Newborn care: what to know in the first days at home

Coming home with your baby brings joy and a lot of questions. You do not have to know everything in the first days; your routine settles as you get to know your baby. This article is a short roadmap for common questions.

Cord care

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off by itself within 1–3 weeks. Until then, keeping it clean and dry is enough.

• When you fold the diaper, leave the stump uncovered and keep the diaper below it.
• If it gets wet, pat it dry gently with a soft cloth.
• Do not apply creams or powder unless your doctor advises it.
• A little bleeding or a scab may appear as it falls off.

Diapers, cleaning and bathing

Newborns dirty many diapers a day. Enough wet diapers are a good sign that your baby gets enough fluid.

• Change diapers often; clean the skin with water and a soft cloth, or wipes suitable for sensitive skin.
• If there is redness, leave the diaper off for a short time.
• Until the cord falls off, sponge baths may be preferred over full baths; follow your doctor's advice.
• Check the bath water with your wrist or a thermometer and never leave your baby alone.

Sleep and safe sleep

Newborns may sleep about 14–17 hours a day, but in short stretches. A day and night rhythm starts to develop after a few weeks.

• Always put your baby to sleep on the back, on a firm, flat mattress.
• Keep pillows, blankets, toys and soft items out of the cot.
• Do not let the room get too hot, and do not cover your baby's head.
• Sleeping in the same room but on a separate surface is part of safe sleep advice.

Jaundice

Many newborns show mild yellowing of the skin and eyes in the first days. It is usually harmless and goes away on its own. Still, sometimes follow-up or treatment is needed.

• Yellowing can begin at the face and spread to the body and legs.
• Frequent feeding helps the body clear jaundice.
• Do not skip check-ups after leaving the hospital.

Reading your baby

Babies communicate by crying. Hunger, a diaper, tiredness, feeling hot or cold, or wanting to be held are all possible. Sometimes no reason can be found, and that is not your fault.

• Spot early hunger cues: lip smacking, hands to mouth.
• Holding, rocking or skin-to-skin contact can calm your baby.
• When you are exhausted, put your baby down somewhere safe and take a short break.
• Keeping short notes on feeds, sleep and diapers in the first weeks makes it easier to answer questions at check-ups.

What you can do

• Limit visitors in the first weeks and ask them to wash their hands.
• Before leaving hospital, discuss check-up times with the pediatrician.
• Ask for help so that you can rest too.

Feeding and first check-ups

Newborns feed often in the first weeks; breastfeeding or formula is the family's choice and every path deserves respect. To bring up gas after a feed, hold your baby upright and gently rub the back. In the first days after birth, pediatric check-ups are planned to see your baby's weight and general condition. Go prepared; writing your questions down beforehand helps a lot.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your pediatrician if:

• Your baby has a temperature of 38 °C or higher, or below 36.5 °C
• Your baby is not feeding well, or has no or very few wet diapers
• Jaundice increases quickly, or the palms and soles turn yellow too
• There is redness, swelling or foul-smelling discharge around the cord
• Your baby vomits repeatedly, vomits green fluid, or has a swollen, hard belly
• Your baby is extremely sleepy, cannot be woken, or cries inconsolably

If your baby struggles to breathe, turns blue or is unresponsive, call 112 (or your local emergency number) right away.

This article is for information only; your doctor's and midwife's advice for your situation always comes first.