Newborn Care: Complete Guide for First-Time Parents

By Dashvanth Healthcare Medical Team · Reviewed by our specialists · East Delhi

The First Month — Key Focus Areas

Feeding

• Breastfeeding: Recommended exclusively for 6 months. Feed on demand — every 2–3 hours (8–12 times/day). Signs of adequate feeding: 6–8 wet nappies/day, regained birth weight by 2 weeks, content after feeds
• Formula feeding: If breastfeeding is not possible, use WHO-approved infant formula

Sleeping

• Newborns sleep 14–17 hours/day in 2–4 hour stretches
• Safe sleep (Back to Sleep): always on back, firm flat mattress, no pillows/loose bedding, no co-sleeping (sharing bed)

Umbilical Cord Care

• Keep dry and clean — folding nappy below cord helps
• Sponge bath only until cord falls off (1–3 weeks)
• See a doctor if cord is red, swollen, smells bad, or oozing

Normal Newborn Characteristics

• Physiological jaundice (mild yellow tinge) in first week — normal if mild and baby feeding well
• Peeling skin, milia (tiny white bumps on face) — normal
• Frequent sneezing — clears nasal passages, not a cold

Danger Signs — Seek Care Immediately

• Not feeding at all or weak suck
• Abnormal cry (very high-pitched or no cry)
• Temperature >38°C or <36.5°C
• Yellowness extending to palms/soles
• Difficult or fast breathing
• Blue lips or tongue (cyanosis)
• Excessive lethargy or poor responsiveness