Baby Care 101: Newborn Care Basics Every New Mom Should Know

NewBorn Basics Every New Mom Should Know

Bringing a new baby home is one of the most heartwarming and overwhelming experiences of motherhood. I can vividly Remember when I had my first child in 2022 – My beautiful princess Awele. my baby girl was so beautiful, cute and innocent. whenever I held her I felt the biggest wave of emotion, I knew all I wanted to do was to love and care for her. Initially, when we got home I had all the the support I needed.

My mom and Mother – in – law were always around until about a few weeks and everyone had one activity or the other to get to and then it hit me that motherhood was tough.

As a new mom, the wave of responsibilities hit me like a flood — swaddling, feeding, burping, crying, and sleeping cycles all seemed confusing at first. There were days I would sit in my room, baby in my arm and cry. there were times when my baby would be crying and I would just sit still not rushing to pick her up and cuddle her because I was tired, sad and confused.

It was all too much for me but gradually i got a hold of my self, I spoke out, sort help and did my own research. I learnt a few good tips that helped me mentally, improved my sleep time and then I gained back the happy me conquering motherhood one day at a time. So if you are a new mom, don’t worry — you’re not alone.

In this MomThreads by Vee post, I’m sharing everything I learned (and wished I knew earlier!) about newborn care in those precious early weeks.

👶🏽 1. Feeding Your Newborn

Breast or formula — feed on demand.

Newborns usually eat every 2–3 hours.

Look for signs of hunger: rooting, sucking on hands, fussiness.

If breastfeeding, stay hydrated and get comfy. If bottle-feeding, sterilize bottles and warm milk safely.

💡 Vee’s Tip: Track feed times in a small notebook or phone app — it helps especially during sleep-deprived nights.

---

💩 2. Diapering Do’s and Don’ts

Expect 8–12 diaper changes a day.

Use gentle wipes or warm water for cleaning.

Apply a diaper cream or pure petroleum jelly Vaseline to prevent rashes.

Let baby have some diaper-free time daily for healthy skin.

💡 Vee’s Tip: Keep a diaper caddy in multiple rooms for easy access — trust me, it saves energy.

---

😴 3. Understanding Newborn Sleep

Newborns sleep 16–18 hours a day, but in short bursts.

Always lay baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat surface. Never lay newborns on their stomach.

Avoid pillows, toys, and heavy blankets in the crib (for safety).

💡 Vee’s Tip: Create a simple sleep routine: soft lullabies, dim lights, and a gentle back rub can work wonders.

---

💞 4. Bonding and Soothing

Skin-to-skin contact builds connection and calms baby.

Swaddling helps mimic the womb and promotes better sleep.

Try gentle rocking, white noise, or soft shushing to soothe cries.

💡 Vee’s Tip: Don’t stress about “spoiling” a newborn — comfort helps build trust and security.

---

🛁 5. Bathing a Newborn

For the first few weeks, give sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off.

I remember standing over that tiny body wondering if I was doing it right. The good news? Babies don’t need a full tub bath right away. In fact, during those first couple of weeks (until the umbilical cord stump falls off and heals), a gentle sponge bath is all your baby needs.

Use lukewarm water, mild soap, and a soft washcloth. Keep your baby wrapped in a light blanket or towel, and uncover one part at a time as you gently wipe.

Limit baths to 2–3 times a week to avoid drying their skin.

💡 Vee’s Tip: Prep everything before undressing baby. A calm mom = a calm baby!

---

🩺 6. Health, Safety, and Checkups

Keep baby’s umbilical cord clean and dry.

Stick to your vaccination schedule.

Keep emergency numbers visible in the home.

Watch out for fever (100.4°F/38°C and above = call your doctor immediately).

💡 Vee’s Tip: Don’t hesitate to ask questions during pediatric visits — there are no silly questions when it comes to your baby.

---

🌼 Final Thoughts from Vee

Every baby is different. What worked for my first might not work for my second — and that’s okay. Give yourself grace. Baby care is a learning curve, not a test. You’re growing just as much as your baby.

Keep your love strong and your Google searches reasonable — you’ve got this, mama! 💕

You May Also Like:

The First Week Home With Your Baby.

My Mom Weight Loss Journey: From 80kg to 65kg

Daily Habits for Balancing Mom and Boss Life