A Guide on How to Take Care of a Newborn

By Stephanie Fornaro
July 16, 2025

Imagine the moment when you bring your new bundle of joy home for the first time; your heart swells with love as you step through the door, holding your tiny miracle in your arms. It’s an overwhelming and joyful experience, but soon after, you might find yourself asking ChatGPT: how to take care of a newborn. This feeling of love and panic is normal: You are not alone! In fact, many first-time parents grapple with these same feelings.

Taking care of a newborn involves a series of day-to-day activities that are crucial for their growth and development—and don’t forget your own mental health too, Mom and Dad. From feeding and diaper changing to soothing and ensuring consistent sleep habits, every little action plays a vital role in building a strong foundation for your child’s future health and well-being. Properly caring for your newborn can help prevent health issues and promote a thriving environment for them. Conversely, neglecting these essential tasks can lead to complications such as malnutrition, illness, and developmental delays.

Here, we will walk you through the essentials of how to take care of a baby. We’ll cover everything from feeding schedules and sleep routines to health check-ups and fully preparing for their arrival. By the end of this guide, you’ll feel more confident and equipped to navigate the early days of parenting and know the best ways on how to care for a newborn.

Preparing for Baby’s Arrival

Before bringing your newborn home, it’s essential to ensure a safe and welcoming environment that will nurture their growth and protect them from potential hazards.

Think about how you’ll get home from the hospital (and what you’ll need)

You have your hospital bag packed and you’re ready when it’s go-time. But, have you thought about how you’ll actually get home with your baby from the hospital? Most hospitals won’t let you leave without a car seat, which means it’s important to buy and set up your car seat in advance. Ensure you have your car seat (and stroller if necessary) ready and installed. The last thing you want to do when leaving the hospital is figuring how to safely secure your car seat in the car.

Setting up the nursery

Setting up the nursery is not just about aesthetics but also about creating a space that supports your baby’s health and early childhood development. The crib should be the room’s focal point, ensuring it meets safety standards. According to a report by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, cribs with drop-side rail designs have been associated with numerous injuries, leading to their ban in recent years.

Choose a crib with fixed sides, and use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet. Keep the crib free from pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Additionally, consider installing a baby monitor to keep an eye on your baby from another room, and use blackout curtains to ensure a restful sleep environment. These precautions will help create a nursery that is both safe and conducive to your baby’s needs. Other nice-to-have’s include a changing table, white noise machine and glider or rocker to help soothe your baby back to dreamland.

Related: 11 Standard Nanny Benefits You Didn’t Know

Essential Newborn Supplies

Bringing a newborn home means you’ll need certain key supplies to make daily life smoother and more comfortable for both you and your baby.

Diapers and changing supplies

Diapers are a non-negotiable item and the cornerstone of newborn care. Infants typically urinate about 6-8 times a day and have multiple bowel movements, making diaper changes a frequent task. According to a 2019 study, choosing the right diaper can significantly impact your baby’s skin health. Opt for hypoallergenic and breathable materials to prevent diaper rash such as those made with premium cotton and are free from chlorine bleaching, fragrance, and parabens. Additionally, stock up on diaper cream, wipes, and a changing pad to make the process more comfortable for both you and your baby. And, when it comes to sizing of baby diapers, you’ll likely want to start with the newborn size, and then move onto Size 1, though some babies start with Size 1. It’s best to have both handy and in most cases, the hospital will provide you with diapers so you’ll know which size is best before going home.

Clothing and swaddle essentials

Newborns have delicate skin and require soft, comfortable clothing. You must keep your newborn baby appropriately dressed to regulate their body temperature, given that they cannot do so effectively on their own. Choose clothing made from organic cotton to avoid irritation and ensure that outfits are easy to put on and take off, as frequent changes will be necessary. Many veteran parents swear by zippered onesies because while some snap-heavy onesies are cute, there’s nothing more challenging than trying to snap a dozens buttons together during a middle-of-the-night diaper change. We especially love zippered onesies that zip from the foot so that you can easily pop your baby’s legs in and out for a quick diaper change.

Swaddling can also provide comfort and security, mimicking the snug environment of the womb, while keeping your baby warm. Ensure swaddles are breathable and not too tight around the hips to prevent hip dysplasia, following guidelines to keep your baby both safe and snug. For many parents, swaddles that rely on velcro (like the Ollie swaddle) as opposed to long and cumbersome fabric are a life-saver.

Feeding Basics

Understanding how to care for a newborn and the nuances of feeding—be it breastfeeding or formula feeding—can alleviate some common concerns and provide a solid foundation for your baby’s health.

Breastfeeding Tips

Breastfeeding includes a learning curve for both mom and baby, and some days can be more challenging than others. However, the benefits of breastfeeding are numerous, including providing your newborn with essential nutrients, antibodies, and natural immunity that helps fight off infections. With that said, fed is best so do what’s right for your mental health, Mom. And, remember that it’s always ok to ask for help from a lactation specialist.

1. Latching Techniques

A proper latch is crucial for successful breastfeeding and ensuring your baby receives adequate nutrition. According to a study, correct latching reduces nipple pain for mothers and enhances milk transfer for the infant. Ensure your baby’s mouth covers a large portion of the areola, not just the nipple, and that their lips are flanged outward. Holding your baby close, with their nose in line with your nipple, can also facilitate a good latch and prevent common issues such as nipple soreness and inefficient feeding.

2. Establishing a Feeding Schedule

Establishing a feeding schedule can help regulate your baby’s hunger cues and maintain an adequate milk supply. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggests feeding newborns on demand, approximately every 2-3 hours, amounting to 8-12 feedings in 24 hours. Keeping a diary or using a feeding app can help track feeding times and durations. Consistent feeding promotes growth and can even aid in establishing your breast milk supply, ensuring that your baby is receiving all the nutrients they need to thrive.

3. Ask for help

While the the physical task of breastfeeding does fall to the mother, it’s important to note that partners and husbands can certainly support the lactating mother during the breastfeeding phase. What does this look like? Ensuring mom is well hydrated, taking care of diaper changes, letting mom nap and rest (and not just when the baby is snoozing!), securing helpful breastfeeding products for her like a nursing pillow and lactation pads, and if she’s pumping, washing the pump parts and helping with bottle feeding.

Lactations consultants can also be a huge help during this delicate period when you’re still trying to figure out breastfeeding. Remember that asking for help is a sign of strength and not a weakness. It’s important to take care of your newborn and your own mental and physical health during this sensitive time.

Related: Nanny Responsibilities: A Comprehensive Overview for Parents

Formula Feeding

Formula feeding can provide an alternative means of nutrition for your newborn baby, and there are several factors to consider when choosing a formula.

1. Choosing the right formula

Selecting the appropriate formula for your baby can be daunting with so many options available. Most formulas are made with cow’s milk, but there are alternatives such as soy and hypoallergenic options. Speak to your pediatrician for recommendations based on your baby’s specific needs. Additionally, make sure to follow the instructions precisely when mixing the formula and always use sterile equipment for each feeding.

2. Proper bottle feeding techniques

Proper bottle-feeding techniques are essential for ensuring your baby is fed efficiently and safely. The Children’s Health Queensland emphasizes the importance of holding your baby upright during feeding to prevent ear infections and facilitate easier swallowing. Additionally, using bottles and nipples that are appropriate for your baby’s age can help regulate milk flow and reduce the risk of choking and gas. Remember to burp your baby halfway through and after each feeding session to minimize discomfort from swallowed air.

Sleep Strategies

Ensuring your newborn baby gets ample rest is crucial for their development and your sanity. To help both of you catch those necessary zzz’s, here’s what you need to know about how to care for a newborn:

Creating a Sleep-Friendly Environment

A conducive sleep environment is foundational for your baby’s rest. According to the experts at Sleep.com, a cool, dark, and quiet room can significantly improve a newborn’s sleep quality. The ideal room temperature should be between 68-72°F (20-22°C) to prevent overheating, which is a known risk factor for Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Consider using a white noise machine to drown out household noises that might disturb how your baby sleeps, and opt for blackout curtains to block out external light, ensuring a continuous, undisturbed nap time. Additionally, a firm and flat mattress with a fitted sheet in a safety-approved crib is essential to minimize the risk of suffocation or entrapment.

Developing Healthy Sleep Habits & Sleep Routine

Newborns sleep a lot, though when they actually snooze is fairly inconsistent. This means that while it may not be realistic to create a sleep routine early on, you can start creating healthy sleep habits from day one. This routine might include a sequence of calming activities such as a warm bath, gentle lullabies, or a short story, signaling to your baby that it’s time to wind down. Sleep should happen in their crib or bassinet without any blankets or stuffies nearby.

Eventually as your baby matures, creating a consistent sleep routine can help regulate your baby’s internal clock and make bedtime a smoother process. A predictable bedtime routine can improve sleep onset and duration in infants. Aim to have your baby in bed at the same time each night, as consistency is key to helping them recognize and adapt to sleep patterns. Keep in mind that many babies typically sleep 14-17 hours across a 24-hour period, with sleep cycles ranging from 50-60 minutes, so allowing flexibility within your routine is equally important to accommodate their varying sleep needs.

Partnering With A Professional Nanny

Despite your best efforts, you may find yourself lacking sleep during the early months due to frequent feedings and your baby’s occasional fussiness. This is normal! But, on such little and erratic sleep, it can be challenging to operate at your best and to be present and fully engaged with your newborn. This is where a professional nanny can be life-changing. Trained to handle the complexities of infant care, a nanny ensures your new baby receives expert attention while allowing you time to rest and recharge. Hello Nanny! is a nanny placement agency committed to matching families with the perfect caregiver for all of your newborn care needs. We strive to find a dedicated, qualified nanny that suits your family’s unique needs, helping to create a harmonious and supportive environment.

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Bathing and Hygiene

When it comes to keeping your baby clean and comfortable, there are several nuances that can make bath time smooth and enjoyable for both of you.

Gentle Bathing Techniques

Bathing your newborn baby requires a delicate approach to keep their sensitive skin safe and healthy. Newborn skin is thinner and more prone to irritation, so using lukewarm water and gentle, fragrance-free soap is advisable. Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical cord stump falls off, usually within the first few weeks. Keep the room warm and gather all necessary items beforehand to ensure a seamless and stress-free bath time. Bathing three times a week is sufficient, as frequent baths can dry out a baby’s sensitive skin.

Umbilical Cord Care

Proper umbilical cord care is crucial in preventing infection and promoting healing. The World Health Organization advises keeping the cord stump clean and dry, using only water if necessary to clean the area. Fold diapers below the stump to avoid irritation, and dress your baby in loose-fitting clothing to allow air circulation. Research published in the Journal of Pediatric Health Care found that dry cord care significantly reduces infection rates and is non-inferior to using antiseptic treatments. The stump typically falls off within 1 to 3 weeks, and any signs of redness, swelling, or foul odor should prompt a visit to your pediatrician.

Health Monitoring

Keeping a close eye on your newborn’s health can ensure they thrive and help you identify potential issues early.

Regular Checkups and Vaccinations

Regular pediatric checkups are vital to your baby’s health, providing opportunities for monitoring growth and development, and the timely administration of crucial vaccinations. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends well-child visits at least nine times during the first three years, beginning with the initial visit within days of birth. These checkups allow pediatricians to track milestones, address concerns, and offer guidance tailored to each stage of development.

Recognizing Common Newborn Illnesses

Being able to identify the signs of common newborn illnesses empowers you to seek timely medical care and provides peace of mind.

1. Fever and temperature management

A fever in a newborn can be an indicator of an underlying infection or illness and should be addressed promptly. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in babies younger than three months warrants immediate medical attention. It’s essential to use a reliable digital thermometer for accurate measurements. If your baby exhibits additional symptoms like lethargy, irritability, or a rash, consult your pediatrician right away. Keeping your baby well-hydrated and dressed in light clothing can also help manage fever at home.

2. Signs of respiratory distress

Recognizing respiratory distress in your newborn is crucial for prompt intervention. Signs such as rapid breathing (more than 60 breaths per minute), flaring nostrils, grunting, and a bluish tint to the skin or lips indicate the need for urgent medical evaluation. Research published by the CDC emphasizes that conditions like bronchiolitis, caused by the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), are common in infants and can lead to serious respiratory issues. Observing these symptoms early and seeking medical help can significantly improve outcomes. Ensuring that your baby is vaccinated against pertussis (whooping cough) and influenza can also reduce the risk of severe respiratory illnesses.

How to Take Care of a Newborn: Final Thoughts

Taking care of a newborn might feel overwhelming (believe us, we’ve been there), but with a bit of knowledge and a lot of love, you’ll find your way through it. Remember that consistency, gentle care, and regular health checkups are your best allies in this journey. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician with any questions or concerns—no question is too little. Every baby is unique, so trust your instincts and enjoy these precious moments. You’ve got this!

If you need additional support or guidance, Hello Nanny! is here to help. Contact us today to find your perfect nanny and get the support you need in caring for your newborn.