock the changing station with diapers, wipes, rash cream, and extra clothes.
Comfortable rocking chair for feedings and snuggles.
Get a car seat ready for your ride home from the hospital.

When to Call Your Provider

Reach out to your baby’s provider if you notice any of these warning signs:

Fever over 38 °C (100.4 °F), taken rectally
Poor feeding or fewer than three wet diapers in 24 hours
Violent vomiting or green/yellow vomiting
Lethargy or continuous crying not soothed by feeding or diaper change
Redness, swelling, or foul smell around the umbilical cord or scrotum

Older Babies and Beyond

As your baby grows:

They’ll gain more head control, roll over, and begin interacting with toys.
Adjust sleep and feeding routines.
Introduce solids at around six months, in coordination with your provider’s advice.

How We Can Help

Parenting a newborn doesn’t come with a manual, but we’re here to help. At Pediatric Associates of Austin, we offer expert well‑baby checkups, newborn feeding support, and safe sleep environment guidance.

Contact us today to welcome your new baby with the best care possible. Let us support your journey through these magical early weeks. Your confidence is just a call away.

Medically reviewed by Emily Woodard, MSN, APRN, CPNP

FAQs About Caring for Newborns

How often should newborns poop?

Many babies have bowel movements after each feed initially; patterns vary. As long as it’s soft and produced regularly, it’s healthy.

What if my newborn has reflux?

Mild spit-up is common. Feeding upright and burping often helps. Persistent symptoms warrant consulting your provider.

My baby has a diaper rash. What can I do?

Change diapers frequently, clean with warm water, air-dry, and apply zinc-oxide ointment. Avoid scented wipes. If rash persists, see your baby’s provider. You can also review our Diaper Rash Handout for at-home advice.

When will my baby start sleeping for longer stretches?

Many newborns begin longer stretches around 6–8 weeks. Establishing consistent daytime and nighttime routines helps. A white noise machine or infant swing may soothe them.

When will my baby go for the first check-up?

Within 48–72 hours after discharge to check the umbilical cord, weight, feeding, and the baby’s health.

Can I give my newborn a bath right away?

During the early days, stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. After that, you can start gentle baths in warm water.

What is the significance of tummy time?

Encourages neck strength and motor development by about 2–4 weeks. Start with short sessions while your baby’s awake and supervised.

Should we see a lactation consultant?

If you have latching struggles, low supply, or pain, early support can help establish breastfeeding and prevent conditions like mastitis. We have in-office lactation counselors who can help!

Sources

https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/guide-parents.html