Hey there, supermom! You made it through pregnancy and childbirth.
The baby is here, and you may be asking yourself, Now what?
As a new mom, it’s completely natural to have so many questions swirling in your mind: Is it good to bath a baby immediately after birth? How do you tell the difference between a tired baby and a hungry baby? How to change a diaper?
I had the same questions when I was pregnant, and I decided to prepare as much as I could. I watched tutorials, read guides, followed lots of mom influencers online and saved countless pins that taught me everything from “how to breastfeed” and “how to hold a baby” to “how to swaddle.”
But let me tell you, nothing quite prepared me for what was heading my way!
Now, after experiencing those early weeks of motherhood (twice), I hope to offer my two cents to fellow moms.
With this post, and with my entire blog, I hope to help you feel a bit more prepared for the incredible adventure ahead.
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The First 24 Hours With Your Baby
Your baby’s first 24 hours can feel overwhelming.
One important thing to remember is that your baby is accustomed to the comfort and warmth of your belly, so try to make the transition to the outside world as calming as possible. Here are some tips to help:
- Keep It Warm: Ensure the room is warm and cozy to mimic the womb environment.
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: This helps your baby feel secure and regulates their temperature and heart rate. Plus, it’s a beautiful bonding experience.
- Soft Lighting: Avoid harsh lights; keep the room dim to create a soothing atmosphere.
- Gentle Sounds: Speak softly or play calming music to comfort your baby.
Be aware, the first 24 hours will feel like a cycle of feeding, sleeping, and diaper changes – and that’s completely normal!
Feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, frequent feeds are normal.
Don’t worry if it feels awkward at first; it’s a learning process for both of you.
Did you know that your newborn’s tummy is about the size of a cherry during their first day? That’s why they need small, frequent feedings. This helps them get the nourishment they need while avoiding overfeeding.
It’s also important to look for hunger cues, like rooting or sucking motions, to know when your baby is ready to eat again.
For breastfeeding moms, read why it is so important to breastfeed in the first hour after your baby is born, AKA the golden hour.
Sleeping
Newborns spend about 70% of their time sleeping in the first couple of months, but it’s usually in short bursts of 2-4 hours at a time.
They’re also only able to stay awake for 30 to 90 minutes before needing more rest.
In those first 24 hours, your baby may seem extra sleepy but will wake up often to feed.
Use this time to rest whenever you can, because you’ll need it.
One of the most common questions new moms ask during the first 24 hours is: should I wake up my newborn to feed?
In these early hours, it’s often recommended to wake your baby every 2-3 hours to ensure they’re getting enough nourishment and staying hydrated.
This is especially important if your baby is sleepy from the birth process or has trouble latching.
Diapers Changes
Your baby’s first poops (called meconium) are thick, sticky, and dark green or black.
It’s completely normal and will transition to lighter colors over the next few days.
Here’s a fun story for you: I thought I was fully prepared for everything, knowing exactly what meconium was and what to expect. However, while I was resting, my husband took on the task of changing Liam’s first diaper with the help of a nurse. The look of sheer horror on his face when he saw the sticky, black poop was absolutely priceless – and completely hilarious!
One last thing about this day: Be sure to capture lots of photos and truly soak in the moment. These are once-in-a-lifetime memories you’ll cherish forever.
Second Night Syndrome
The second night can be one of the most challenging moments for new parents. Your baby might cry more, seem restless, and want to nurse constantly.
This is completely normal and is often referred to as “Second Night Syndrome.”
I’ve written an in-depth guide about this phase, explaining why it happens and how to navigate it. You can check it out here: Second Night Syndrome.
The Basics of Baby Care
If you’re completely new to raising babies and haven’t picked up much from cousins or friends’ kids, don’t worry!
In this section, I’ll walk you through the essentials to help you confidently keep your baby healthy and happy.
Keep in mind – you don’t have to be perfect at everything, but knowing the basics can save you a lot of stress.
Feeding Your Baby
Few of the most common questions new parents have is about feeding: How often should I feed my baby? Is my baby hungry or just wants to be held?
How do I know if my baby is still hungry after a feed?
Each baby is unique, but there are a few common things you’ll want to keep in mind as you start getting to know your baby’s individual behaviors and needs.
To help you with this process, I’ve written two detailed guides:
Baby’s First Months of Eating provides a comprehensive look at your baby’s nutritional needs during those early months, from the importance of small, frequent feedings to what to expect as your baby’s appetite grows.
For breastfeeding moms, The Ultimate Guide to Successful Breastfeeding covers everything from latching tips to common challenges and how to overcome them.
In these posts, you’ll find everything you need to know to keep your baby well-fed and healthy.
Bathing Your Baby
Bathing a newborn can feel intimidating, but you’ll get the hang of it!
Here are some answers to the most common questions new moms ask:
When Should a Newborn Have a First Bath?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends delaying baby’s first bath until 24 hours after birth.
Delaying a baby’s first bath has three key benefits:
It protects against infections by allowing the vernix – a natural, germ-fighting coating on their skin – to remain intact.
It stabilizes blood sugar levels since bathing too soon can cause stress, leading to fatigue and difficulty breastfeeding.
Lastly, it helps regulate temperature, as newborns can struggle to stay warm in cooler environments, potentially leading to complications like low blood sugar or hypothermia.
How to Give Baby a First Bath?
Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
- Prepare everything in advance: Gather lukewarm water (around 37°C or 98.6°F), a baby-safe soap, a soft washcloth, and a towel. Keep everything within reach.
- Choose the right time: Pick a time when your baby is calm and neither too sleepy nor too hungry.
- Sponge baths at first: Until the umbilical cord stump falls off (around 1-2 weeks), stick to sponge baths. Dip the washcloth in warm water and gently clean their face, hands, and diaper area.
- Support your baby securely: If you’re ready for a full bath, use a baby tub or sink. Support their head and neck at all times.
- Wash gently: Use a small amount of baby-safe soap to clean their body, starting from the cleanest areas (face) and moving to the dirtiest (diaper area).
- Rinse thoroughly: Make sure no soap residue is left on their skin.
- Wrap and dry: Gently pat your baby dry with a soft towel, keeping them warm throughout.
Or, watch this guide by NHS:
How Often Should You Bathe Your Newborn?
According to the Mayo Clinic, newborns don’t get very dirty, so 2-3 baths a week are plenty.
Over-bathing can dry out their delicate skin, so it’s best to keep it simple and focus on the essentials like diaper area cleaning in between baths.
For more tips on keeping your baby’s skin healthy and addressing common issues, check out my guide here: How to Solve Baby’s Skin Issues.
Diapering 101
Let’s face it – changing diapers isn’t the most glamorous part of parenting, but it’s a smelly job that has to be done!
The most important rule? Always keep one hand on your baby during a diaper change to ensure their safety.
Did you know that diapers come in various sizes to suit your baby’s growth?
For newborns, there are specially designed diapers with cutouts to keep the umbilical cord stump exposed, allowing it to heal properly.
Choosing the right size and type not only provides a better fit but also helps prevent leaks.
Before you start, gather everything you’ll need and keep it within easy reach. Like a fresh diaper, wipes, diaper cream, and an extra outfit (just in case!).
After changing a gazillion diapers, I’m more than happy to share my tried-and-true diapering tips with you:
- Pay Attention to the Diaper’s Closure Markers: If the tabs don’t reach the markers, the diaper’s too small. If they’re overlapping, it’s time to size up.
- Handle Poop Explosions Like a Pro: Always remove a messy onesie by pulling it down over the shoulders instead of over your baby’s head. Trust me, this trick will save you (and your baby!) from extra cleanup.
- Stay on Track with Hydration: Start the day by placing 6-7 diapers at the changing station. If you go through them all by bedtime, it’s a great sign your baby is staying hydrated.
- Make Diaper Changes Convenient: Keep a diaper caddy in every room you spend time in. It’s a lifesaver for quick changes, especially when you’re in the middle of something.
- Avoid Getting Peed On: For little boys, lay a cool wipe across their belly before opening the diaper. This clever move often triggers them to pee before the diaper comes off.
- The Poop Diaper Hack: Use the top part of the dirty diaper to scoop up poop and fold it underneath your baby’s bottom before reaching for wipes. It helps keep the mess contained and makes cleanup faster and easier.
- Use a Diaper Bin: I know it’s a bit of a controversial product, but it’s one of my a must-have products for a newborn, especially in the first few months when the number of diaper changes is high. It helps keep things tidy and less stinky!
For even more tips on diapering, clothing, feeding, and more, check out my post: Baby Tips. You’ll find everything you need to make life with your little one easier!
Recognizing Your Baby’s Needs
Understanding what your baby is trying to tell you can feel like decoding a secret language.
At first, every cry might sound the same, but after a few days or weeks, you will start to recognize the specific cues and signals that indicate your baby’s needs.
There is a “crying language” developed by Priscilla Dunstan that I found fascinating and incredibly helpful. I even took a course about it and learned to recognize specific cries.
For example, I could easily identify the “Neh” sound that indicates hunger, although some other sounds were a bit more elusive.
ntil you learn your baby’s unique signs, here are examples of common cues:
- Fullness Cues: A baby who is full may push away the bottle or breast, turn their head, or simply stop sucking. Their hands and body will likely relax, signaling they’re satisfied.
- Hunger Cues: Rooting, smacking lips, and sucking on fingers are signs your baby might be hungry.
- Tiredness Signs: Yawning, rubbing eyes, and becoming fussy are common indicators of fatigue. Additional signs include touching their ears, drooping eyelids, and red eyebrows.
- Overstimulation: Babies can feel overwhelmed by too much noise or activity. If your baby is turning their head away, crying, or rubbing their eyes, it’s a sign they need a calmer environment.
- Dirty Diaper: A wet or soiled diaper can make your baby uncomfortable, and they might express this through fussiness or crying. Some cues to look for include squirming, sudden fussiness during or after feeding, or pulling their legs up toward their belly.
- Colic or Discomfort: If your baby cries for long periods, especially in the evenings, they may be experiencing colic. Signs include arching their back, clenching their fists, or pulling their legs up as if trying to relieve gas.
Practical Tips for the Day-to-Day Care
Master the Art of Swaddling
Got a squirming, fussing newborn on your hands? Fear not, swaddling is here to save the day!
Wrap your little one up snug as a bug in a rug with some top-notch swaddle blankets or master the art of the wrap with a big muslin cloth.
A tight swaddle equals a happy baby and hopefully, some sweet dreams for you both.
It’s the secret weapon for getting that much-needed shut-eye.
Embrace Hands-Free Feeding
Whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, invest in hands-free pumping bras or nursing pillows to make feeding time easier and more comfortable.
These convenient tools allow you to feed your baby while still having your hands free to multitask or simply relax.
You can also try breastfeeding in a baby carrier for added convenience and bonding time.
Sleep When They Sleep
When your little one finally dozes off, make it your top priority to catch some Z’s yourself!
Forget about folding laundry or scrubbing floors – your sanity comes first.
So, seize the chance to power nap, even if it’s just for a hot minute, because you’ll need all the energy you can muster to conquer the chaos of raising a tiny human.
Simplify Mealtime Prep
As a new mom, finding time to prepare nutritious meals can be oh-so-challenging.
Simplify mealtime prep by stocking up on easy-to-prepare, freezer-friendly meals and snacks in advance.
Consider batch cooking hearty soups, stews, and casseroles that you can freeze in individual portions for quick and convenient meals when hunger strikes.
Lean on Your Support System
Don’t be afraid to ask for help and lean on your support network during this transitional period.
Enlist the help of your partner, family members, friends, or neighbors to pitch in with babysitting, dishes duty, or even grocery runs.
Trust me, having that support system on speed dial will be a lifesaver as you navigate this crazy journey called motherhood.
So, rally the troops and let them lend a hand while you get the hang of this whole mom thing.
Need more tips for Moms?
Prioritize Self-Care
Make sure to take care of yourself to feel better and more energetic while taking care of your newborn.
Make time for activities that nourish your body and soul. Such as taking a relaxing bath, going for a walk, or practicing mindfulness meditation.
After all, you can’t pour from an empty cup, so recharge those batteries and get ready to tackle the next round of baby mayhem with style!
Read more about how to take care of yourself during the postpartum period here.
Trust Your Instincts
Above all, trust your instincts!
Forget the rule books and expert advice – trust your gut and roll with the punches.
You are the expert on your baby, and no one knows them better than you do.
Listen to your intuition, be patient with yourself, and savor the precious moments with your little one. You’ve got this motherhood gig under control (well, most of the time).
Love,
Shely
