Newborn Baby Care at Home: First Month Guide for Parents

Reviewed by Dr Asma

Bringing a newborn home is a joyful moment, and for many new parents it is also a little frightening. Everyone in the family gives advice, and some of it is old fashioned or even unsafe. This guide to newborn baby care covers the basics of the first month: feeding, sleep, cord care, bathing, skin and the warning signs that need a doctor. Keep it simple, stay calm and trust your doctor over rumours.

Feeding your newborn

Breast milk is the best food for the first six months. It protects against infections and is always at the right temperature. Feed on demand, which usually means every two to three hours, including at night. Signs of hunger include sucking on hands, turning the head and lip smacking, so feed before the baby starts to cry loudly. A good latch matters: the baby’s mouth should cover most of the dark area around the nipple. If feeding hurts or the baby is not settling, ask a doctor or lactation nurse for help early.

Do not give honey, ghutti, water, tea or any other food to a newborn. These can cause infection or choking and fill the small stomach without nutrition. If the baby needs formula, your doctor will advise which type to use, and bottles must be washed and sterilised carefully. You can see the baby food and formula section and the range of feeding bottles and accessories.

How much should a newborn sleep?

Newborns sleep for most of the day, often fourteen to seventeen hours in short stretches. This is normal. Always place the baby on the back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, with no pillows, thick quilts or soft toys in the cot. Overheating raises the risk of sudden infant death, so dress the baby in light layers, even in winter, and avoid covering the face.

Cord care

The umbilical stump dries and falls off in one to three weeks. Keep it clean and dry, fold the nappy below it, and do not apply kajal, ghee, powder or home remedies. Call the doctor if you notice redness spreading on the belly, pus, a bad smell or bleeding.

Bathing and skin care

Until the cord falls off, a gentle sponge bath with warm water is enough. After that, a short tub bath two or three times a week is fine. Use a mild baby cleanser, test the water with your elbow and never leave the baby alone, even for a moment. Pat the skin dry, especially in the neck and thigh folds, and use a gentle baby moisturiser if the skin is dry. Browse the baby skin and bath care products for gentle options. Peeling skin and tiny white spots on the nose are common and usually go away by themselves.

Nappies and rashes

A newborn may pass urine and stool many times a day. Change the nappy often, clean gently with water or fragrance free wipes and let the skin air dry. Rashes happen even with good care; our guide on diaper rash in babies explains prevention and treatment. You can find options in the diapers and wipes category.

Crying, colic and comfort

Crying is how a baby talks. Check for hunger, a wet nappy, too much heat or cold, or the need for a cuddle. Some babies cry a lot in the evening, often called colic, and it usually improves after three months. Holding the baby upright after feeds, burping, gentle rocking and a calm room can help. Never shake a baby, and if you feel overwhelmed, hand the baby to someone safe and take a few minutes to breathe.

Jaundice in newborns

Yellow skin or eyes in the first week is common, but it should be checked by a doctor. Call the doctor quickly if the yellow colour spreads to the belly or legs, the baby is very sleepy, or is not feeding well. Do not rely on sunlight or home treatments alone.

Vaccines and check ups

Birth vaccines and early check ups protect your baby from serious illness. Follow the child vaccination schedule in Pakistan and keep your baby’s card safe. Washing your hands before touching the baby and limiting visitors, especially people who are sick, reduces infections.

Warning signs: see a doctor straight away

• Fever: A temperature of 38 degrees Celsius or higher in a baby under three months is an emergency. A thermometer at home is very useful.
• Feeding problems: Refusing feeds, constant vomiting or fewer wet nappies than usual.
• Breathing: Fast breathing, grunting, a blue tinge around the lips or chest pulling in.
• Behaviour: Unusual floppiness, being hard to wake, or a seizure.
• Other: Yellow skin that is worsening, pus from the cord, or a swollen soft spot on the head.

Looking after the mother too

A mother who is rested and well fed can care for her baby better. Accept help, eat balanced meals, drink enough fluids and take short rests when the baby sleeps. Feeling sad or tearful for a few days is common, but if low mood lasts or you feel hopeless, talk to a doctor. The mom care section has useful items for new mothers.

Frequently asked questions

How often should a newborn poop?

It varies. Breastfed babies may pass stool after every feed or only once in a few days. Hard, dry stool or blood in the stool needs a doctor’s advice.

Can I use powder and oil on my baby?

Powder can be breathed in and is best avoided. A light baby oil or moisturiser is fine if the baby’s skin tolerates it.

When can my baby go outside?

Most doctors advise keeping a newborn at home for the first couple of weeks, apart from check ups, and avoiding crowded places.

Is a pacifier safe?

It is a personal choice. If used, wait until breastfeeding is well established and keep it clean.

Orders above Rs 10,000 on Medimart get free delivery, which helps when you are buying baby essentials in bulk.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor or pharmacist before starting or changing any treatment.