Bringing home a newborn is exciting—but it can also feel overwhelming, especially if you’re caring for a baby for the first time. From diaper changes to temperature checks, there’s a lot to learn. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone. This blog covers the basics of newborn care to help you feel more confident in caring for your little one.
Diapering Tips
Newborns typically need 6 to 8 diaper changes a day. When changing your baby’s diaper:
- Keep everything you need within reach.
- Always keep one hand on your baby to prevent rolling.
- Wipe from front to back using a soft baby wipe to prevent infections.
Using a Bulb Syringe
A bulb syringe helps clear mucus or fluid from your baby’s nose or mouth.
How to use it:
- Squeeze the bulb before placing it in your baby’s mouth or nose.
- Gently insert the tip.
- Slowly release the bulb to suck out fluid.
- Remove and squeeze again to empty.
- Repeat if needed.
Cleaning tip: Wash the syringe by squeezing warm, soapy water in and out several times.
Jaundice in Newborns
Jaundice is common in newborns. It causes the baby’s skin to look yellow due to a buildup of bilirubin in the blood.
What to expect:
- Often appears around days 3–4 after birth.
- Starts on the face and can spread to the chest, belly, or legs if it worsens.
Testing and treatment:
- Your baby’s bilirubin levels may be tested using a skin meter or a heel-prick blood test.
- If needed, your baby may receive phototherapy using overhead lights or a fiber optic blanket to help reduce bilirubin levels.
- Feeding often can help your baby get rid of bilirubin naturally.
If your baby has jaundice at home, call your healthcare provider. Untreated jaundice can lead to serious problems.
Taking Your Baby’s Temperature
- Use a thermometer under your baby’s armpit (not mouth or rectum).
- A normal reading is 97.5 to 99.3°F.
- Call your provider if the temperature is higher than 99.3°F.
- Avoid using glass thermometers that contain mercury.
Umbilical Cord Care
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will fall off on its own—usually within 2 weeks.
How to care for it:
- Keep the cord dry and open to air.
- Clean your baby with a damp washcloth until the cord falls off and heals.
- Never pull or try to remove the cord.
- A little dried blood or scabbing is normal.
Call your provider if you notice:
- Redness, swelling, or discharge with a bad smell
- Cord hasn’t fallen off after 4 weeks
- Baby has a fever over 100.4°F
Circumcision and Care
Circumcision is a surgery to remove the foreskin from a baby boy’s penis. It is a personal decision influenced by cultural, religious, or family preferences.
Before the procedure:
- You’ll talk with your doctor and sign a consent form.
- The procedure is usually done before leaving the hospital.
- Your baby should have one good feeding and pee before discharge.
Post-procedure care:
- It’s normal to see redness, swelling, and yellowish discharge.
- Apply petroleum jelly or vitamin A+D ointment around (not on the tip of) the penis at every diaper change.
- The area typically heals in 10–14 days.
If your baby is not circumcised:
Gently wash the penis with soap and water during baths. Do not pull back the foreskin.
You’ve Got This!
Caring for a newborn comes with a learning curve—but you’re not alone. With a little practice and support from your healthcare team, you’ll grow more confident every day. Trust your instincts, reach out when you have questions, and remember: keeping your baby safe, fed, and loved is what matters most.