The Brand New Baby Handbook

It was a beautiful, magical birth experience—your contractions didn’t last long, you got to the hospital just in time, received an epidural, pushed a few times and met your baby. You could relive the moment over and over.

Then the excitement slowly starts to wear thin. The pain medications begin to wear off. The sleep deprivation kicks in. Your body starts to feel the realities of that magical experience—and it doesn’t feel so good. Are you really ready to head home with your newest tiny family member without the night nurse to check in on you every hour?

This is the moment of truth. But don’t worry—we’ve got you covered with a number of tips to help you through those first few days (or months) of caring for your brand new baby like a pro. Let’s start with the basics.

Feeding baby

Are you breastfeeding or bottle feeding? It doesn’t matter, as long as you create a good routine (or quickly learn your baby’s eating habits). Most newborns require a feeding every two to three hours. If breastfeeding, your pediatrician may recommend Vitamin D supplements for your baby. A lactation consultant visited my home a couple times to help me figure out the best positions for nursing, how to latch correctly and other basics. I remember this helped tremendously. You might even consider joining a moms breastfeeding group.

Bathtime tips

Some babies love bath time, and it immediately relaxes them. Others, not so much. That’s okay—each little person is different. Place a warm, wet washcloth over your baby’s stomach to help him stay chill-free. Keep a warm towel ready to wrap him in when you take him out. If his skin isn’t too sensitive (eczema, for example), use a soothing lavender lotion.

Soothing suggestions

I found my son was soothed best when I carried him around in my Ergo Baby carrier or set him in his baby swing or bouncy seat. The constant movement/motion kept him happiest. Though every baby is different, this worked for us. You might try different holding positions or rocking your baby. Swaddle her or sing to her. Trial and error is the key.

Diapers + diaper rash

Diaper rash is almost inevitable. Finding the right brand of diapers for your little one, plus the right diaper cream, is key. This may take a bit of trial and error, too. Our son has super sensitive skin. Luvs and Pampers diapers worked best for him, combined with Boudreaux’s Butt Paste, which we sometimes rotated with Burt’s Bees Baby diaper cream.

Eczema/cradle cap

This one was tough. Our baby wore mittens often because he scratched his head so much it would start to bleed. We tried so many different products before we landed on the simplest remedy. We changed laundry detergents. Prescription ointments didn’t quite do the trick. He was too sensitive for certain soaps and shampoos. I recommend trying Baby Dove products (before this brand came about, we used a simple bar of Dove soap to wash him). The less product on Baby’s skin, the better.

Separation anxiety 

If your baby is breastfeeding, separation anxiety is inevitable. You may have to practice having Dad feed him a bottle of pumped milk or stepping away for minutes at a time before you delve into having Grandma and Grandpa or Aunt Susan babysit one evening. It may take starting with only small increments of time before having your baby be away from you for too long, but eventually it will get easier.

When baby is sick

Our baby got the stomach bug a few times, which is no fun. To help settle his tummy, we would (with supervision) let him take many naps in his bouncy seat and sometimes a bit during the night when lying down only further upset his stomach. This kept him propped up and made for easier cleanup.

During cold and flu season, a little contraption called the Nosefrida may become your best friend. I never imagined I’d have the stomach to use it, but it works wonders for clearing your baby’s congested nasal passages, making it easier for her to feed and sleep.

Sleep when your baby sleeps

I hated hearing this phrase over and over, but nothing is more accurate. Because sleeping through the night is no longer an option, you’ll need to take those catnap opportunities whenever they arise. If your baby falls asleep mid-morning after eating, close your eyes for a bit too. I always set multiple alarms on my phone to ensure I was awake and alert even before my baby was, but every bit of shut-eye helps your body.

Restocking the diaper bag 

I kept my diaper bag restocked every single day, sometimes multiple times a day, in case I needed to leave the house. I never wanted to forget an essential. This saves so much time and allows for extra time getting yourself and Baby ready for an outing.

Diaper bag essentials:

•diapers

•wipes

•pacifier or teething toy

•hand sanitizer 

•changing pad

•one or two changes of clothes 

•burp cloths

•Clorox wipes

•Puffs (when they’re old enough)

•Packet of backup formula 

•extra bottle

•diaper cream

•plastic shopping bags (for dirty diapers and outfits)

Find time for self-care 

In order for your baby to thrive, you need to as well. In between pumping sessions, feedings, diaper changes, soothing Baby and healing your postpartum body, a new mom needs time to unwind. Take a nap, eat a nutritious meal, grab a coffee, take a bubble bath, have your partner give you a foot massage. And then feel zero guilt for any of these activities.

Don’t worry if you still haven’t gotten the hang of this whole parenting thing. You’ll learn more and more along the way. Never be afraid to reach out to your pediatrician, midwife, nurse, lactation consultant, parents or all of your mom friends simultaneously. You’ll discover even more tips and tricks as you get to know your tiny human. The most important thing is that your baby is fed, clothed and loved. And remember, though it takes a village, Mom knows best.

Emily Morrison is a freelance writer, former copy editor and full-time mommy and Disney fanatic who lives in Independence with her husband, 4-year-old son and dog.

As always, please consult your health care provider with any questions or concerns.