Congratulations! Your New Baby Is Here! It seems like you've been waiting for this moment forever. Then, suddenly it’s here. You may feel as though you've forgotten everything you've read or learned and aren't sure what to do with yourself right now! Relax. You’ll get plenty of helpful advice from your pediatrician, family, and friends. You can also refer to this new parent guide that covers some of the basics about caring for your newborn in the first 10 days. Take it one step at a time. Just do what comes naturally and enjoy every one of these blissful first days with your newborn.

1. The New Parent Guide
First 10 days
Congratulations! Your New Baby Is Here!
It seems like you’ve been waiting for this
moment forever. Then, suddenly it’s here. You
may feel as though you’ve forgotten everything
you’ve read or learned and aren’t sure what to
do with yourself right now!
Relax. You’ll get plenty of helpful advice from
your pediatrician, family, and friends. You can
also refer to this new parent guide that covers
some of the basics about caring for your
newborn in the first 10 days.
Take it one step at a time. Just do what comes naturally and enjoy every one of these
blissful first days with your newborn.

2. Helpful Highlights
• How to Hold Your Newborn
• How to Bathe Your Newborn
• How to Change Your Newborn’s Diaper
• How to Comfort Your Newborn
• How to Feed Your Newborn
• How to Take Your Newborn’s Temperature
• Shopping List for the First 10 Days

3. How to Hold Your Newborn
Your newborn may feel fragile and delicate to you, but
don’t be afraid to touch, handle, or hold your new baby! In
fact, studies show that babies that are held more than 2
hours per day thrive better and cry less.
Because your newborn’s neck muscles are not yet
developed, you will need to support your newborn’s head
whenever you pick him or her up. You should also support
your newborn’s head against your shoulder or with your
opposite hand, while carrying him or her.
Some parents find that a sling or baby carrier
provides an extra sense of security when carrying
their newborn babies. And your baby will love it
too!

4. How to Bathe Your Newborn
Some pediatricians recommend cleaning your baby with a
sponge bath until the umbilical cord heals and falls off (usually
in a week or 2).
1. Lay your baby on a soft towel, or use a sponge-lined bath
bed. Support your baby’s head and limbs throughout.
2. Clean around each eye—from the inside corner outward—
with a separate cotton ball dipped in warm water.
3. Keep your baby covered with a towel to stay warm: uncover
only the area you are washing. Dip a warm, wet washcloth in a
little baby wash, then wash and rinse baby’s face, arms, legs,
tummy and diaper area, in that order. Always clean the diaper
area from front to back. Clean the umbilical stump, separately,
with a cotton ball dipped in clean water.

5. 4. If your newborn has hair, clean it with baby wash and rinse with a soft
washcloth and clean water.
5. Next, dry your baby in the same order as washing—from head to toe. Dry
thoroughly, without rubbing too hard. Then wrap your baby in a dry, hooded
towel.
6. Finally, using an ultra-mild lotion
specifically designed for newborns,
moisturize baby’s skin
with a gentle massaging touch.

6. How to Change Your Newborn’s
Diaper
Many first-time parents are surprised by
how many diapers they go through in a
day. To make life easier for yourself, have
plenty of diapers on hand before you
bring your baby home.
Before you change your baby’s diaper, be
sure to wash your hands. And because
you should NEVER leave your baby alone
on the changing table, you’ll need to
gather what you need before you start.

7. Have the following items within reach before
you begin:
• A clean diaper
• Baby wipes or a wet washcloth (that you’ll use ONLY
for this purpose)
• A plastic bag to dispose of soiled diapers
• Diaper rash preventative ointment containing
petrolatum
• Diaper rash treatment cream containing zinc oxide
• A change of clothes for baby (just in case)

8. (can't)
Now that you have everything ready, here’s what to
do:
1. Lay your baby on a flat, secure surface. If you
choose to use a changing table keep a hand on
your baby at all times. Don’t leave your baby—
even for a moment.
2. Remove the diaper by lifting the adhesive tabs.
Fold the tabs back on themselves so they don’t
stick to anything (including the baby!).
3. With a baby wipe or a washcloth moistened with
water, clean the diaper area by wiping from
front to back—for boys and girls. Fold the dirty
diaper onto itself and move it to the side. Place a
clean diaper under your baby.

9. 4. Pat your baby dry and apply protective ointment. If your baby already has a diaper
rash, choose a product with zinc oxide and other ingredients that soothe the skin
and promote healing.
5. Secure the clean diaper by fastening the adhesive strips from the back of the
diaper to the front panel. It should be snug, but not tight.
6. Dispose of the dirty diaper and wash your hands again.
7. Finally, be sure to go through the baby care sites for more detailed information
about identifying, treating and preventing diaper rash.

10. How to Comfort Your Newborn
Most babies cry for an average of 2
hours a day in the first 3 months. So
while it may be disconcerting, it’s also
normal.
To comfort your baby, first try to
determine the cause of your baby’s
discomfort. Is your baby hungry? Does
your baby have gas? Does your baby’s
diaper need changing? Is it time for a
nap? Is your baby over stimulated by
noise, lights or activity?

11. To help soothe a sleepy or over stimulated baby, hold your baby on your
shoulder while gently rocking your baby. Sing or speak softly to your
baby—reassure your baby with a calm voice. It can also help to rub your
baby’s back as you do so. Try different positions to find one that’s
comfortable for both of you.
Something else to consider: your baby doesn’t have much mobility in
the first few weeks and may cry for help if he or she is lying
uncomfortably in the crib. You can help your baby get comfortable by
gently shifting your baby’s position. But for safety, always place your
baby on his or her back for sleeping.

12. How to Feed Your Newborn
Healthcare professionals agree that
nothing is better for your newborn
baby than breast milk. Nutritionally
speaking, it’s tailor-made for your
infant. Of course, sometimes
mothers cannot breastfeed, due to
medical problems or other special
circumstances. Discuss with your
pediatrician how best to feed your
newborn.
No matter how you decide to feed
your baby, be sure always to hold
your baby while feeding. The
cuddling that comes with nursing
and feeding helps to build a strong,
loving bond between you and your
baby.

13. Get an early start
Nursing should begin within an hour after delivery if possible, when your
infant is awake and the sucking instinct is strong. Even though you won’t
be producing milk yet, your breasts contain colostrum, a thin fluid that
contains beneficial antibodies.
Proper positioning
The baby’s mouth should be wide open, with the nipple as far back into
his or her mouth as possible. This minimizes soreness for you. If you’re
having trouble getting your baby to latch on or are experiencing any pain,
rest assured that this is a common problem. Seek help from a lactation
specialist at your hospital or talk to other moms.
Nurse on demand
Newborns need to nurse frequently, about every 2 hours, and not on any
strict schedule. This will stimulate your breasts to produce plenty of milk.
Later, the baby can settle into a more predictable routine. Alternate
breasts with each feeding: if you started with the right breast with one
feeding, start with the left at the next feeding.

14. Use nursing pads
Use a nursing pad, such as super-absorbent, cushiony nursing Pads, to help
eliminate embarrassing leakage between feedings.
Air dry
In the early postpartum period or until your nipples toughen, you may wish to
air dry your nipples to help prevent them from cracking. Proper positioning at
the breast can help prevent sore nipples. If you’re very sore, your baby may
not have the nipple far enough back in his or her mouth. Also be sure to speak
with your lactation specialist about ways to prevent or relieve dry nipples.
Watch for infection
Symptoms of breast infection include fever, painful lumps, and redness in the
breast. These require immediate medical attention. Clean hands and breasts
thoroughly before each feeding to avoid infection.

15. Eat right, get rest
To produce plenty of good milk, you’ll need to eat a balanced diet that
includes an extra 500 calories a day and drink 6 to 8 glasses of fluid.
Getting the proper amount of rest is crucial when your body is facing
these new responsibilities.

16. How to Take Your Newborn’s
TemperatureShould your baby appear to have a fever, knowing the best way to gauge
your baby’s temperature is the first step. Using a rectal thermometer is
the endorsed method of temperature-taking by the American Academy of
Pediatrics and is considered by many to be the most accurate.
If using a rectal thermometer:
1. Clean the end of the thermometer, from the tip to about ½ inch with
rubbing alcohol or some warm water and soap.
2. Thinly cover half of the thermometer from the tip up with petroleum
jelly.
3. Place your baby on his or her back or tummy—whichever makes baby
more comfortable.

17. 4. Gently slide the tip of the thermometer
into your baby’s rectum— only about ½
inch to an inch, being sure not to force it.
5. Hold the thermometer until the
necessary time is up.
6. Note the temperature, then clean the
thermometer with rubbing alcohol or
warm water and soap.
If your baby does have a fever, call your doctor—even if you think it’s “low.”
With a newborn, any kind of change in health requires attention.

18. Shopping List for the First 10 Days
Your newborn’s delicate skin needs extra special care, so be sure to
use extra-gentle products developed especially for newborns.
1. Baby Wash
2. Fragrance Free Baby Lotion
3. Baby Lotion
4. Nursing Pads
5. Rapid Relief Cream
6. Gas Relief Drops

19. Practice Will Build Your Confidence With
Your Newborn
After the first few days you’ll probably be
feeling a little more confident about
holding, bathing, feeding, and changing
your newborn. You’ll get plenty of practice
with these things over the next few weeks
and months, and this new routine will
become more familiar to you.
Best of luck to you and your newborn as
you adjust to this wonderful new journey.