A Baby Guide
: For the first 6–8 weeks, always cradle the baby's head and neck, as they have little muscle control.
: You don't need to bathe a newborn every day; washing their face, hands, and bottom ("topping and tailing") with warm water is often sufficient. A baby
: Offer breast or bottle every 2–3 hours. Newborns should be woken to feed if they sleep longer than 4 hours in the first few weeks. : For the first 6–8 weeks, always cradle
Caring for a baby involves a steep learning curve centered on safety, hygiene, and responsive bonding. Newborns typically sleep about and require 6 to 8 feedings every 24 hours. Essential Safety & Handling Newborns should be woken to feed if they
: Shaking can cause permanent brain damage or death. If you feel overwhelmed, place the baby in a safe spot like a crib and take deep breaths.
: Use tummy time (1–2 minutes initially) while the baby is awake and supervised to build neck and upper body strength. A Guide for First-Time Parents | Nemours KidsHealth