Congratulations! Bringing your baby home is a moment of pure joy, but it can also be a little overwhelming. Suddenly, this tiny, precious human is depending on you for everything. You might find yourself questioning every little squeak, sneeze, and sleep pattern.
This is completely normal! The first week of newborn baby care is a steep learning curve for every parent.
At Borneo Hospitals, we believe in empowering parents with knowledge and reassurance.
To help you navigate these first few magical days with confidence, our founder and senior paediatrician, Dr. Santosh Madrewar, has created this simple day-by-day guide. Think of this as your friendly manual for newborn baby care at home.
Day 1: The First 24 Hours – Sleep, Feed, Repeat
Your first day home is mostly about survival and snuggles! Don’t worry about routines just yet.
What’s Normal:
- Lots of Sleep: Newborns can sleep for 16-20 hours a day, but only in short bursts of 1-3 hours at a time. They don’t know the difference between day and night yet.
- Tiny Feeds: Your baby’s stomach is the size of a small marble. They will take small amounts of colostrum (the first milk), feeding 8-12 times in 24 hours.
- First Poop (Meconium): The first few diapers will be filled with a sticky, dark green or black substance called meconium. This is normal.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If your baby is not feeding at all or seems too sleepy to wake up for feeds.
- Any signs of breathing problems in newborns, like fast breathing or flaring nostrils.
Day 2-3: The Milk Comes In & Jaundice Checks
These couple of days are often a turning point for feeding and can bring some new observations.
What’s Normal:
- Cluster Feeding: Your baby may want to feed very frequently, sometimes constantly, for a few hours. This is called cluster feeding, and it helps to bring in your mature breast milk.
- Changing Poop: The poop will start to change from black meconium to a greener or yellower, seedy texture.
- Mild Jaundice: It is very common for babies to develop mild jaundice in newborns. Their skin or the whites of their eyes might look slightly yellow. For most babies, this is temporary.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If the yellow colour deepens or spreads to the legs.
- If your baby is very sleepy, not feeding well, or has fewer than 5-6 wet diapers in 24 hours.
Day 4-5: Finding a Rhythm (Sort Of!)
You and your baby are starting to get to know each other. You might notice the start of some very loose patterns.
What’s Normal:
- More Awake Time: Your baby might have short periods where they are quiet and alert, looking around. This is a great time for bonding.
- Umbilical Cord Stump: The stump should be getting drier and darker. It’s an important part of newborn baby care to keep it clean and dry.
- Lots of Crying: Crying is your baby’s main way of communicating. You will slowly start to learn the difference between a hungry cry and a tired cry. Chinta nahi (don’t worry), you’ll get the hang of it.
When to Call the Doctor:
- If you see any redness, swelling, or pus around the umbilical cord stump.
- If your baby’s crying is inconsolable for very long periods.
Day 6-7: Turning a Corner
By the end of the first week, you might start to feel a little more confident. This is a huge achievement!
What’s Normal:
- Gaining Weight: Your baby may have lost some weight after birth, but by the end of the first week, they should be back to or close to their birth weight.
- Cord Stump Falls Off: The umbilical cord stump usually falls off between day 5 and day 15.
- More Predictable Patterns: You might notice a slightly more predictable (but still not rigid) pattern of feeding and sleeping.
When to Call the Doctor:
- A fever (a temperature of 100.4°F or 38°C or higher).
- Any other concerns you have! It’s always better to ask. Good newborn baby care is also about trusting your instincts.
Key Aspects of Newborn Baby Care Throughout the Week
Feeding Your Baby:
Whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding, respond to your baby’s early hunger cues (like rooting or sucking on their hands) rather than waiting for them to cry.
Umbilical Cord and Diaper Care:
Keep the umbilical cord area clean and dry. Fold the top of the diaper down to expose the stump to air. Change diapers frequently to prevent a skin rash in babies.
Bathing and Skin Care:
You don’t need to give a full bath until the umbilical cord stump has fallen off. A simple sponge bath is enough. Use only gentle, baby-safe products.
Your First Newborn Checkup: What to Expect
Your baby’s first newborn checkup will usually happen within the first week. It’s a vital part of their newborn health plan.
A Checklist for Your Visit:
- The newborn specialist will weigh and measure your baby to check their growth.
- They will perform a full physical examination, from head to toe.
- They will check for jaundice and assess feeding.
- It’s a perfect time to ask all the questions you’ve been saving up!
You’ve Got This, New Parent!
The first week of newborn baby care is a beautiful, messy, tiring, and magical blur. Be kind to yourself, accept help when it’s offered, and trust your instincts. You are learning about your baby, and your baby is learning about the world. And for every question or concern, big or small, a trusted paediatrician is your best partner on this journey.
Consult Our Experts
For comprehensive newborn baby care, from routine checkups to specialised neonatal services, we encourage you to consult with the expert doctors at Borneo Hospitals.(https://borneohospitals.com) Our team is dedicated to giving your child the healthiest start in life.
You can visit your nearest Borneo Hospital branch in Thane, Nashik, Waluj, or Raipur.
If it’s easier for you, you can also call our helpline for advice. We invite you to make an appointment with our esteemed Senior Paediatrician and Founder, Dr. Santosh Madrewar (MBBS, DCH), for expert guidance on your child’s health and development.
Further Reading & Authoritative Sources
- World Health Organization (WHO): Newborn health
- Indian Academy of Pediatrics (IAP): Parenting Guide – The Newborn Baby
- UNICEF: Newborn care: A guide for new parents
- American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP): A Guide to Your Baby’s First Days
