Essential Baby Care Tips for New Parents: First 100-Day Success Guide

• Written by Sejal Singhania

  Reviewed by Akhil Pillai

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Bringing a newborn home and stepping into parenthood is an incredible and heartfelt journey. One moment, you're two individuals; the next, you're a beautiful family. While these days are often filled with immense joy, it's normal to feel overwhelmed, especially if this is your first experience. The first 100 days with your baby can be an incredible roller coaster of happiness and deep emotions, full of moments you'll cherish forever.

Starting a new life brings special joy, but caring for your baby's health, comfort, and happiness can sometimes feel overwhelming. The first few months of a newborn baby's life are essential, as they set the foundation for growth and development. Whether it’s feeding, sleep routines, personal hygiene, vaccinations, or overall health, each aspect is crucial for nurturing your infant with love and care.

As new parents, understanding newborn care tips boosts confidence on this journey. This guide covers essential tips to help you give your baby the best start.

Essential Newborn Care Tips for First-Time Parents

Now that you've embarked on this incredible journey of parenthood, a little guidance can make a big difference. Here are some essential newborn care tips for new moms and dads to help you care for your baby with confidence and love. 

Tip 1 - How can I bond with my baby?

Bonding with your newborn is an incredible journey that helps build a secure emotional connection. Sharing cuddles, holding softly, and engaging in gentle play can nurture their emotional growth. You can stimulate your baby's senses through soft sounds, like your voice, gentle rattles, or calming music. Just remember to keep noise levels low so they're not overwhelmed. For premature babies, gentle massage promotes emotional bonding and physical development.

TIP 2 - How often should I feed my newborn baby?

Nourishing a newborn is so important in those early days, and breast milk is the best natural way to give your baby the nutrition they need. It's great to start breastfeeding within the first hour after birth. This helps build your baby's immunity and strengthens the bond between you and your baby.

Newborns usually need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours. Keep an eye out for signs of hunger like sucking motions, lip smacking, or fussiness. Whenever you notice these cues, try to feed your baby before they start crying so that you can respond more easily to their needs.

Breastfeeding Care Tips 

Breastfeeding might initially seem challenging, but don't worry—these helpful tips can make things easier. Some of them include:

• Be sure to drink plenty of water to maintain your milk supply.
• Breastfeeding can be demanding, so it's helpful to include 300-400 calories in your daily meals to keep your energy levels up.
• A good latch helps keep your little one comfortable and ensures they feed happily and effectively.
• Try switching breasts with each feed to help maintain your supply and prevent engorgement.

TIP 3 - How long does a newborn sleep?

You might be surprised that newborns sleep about 16 hours or more. They usually rest for sessions of 2 to 4 hours each. By 3 months, many babies can sleep about 6 to 8 hours through the night. But if your little one isn't there yet, no worries. Just like adults, babies create their unique sleep rhythms and cycles. As your baby grows, you'll notice they'll need fewer night feeds and enjoy more prolonged stretches of sleep at night.

TIP 4 - Why is my baby crying so much?

Crying is the only way babies communicate. If your baby is crying, it could be because they’re sleepy, have a blocked nose, are hungry, need a clean nappy, are tired, want a cuddle, feel bored, or are overstimulated. Feeling stressed or frustrated when your baby cries is normal and understandable, especially if it’s frequent or lasts long. But remember, when your baby cries like this, they struggle to express their needs or feelings.

TIP 5 - When should I give my newborn baby a first bath?

The World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends delaying your baby's first bath until they are approximately 24 hours old, or at least 6 hours if a whole day isn't practical for cultural reasons. Giving your newborn baths too often can dry out their delicate skin. So try to bathe them 2-3 times a week with a soft washcloth, lukewarm water, and gentle, unscented baby soap. Bathing more frequently might make them cold and increase the chance of hypothermia. Once the umbilical cord has healed and your little one can sit up comfortably, you can use a cosy baby bathtub. 

TIP 6 - Which products are safe for newborn baby skin?

A newborn's skin is very delicate and sensitive, and since they're still adjusting to the world around them, it's best to keep things simple and gentle. With hundreds of baby care products available, choose one that meets high-quality safety standards and is free from chemicals and additives. Stick to gentle baby washes, mild moisturisers, and natural oils like cold-pressed coconut and almond oil. Always do a patch test before trying anything new. Avoid talcum powder or heavily scented lotions during the first few months.

TIP 7 - What is the safe temperature for my baby?

When the bedroom is just the right temperature, it's easier for everyone to enjoy a restful night’s sleep. This is just as important for babies as it is for adults. Finding the perfect room temperature for your little one helps keep them safe and healthy. Since babies can’t tell us how they’re feeling, it’s up to you as a parent to figure out what works best. It's recommended that the ideal temperature for babies is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit or 20 and 22 degrees Celsius. After about 11 weeks, your baby’s body begins to regulate its temperature at night, like older children and adults.

TIP 8 - Is a diaper good for a newborn baby?

Using diapers daily is perfectly safe when you change them regularly to keep your baby's skin clean and dry, which helps prevent irritation. Most newborns need a diaper change about 10 times a day or roughly every 2-3 hours. You can help prevent diaper rash by changing diapers accordingly. Remember to wipe gently, use a mild baby wipe, and apply a barrier cream if needed.

How Do I Diaper My Baby?

Diapering your baby is just one of the many loving moments in parenting, just like feeding your little one. Although changing a diaper takes a little practice, it will soon become routine once you get the hang of it. Here is the step-by-step guide on how to change your baby’s diaper:

1. Gently lay your baby on their back and remove the used diaper.
2. Carefully clean between the skin folds, wiping from front to back to keep your little one comfy and fresh. 
3. If your baby has a diaper rash, gently apply an ointment or barrier cream to the affected area to soothe and protect the skin.
4. Gently slide a clean diaper underneath your baby's lower body. 
5. Use the fastening straps to adjust the fit, ensuring the diaper is symmetrical and not too tight.

TIP 9 - What vaccines are given to newborns?

Vaccination is vital to protect newborns from severe infections. Following the recommended vaccination schedule ensures they build a strong and healthy immune system.

Newborn Vaccines that are a Must

• Birth Vaccines (given at birth)
• BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin): Vaccination for tuberculosis.
• Hepatitis B Vaccine: Prevents Hepatitis B infection.
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV-0): Offers primary immunity against polio.

6-8 Weeks Vaccines

• DTP (Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis) Combination Vaccine
• Hepatitis B Booster
• Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib)
• Rotavirus Vaccine
• Inactivated Polio Vaccine (IPV)
• Pneumococcal Vaccine
• Follow-up Vaccines
• Booster doses of 10 weeks, 14 weeks, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, and thereafter.

TIP 10 - What supplements do you give newborns?

While breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, it's also important to include some vitamins and minerals through supplements to support overall well-being.

Vitamin D Supplementation

• Breast milk is not rich in Vitamin D.
• Paediatricians prescribe 400 IU of Vitamin D daily for newborns to promote bone health and prevent rickets.

Bonus Tip: No matter how prepared you are, the newborn phase can bring surprises like hospital visits, vaccinations, sudden fevers, and late-night calls to the paediatrician. That's why planning with the right health insurance is so important. Maternity Insurance is specially designed for expecting mothers and new parents. From maternity benefits and newborn coverage to cashless treatment and pediatric consultations, it gives your growing family the safety net it deserves. 

Explore how Joy Maternity Insurance Plan can support your parenting journey from day one.

Parenthood: Tiny Feet, Big Responsibilities!

Caring for a newborn isn't just about managing feeding schedules and diaper changes; it's about growing into a new version of yourself. You'll make mistakes and second-guess yourself, but remember; you are still exactly what your baby needs: their safe space, comfort, and entire world. 

Let these essential tips for taking care of a newborn be your gentle companion, reminding you that you're never alone during busy times. With patience, love, and care, you'll smoothly navigate the ups and downs of parenthood and see your baby blossom into a healthy, happy person. Cherish every moment of this incredible journey, and take the time to capture them all to make these memories truly unforgettable. 

Disclaimer: The above information is for reference purposes only. Kindly consult your general physician for verified medical advice. Health insurance benefits are subject to policy terms and conditions. See policy documents for details.