At the end of February 2023, I gave birth to my first daughter, and despite my medical background and months of preparation, I was overwhelmed. I spent my third trimester reading everything I could, convinced that I’d be fully ready—but reality hit differently. There’s so much scattered information, and even with my knowledge, I still felt lost in those early days.
So I decided to do even deeper research, consult specialists, and put together a clear, expert-backed guide of newborn do’s and don’ts that every parent should know before their baby arrives.
Do’s for a Newborn Baby
✅ Feed Your Newborn Frequently Newborns have tiny stomachs and need to eat 8-12 times per day. Don’t let your baby sleep for more than 4 hours at a time in the first few weeks—wake them up to feed. Babies who sleep too long without eating may develop low blood sugar, which can be dangerous.
✅ Always Place Baby on Their Back to Sleep To reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS), always put your baby to sleep on their back on a firm, flat surface with no loose bedding, pillows, or toys in the crib. Source: CDC on Safe Sleep
✅ Practice Skin-to-Skin Contact Holding your baby against your bare skin helps regulate their body temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and strengthens bonding. It’s especially beneficial in the first few hours and days after birth.
✅ Support Your Baby’s Head and Neck Newborns have weak neck muscles and cannot support their own heads. Always cradle the head when holding, lifting, or laying your baby down to prevent injury.
✅ Follow Safe Bathing Practices For the first few weeks, sponge baths are best until the umbilical cord falls off. Always check water temperature and keep bath time brief to avoid chilling your baby.
✅ Look for Hunger Cues Crying is a late sign of hunger. Instead, watch for early cues like sucking on hands, opening and closing their mouth, or turning toward your hand when touched on the cheek.
✅ Track Wet and Dirty Diapers A newborn should have at least 6 wet diapers and 3-4 dirty diapers per day. Fewer diapers may signal dehydration or feeding issues.
✅ Keep Your Newborn Away from Sick People A newborn’s immune system is still developing, making them more vulnerable to illness. Limit exposure to large crowds, and ensure anyone handling your baby washes their hands first.
Don’ts for a Newborn Baby
🚫 Never Let Your Baby Sleep on Their Stomach or Side Sleeping on the stomach or side increases the risk of SIDS. Always place your baby on their back for every sleep, including naps.
🚫 Avoid Loose Blankets, Pillows, or Toys in the Crib Babies can easily suffocate in soft bedding. Use a fitted sheet on a firm mattress, and dress your baby in a sleep sack instead of using blankets.
🚫 Don’t Overdress or Overheat Your Baby Overheating is a risk factor for SIDS. A good rule: Dress your baby in one extra layer than what you’re wearing. If their neck feels sweaty, they’re too hot.
🚫 Never Shake a Baby Even a few seconds of shaking a baby can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome, leading to brain damage or death. If you feel frustrated, put the baby in a safe place and take a few deep breaths before returning.
🚫 Don’t Ignore Fever in a Newborn A fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Call your doctor immediately.
🚫 Don’t Prop Up Bottles for Feeding Always hold your baby while bottle-feeding. Propping up bottles can cause choking or ear infections.
🚫 Don’t Give Water to a Newborn Newborns get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Giving water can lead to water intoxication, which is dangerous.
🚫 Never Leave Your Baby Alone on a High Surface Newborns can move unexpectedly. Even if they aren’t rolling yet, they can wiggle off a bed, couch, or changing table.
🚫 Avoid Using Harsh Skincare Products Newborn skin is delicate and sensitive. Stick to fragrance-free and hypoallergenic baby products.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a newborn can feel overwhelming, but following these do’s and don’ts for newborn baby care will help ensure your baby’s safety and well-being. Trust your instincts, learn from reliable sources, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when needed.