Your First Few Weeks at Home

Here is some helpful information to ease your worries about caring for your baby when you first get home.

When Baby Should First See Their Healthcare Provider

It is very important to take your baby to see their provider within the first 3 to 5 days after birth and again before your baby turns one month old. It’s a good idea to make these appointments before you leave the hospital. Babies less than one month can get sick quickly. Call your baby’s provider if they:

  • Look sick.
  • Have a fever.
  • Have trouble feeding.
  • Are difficult to wake-up.
  • Keep falling asleep while feeding.

   

Call your health plan’s 24-hour Nurse Advice Line if you are concerned about your baby and your provider’s office is not open.

   


What To Do About Visitors

You are going to be exhausted when you first come home from the hospital. It’s OK to limit visitors. Start with immediate family or those who will be helping care for you and your baby. Set a schedule. Make visitors wash their hands before they hold your baby. Babies’ immune systems are not fully developed. They get sick easily which can be dangerous. Ask anyone who is not feeling well to come another time. Ask anyone who will be around your baby to get Tdap, flu, COVID-19 and RSV vaccinations.



How Often You Should Feed Your Baby

Babies normally eat 8 to 12 times per day. They eat an average of 1.5 to 3 ounces per feeding for the first week or two. Feed your baby anytime they seem hungry. If you wait until they are crying it is often harder to calm them down for the feeding. Watch for the signs! When hungry babies may:

  • Smack their lips.
  • Stick out their tongue.
  • Move their head side to side.
  • Put their hands in their mouth.

   

   

How To Know If Your Baby Is Eating Enough

Weight gain is the best way to tell if your baby is eating enough. Your baby’s healthcare provider will check their weight at every visit. It is normal for babies to lose a bit of weight at first. They will catch up within a couple of weeks. Watch your baby’s diaper changes. You should be seeing at least 6 wet diapers and 3 to 4 poopy diapers per day.

   


When You Can Give Your Baby A Bath

Babies should only have sponge baths until their umbilical cord has fallen off. This is usually 1 to 2 weeks after birth. At first your baby will only need a bath about three times per week. Bathing too often can dry out the skin. Using a plastic baby bath that keeps baby’s head above water and supported is safest. Be sure the water is just warm enough where it feels comfortable on your wrist or elbow.

Have the room warm and a towel ready so baby doesn’t get cold! Establish a bathing routine. Your baby usually won't need a bath every night. Setting a routine will help baby set their body clock. A bath routine that leads to bedtime helps baby be more relaxed. And (hopefully) easier to put to sleep.



How To Make Sure Your Baby Is Safe When Sleeping

  • Always put your baby on their back to sleep unless your healthcare provider tells you not to.
  • Use a crib or bassinet with a firm flat sleep surface and well-fitting sheets.
  • Never place your baby on sofas, waterbeds or other soft surfaces.
  • Keep “stuff” out of your baby’s sleep area. No soft objects, toys, pillows, loose bedding or bumper pads.
  • Your baby should never sleep in the same bed as you or anyone else.



  Fast Fact

Bed sharing raises the risk of injury or death in newborns. You can keep baby’s bassinet, crib or play yard in your bedroom to keep your baby nearby.