Surviving and Thriving! The First Months: A Real Mom’s Guide to Caring for Your Newborn
Welcoming your baby into the world can feel like riding an emotional rollercoaster—sometimes there’s so much joy, love, tears, exhaustion, and, let’s be honest, a whole lot of sleep deprivation. I remember those early days as a new mom, staring at my little one, feeling like an imposter, wondering, am I enough to take care of my child? Whether you’re bringing home a baby boy or girl, here are some lessons I learned and tips that made those first few weeks a bit easier.
Baby Care: The Basics (and a Diaper Trick That Will Save Your Laundry)
In the beginning, it feels like all you’re doing is feeding, changing, and soothing your baby. But soon enough, you’ll find your groove. Here’s a little tip that saved me more times than I can count during diaper changes:
Diaper Changes: Place a fresh diaper underneath the current one before opening it. This little move has saved me so many times—especially when your baby decides to go mid-change! This diaper hack has saved many sheets in my time! Oh, and don’t forget about diaper cream, even if there’s no rash. A little prevention goes a long way.
Bathing: In the beginning, a gentle sponge bath every few days is all your baby needs. The umbilical cord stump falls off in about two weeks, and I promise it’s less scary than it seems.
Feeding: Breastfeeding, bottle feeding, or combo feeding—it’s all about finding what works best for you and your baby. As a new mom, it felt like I was always feeding, and I was definitely on the struggle bus because breastfeeding was hard at first. I learned it’s okay to ask for help. So, please know you’re not alone in figuring this out.
Takeaway: Between diaper changes, feedings, and everything else, you’ll find your rhythm. And don’t forget, a new diaper under the old one is a total game-changer for laundry!
Baby Behavior: Learning Their Cues
One of the sweetest things about those first weeks is how quickly you start learning your baby’s cues. It’s like a secret language you both understand.
Hunger Cues: Watch for rooting, lip-smacking, or turning their head toward anything near their mouth. These early hunger signs helped me avoid those hangry-crying moments that are harder to calm down.
Tired Cues: Yawning, rubbing their eyes, or getting extra fussy usually means it’s time for a nap. Once I picked up on these cues, getting my little one to sleep became much smoother.
Takeaway: Learning your baby’s cues makes those early days feel a little less overwhelming and a lot more connected.
Swaddling: A Cozy Game-Changer
Swaddling was one of my go-to tricks for calming my baby, and it’s no wonder—it mimics that snug, safe feeling they had in the womb. As a mom, I learned that swaddling can work wonders for sleep, but it’s also important to swaddle safely.
The right fit: Make sure the swaddle is snug but leaves enough room for your baby’s hips to move. This helps prevent hip dysplasia. I used to worry about getting it right, but it became second nature with practice.
When to stop swaddling: Once your baby starts trying to roll over, it’s time to switch to a sleep sack. I remember feeling nervous about this transition, but it went smoother than I thought.
Takeaway: Swaddling can be a lifesaver for soothing your baby, but always make sure it’s done safely.
Safe Sleep: A Must for Peace of Mind
Safe sleep is one of those things that’s always in the back of your mind. I constantly checked on my baby, ensuring everything was just right. Here are a few simple guidelines that helped me relax (just a little).
Back to sleep, always. Putting your baby on their back to sleep is the safest way to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Crib essentials: All they need is a firm mattress and a fitted sheet. No pillows, no bumpers, no toys—just a simple, safe space.
Room-sharing, not bed-sharing: While keeping the crib in your room for the first six months is great for peace of mind, avoid bringing your baby into your bed. They need their own space to sleep safely.
Takeaway: Safe sleep practices are simple but so important. Following these guidelines helped me feel more confident when putting my baby down for the night.
Car Seats: Getting It Right
The first time I installed a car seat, I felt completely overwhelmed. Is it too tight? Too loose? Thankfully, I had it checked by a Certified Child Passenger Safety Technician (CPST), which gave me so much peace of mind.
Rear-facing for as long as possible: Keep your baby in a rear-facing seat until age two or they outgrow the seat's height and weight limits.
Proper harnessing: The harness should be snug with the chest clip at armpit level. I used to worry it was too tight, but a snug fit keeps them safe.
Takeaway: Getting your car seat checked by a CPST is one of the best decisions you can make to ensure your baby's safety on every ride.
Shaken Baby Syndrome: Take a Moment for Yourself
There were moments when the crying felt endless, and I wasn’t sure what else to do. It’s okay to step away for a minute if you need to.
Coping strategies: If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s okay to put your baby in a safe place and take a few deep breaths. I’d step outside for a moment or call a friend to regroup. You’re doing a fantastic job, but taking a break is also okay.
Educating caregivers: Make sure anyone who cares for your baby knows the importance of never shaking them, no matter how frustrated they may feel.
Takeaway: It’s okay to need a breather. Never shake your baby; always reach out for help when needed.
Baby’s Health: What You Should Know About Jaundice
Jaundice is super common in newborns—about 60% of babies experience it in their first few days. It happens when there’s a build-up of bilirubin, a yellow pigment that forms as the body breaks down excess red blood cells. Since a newborn’s liver isn’t fully developed yet, bilirubin can accumulate, causing that yellow tint to their skin or eyes.
How to check for jaundice:
Press the skin: Gently press your baby’s skin on their nose or chest. If the area looks yellow after you release it, it could be jaundice.
Yellowing of the eyes: Look for a yellow tint in the whites of their eyes.
Most cases resolve on their own within a few days, but feeding frequently helps. The more your baby eats, the more they poop, which helps eliminate bilirubin. In more severe cases, your pediatrician may recommend light therapy to help break down the bilirubin.
Takeaway: Jaundice is usually harmless and clears up with regular feedings. Keep an eye on your baby’s skin and eyes, and if you’re ever unsure, contact your pediatrician.
Late-Preterm Infants: Extra Love, Extra Care
If your baby was born a little early, say between 34 and 36 weeks, they may need a bit of extra attention. I’ve seen how resilient these babies are, but they might have a few extra challenges in the beginning.
Feeding Challenges: Late-preterm babies sometimes take longer to develop strong sucking reflexes. Feedings might take a little longer, but patience is key.
Temperature Regulation: These little ones can struggle to maintain their body temperature, so keeping them cozy is extra important in those first weeks.
Takeaway: Late preterm babies are tough, but they may need more TLC to help them thrive in those early days.
Final Takeaways
Becoming a parent is a beautiful yet challenging journey, and every day brings new lessons. By staying informed and seeking support from a reliable person when needed, you’ll feel more empowered to navigate the early days with confidence. Remember, there is help for you—whether it’s your pediatrician, partner, or fellow mom friends.
Are you a new mom needing support with newborn care? At Our Nurturing Nest, I offer personalized postpartum services to help you feel confident in caring for your baby while ensuring you have the rest and support you need during this precious time.
