30 Tips for the First 30 Days with Your Newborn
A must read for any new parents. Learn the most asked new baby questions.
During their newborn sessions, couples often ask about my top tips for getting through that first month after birth. It can take some time to settle into a routine. So, I’ve consolidated my top 30 tips for the first 30 days with your newborn.
And, if you need a bit more help on specific things like sleep, feeding, and newborn care, get in touch to schedule a virtual
Private Newborn Care Consultation from the comfort of your own home!
Hygiene and Diapering
Easy Hand Washing
Keep every sink stocked with soap and clean towels. In addition, place a few bottles of hand sanitizer around the house. That way, you and anyone else can be germ-free before handling your newborn. (Note: washing with warm soap and water is best for effectively eliminating germs; however, I also know there are times in between when hand sanitizer or sanitizing wipes are the only options available.)
Get Baby in the Bath
Even if your little one doesn’t need to be cleaned up, a simple warm sponge bath can be a calming and gentle activity for you and your baby. But be careful not to submerge your newborn’s umbilical cord stump until it’s ready to fall off on its own. Bath time is often a relaxing way for you to bond.
Baby Poo Has a Wide Range of ‘Normal’
Your newborn’s first poops will be a sticky greenish-black substance called meconium. But as your baby drinks more milk, it will change. Expect a range from light brown to loose yellow stools. If you’re breastfeeding, you may even notice a (completely normal) tiny seed-like texture. All of this is normal, but call your doctor if you notice red or colorless poops, as this can indicate an underlying medical issue. Learn more here.
Bonding and other Activities
Skin-to-Skin
Doing skin-to-skin bonding with your baby has many wonderful benefits for both you and your newborn. Even your partner can join in on this bonding activity.
Infant Massage
A great way to bond with your baby or soothe your baby to sleep is by giving them an “infant massage.” There are many simple techniques to give a baby a gentle massage to promote relaxation and even relieve gas.
Tummy Time
You can begin tummy time as soon as you bring your baby home. Start by simply laying your baby on your chest while he is awake at an incline to promote their use of their core muscles.
Go for Walks
Going for a walk is good for both you and baby to get some exercise and fresh air. It can be as simple as taking a quick stroll down your street and back.
Feeding (for baby AND you)
Warm Compresses and Nursing Pads (if you’re breastfeeding)
While your milk supply is becoming established, you may find yourself engorged or developing clogged milk ducts. A warm compress or a hot shower can get your milk flowing. Also, be prepared for leaky breasts by keeping nursing pads handy to place inside your nursing bra.
Survive Round the Clock Feedings
Newborns typically feed every 2-4 hours (and sometimes more!) Having a book to read or a TV show to watch during feedings helps to keep you sane when it feels like all you’re doing is nursing or bottle feeding. You can also keep a basket of snacks and water nearby for sustenance.
Pump to promote milk production
If you’re breastfeeding and having trouble establishing a milk supply, try pumping for 20 minutes after nursing your baby. But remember, newborns’ stomachs are tiny—about the size of a walnut! So, while it may not seem like they’re taking in a lot, it takes very little to fill their bellies at this age. Your baby is also more efficient at getting milk out than your pump, so don’t fret. Weighing your baby before and after a feed is the best way to know how much you’re actually producing.
Stay Hydrated
Most hospitals will send you home with a large hospital jug and a straw to keep your water in. Hold onto this, and use it at home. It’s very important to stay hydrated, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
Prepare Frozen Meals
Having frozen meals ready to pop into your oven is so convenient when you’re busy with your new baby. You can either prepare these before the baby arrives, or have a friend or a family member help you meal-prep.
Always Burp
It’s important always to burp your baby after every feeding if possible. This prevents uncomfortable gas and spit-up. Place baby high on your shoulder, pat her back gently, and rub your hand in a circular motion. Try different positions if you can’t get the bubble out.
Sleep
Safe Sleep
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that babies sleep only on their backs on a firm surface without any extra blankets.
Practicing safe sleep can help to prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome).
Swaddle
When your baby was in the womb, she was warm and snug. You can emulate this calm and cozy environment by swaddling your baby. Some babies don’t like being tightly wrapped, so there are other options out there, like zippered or Velcro swaddles that allow a little bit of movement within their cozy swaddle.
Light in the Day – Dark at Night
Babies aren’t born with a natural circadian rhythm, so you can help them learn to distinguish night from day by keeping it light and bright during the daytime and dark at night.
White Noise Machine
White noise machines are great for blocking out other outside sounds to help your baby sleep.
Shushing
Don’t underestimate the power of shushing! Holding your baby close and gently ‘shushing’ in a rhythmic pattern when he is tired or upset can be a great way to calm him down.
I recommend The Baby Shusher and use it in every one of my newborn studio sessions.
Yoga Ball
Did you have a yoga ball during your pregnancy or labor? But don’t put that ball away just yet! If you have a baby who loves bouncing but your legs are getting tired, hold your baby securely while gently bouncing on the yoga ball.
Survive AND Thrive
Sleep When you Can
Having a newborn can be exhausting. And at this point, you’ve probably heard the old adage, “Sleep when baby sleeps.” This may be hard, especially if you have other kids to care for, but it is important to get sleep when you can. Enlist a partner or family member to take turns watching baby so you can catch some sleep. I promise the house can wait!
Baby Wear
Babywearing is an excellent way to keep your baby calm and happy. It also keeps your hands free to get some things done around the house. There are a lot of options, from clip-in carriers to ring-sling carriers. Many online babywearing groups can help you with a virtual fit to ensure baby is safely secured while you babywear. It’s not for everyone, but some parents love it!
Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
After giving birth, your roller-coaster hormones and lack of sleep can give way to the “baby blues.” It generally lasts a few weeks, but it may be time to contact your doctor if you continue feeling sad, angry, or hopeless. There’s no shame in having postpartum depression, and it’s quite common. You can’t take care of baby unless you take care of yourself!
Forget about Housework for Now.
Your first 30 days home with your new baby will be an adjustment period for everyone. Don’t worry about keeping your house spotless or getting the dishes done right away. Give yourself some grace, and take this time to rest and get to know your baby. And if someone wants to come and visit – hand them some dish soap and a broom!
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help.
Whether it’s your partner, extended family, or your neighbor, it truly takes a village to raise a baby. Something as simple as holding your baby while you take an uninterrupted shower can make a world of difference.
Utilize Hospital Resources and Your Doctor.
Most hospitals offer free resources like lactation consultants or classes you can take to help you and your baby. Breastfeeding may be natural, but it’s not always easy. See if your hospital or doctor’s office offers these types of resources. In addition, as a former NICU nurse and current Certified Newborn Care and Breastfeeding Specialist, I offer virtual Private Newborn Care Consultations to book at your convenience.
Establish a Routine
It’s never too early to establish a routine. You don’t need to keep to a strict schedule, but having a loose routine, even early on, can help you and your baby achieve a sense of normalcy.
Download a baby tracking app
Keeping track of when you last fed baby or how many dirty diapers they’ve gone through in a day can be helpful. Baby tracker apps like Huckleberry track naps so you know if your baby is getting an adequate amount of sleep. It also predicts the optimal time for their next nap—perfect when you’re running on little sleep!
Things to Remember
You Can’t Spoil a Baby
No matter what your mother-in-law says, you can’t hold a baby too much, nurse them too often, or give them too much love. They’re simply not developmentally able to be spoiled at this age, so there’s no need to restrict yourself if you just want to snuggle your sweet baby all day!
It’s ok to Say No
Adjusting to life with a newborn can be overwhelming and exhausting. Just remember that it’s ok to say no to friends and family if you feel like you need to rest.
Embrace the Chaos
In the end, if you can’t stick to a schedule, don’t want to track your baby with an app, or can’t get the laundry folded and put away, don’t worry. This chaotic time will pass. For now, just embrace the chaos and try to go with the flow. Letting extra stress go is good for both you and your new baby.
Atwell Acres, LLC