Simple care, gentle moments, and a healthy start for your little one.
The first weeks with a newborn are filled with love, learning, and new responsibilities. Every baby is different, but a few simple care habits can help parents create a safe, nurturing environment from the very beginning.
Keep Your Baby Warm & Comfortable
Newborns need help maintaining their body temperature. Skin-to-skin contact with the mother can help keep the baby warm and also supports bonding and breastfeeding. Keep the baby comfortably dressed and avoid overheating.
Give Your Baby the Best Start with Feeding
When possible, breastfeeding can be started soon after birth. WHO and UNICEF recommend exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, meaning no other food or drink, including water, is needed during this period. Families who need feeding support should speak with a healthcare professional
Take Care of the Umbilical Cord
Keep the cord stump clean and dry and follow the care instructions given by your healthcare professional. Avoid putting unrecommended substances, herbs, or products on the cord.
Gentle Hygiene & Loving Touch
Wash your hands before handling the baby, especially before feeding or touching the umbilical cord. Gentle cuddling, talking, and skin-to-skin contact can help create a loving and nurturing environment.
Don’t Miss Check-ups & Vaccinations
Newborn check-ups help healthcare professionals monitor feeding, weight, growth, jaundice, breathing, and overall health. Keep the baby’s health and vaccination records safely and follow the vaccination schedule recommended in your country.
Know When Your Baby Needs Help
Seek medical care promptly if a newborn is not feeding well, is unusually inactive, has difficulty breathing, has a fever, has convulsions, feels unusually cold, or develops concerning jaundice. When something doesn’t seem right, it is better to contact a healthcare professional rather than wait.
A Happy Baby Needs a Supported Family
Newborn care can be tiring. Parents also need rest, nutritious food, emotional support, and time to recover. Ask family members or trusted people for help when needed.
Tiny hands, little smiles, and countless first moments—give your baby a healthy beginning filled with warmth, care, and love.
This is general wellness information and does not replace advice from a pediatrician or other qualified healthcare professional. Babies born prematurely, with low birth weight, or with medical conditions may need additional care.
