Umbilical cord
- Keep it clean and dry. Fold the diaper below it. Most health bodies say do not apply alcohol or antiseptic, but some US hospitals still teach alcohol wipes, so follow your hospital's instruction.
- It usually falls off in 1 to 3 weeks. A little bleeding when it separates is normal.
- Call if you see redness that spreads, pus, a foul smell, bleeding that keeps going, or if baby cries when you touch the area. Also call if it has not fallen off by about week 3.
Bathing
- Newborns do not need a bath every day. Sponge baths or "top and tail" until the cord falls off.
- Warm room. Run the cold water first, then add hot, and test with your wrist or elbow.
- Support the head. Never leave baby alone in water, even for a moment. Do not use bath seats and do not leave an older child in charge.
- Wipe each eye with a separate piece of cotton wool and clean around, never inside, the ears.
Diapering
- Wash your hands before and after. Clean front to back with warm water or alcohol-free wipes.
- Change with every feed, or when wet or dirty. Petroleum jelly for mild redness, zinc-oxide cream for rash.
- The first poop (meconium) is dark, black and sticky and should pass within 24 hours. That is normal.
- Circumcised boys: gentle water cleaning for 3 to 4 days. Do not pull back the foreskin of an uncircumcised boy.
Car seat
- Rear-facing for every ride, starting with the trip home, until the seat's height or weight limit.
- Straps at or below the shoulders and snug (you should not be able to pinch webbing). Chest clip at armpit level.
- The seat should move no more than 1 inch side to side or front to back where the belt goes through.
- No bulky coats under the harness. Buckle baby in thin layers and put the coat or blanket over the straps.
- Never put a rear-facing seat in front of an active airbag. No padding or inserts that did not come with the seat.
Babywearing (TICKS)
Tight, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keep chin off chest, Supported back. Never cover the face, never wear baby while cooking over heat or driving, and move baby to their own bed once they fall asleep.
Tummy time
Start in the first days at home. Two or three short sessions a day of 3 to 5 minutes, working up to about 15 to 30 minutes in total by 2 or 3 months. Always awake and watched, and roll baby onto their back if they fall asleep. Tummy time builds strength; it does not replace back sleeping.
Not feeling okay? Reach out now.
Education, not medical advice. Every baby and every parent is different. Ask your own doctor, midwife or pediatrician about anything specific to you, and call them or emergency services if you are worried. Sources for this guide: NHS: washing and bathing your baby; AAP: rear-facing car seats; Plunket: safe baby wearing (TICKS); Safe to Sleep: tummy time; MSD Manual: first few days after birth; UCSF Benioff: diapering your newborn; Woman's Hospital: umbilical cord care. All sources.