A Note for New Parents

Feeling overwhelmed? That's completely normal. Every parent has been exactly where you are right now. You don't need to be perfect. You just need to love your baby, meet their basic needs, and ask for help when you need it.

What to Expect in the First Week

The first week home with a newborn is a blur of feedings, diaper changes, and very little sleep. Here's what's normal:

Feeding every 2-3 hours

8-12 times per day, including at night

8-12 diaper changes daily

Expect lots of wet and dirty diapers

Sleeping 16-17 hours

But only 2-4 hours at a stretch

Crying 1-4 hours total

This increases, peaking around 6 weeks

Losing some birth weight

Up to 7-10%, regained by 2 weeks

Umbilical cord care

Keep dry, falls off in 1-3 weeks

Feeding Basics

How Often to Feed

Newborns: Every 2-3 hours (8-12 times/day)
Breastfed babies: Feed on demand, watch for hunger cues
Formula-fed: 1-2 oz per feeding initially, increasing gradually

Signs Baby is Getting Enough

Your baby is likely getting enough if:

✓ 6+ wet diapers per day (after day 4)
✓ 3-4+ dirty diapers per day (first month)
✓ Gaining weight (back to birth weight by 2 weeks)
✓ Seems content after feedings
✓ Alert and active when awake

Sleep Essentials

Newborns sleep a lot, but in short bursts. Here's what you need to know:

Safe Sleep Guidelines (ABCs)

Alone

Baby sleeps alone, not with parents, siblings, or pets

Back

Always place baby on their back to sleep

Crib

Firm, flat surface with only a fitted sheet. No blankets, pillows, toys.

Diaper Changing 101

You'll change thousands of diapers in the first year. Here's what to know:

What's Normal?

Age	Wet Diapers	Dirty Diapers
Day 1	1-2	1-2 (black/tar)
Day 2	2-3	2 (dark green)
Day 3-4	4-5	3+ (greenish-yellow)
Day 5+	6+	3-4+ (yellow, seedy)
1 month+	6+	Varies (some babies go days)

When to Call the Pediatrician

Call your doctor or go to the ER if baby:

• Has a fever over 100.4°F (38°C) under 3 months
• Is unusually sleepy or hard to wake
• Refuses to eat for multiple feedings
• Has fewer wet diapers than expected
• Has difficulty breathing or turns blue
• Is inconsolably crying for hours
• Has yellowing skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Vomits forcefully (projectile vomiting)

Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, call. Doctors would rather answer a "silly" question than miss something serious.

Well-Baby Visit Schedule

Your pediatrician will want to see your baby frequently in the first year:

3-5 days

2 weeks

1 month

2 months

4 months

6 months

9 months

12 months

Milestones to Watch For

1 Month:Focuses on faces, responds to sounds, lifts head briefly

2 Months:Social smile, coos, follows objects with eyes

4 Months:Laughs, holds head steady, reaches for objects

6 Months:Sits with support, babbles, passes objects between hands

9 Months:Sits alone, crawls, responds to name, stranger anxiety

12 Months:Pulls to stand, may take steps, says 1-2 words

Self-Care for New Parents

Taking care of yourself isn't selfish. It's essential. Here's how to survive:

Sleep when baby sleeps (at least sometimes)
Accept help when offered
Lower your standards for housework
Eat regular meals and stay hydrated
Get outside for fresh air when possible
Connect with other new parents
Ask for help if you're struggling emotionally

First-Time Parent's Complete Baby Care Guide