A member asked:

Please provide some do's and don'ts on caring for a newborn.

58 doctors weighed in across 38 answers

Ignore: Do swaddle baby to give comfort ; security.Do not use perfumed wipes.It may cause allergy/ skin rash.

Answered 5/7/2016

4.4k views

Thank

Do: Do not feed baby every time he is crying. Do find out what is wrong with your baby first.

Answered 11/7/2017

4.4k views

Thank
Dr. Oscar Novick answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Babies: Babies will cry for one of 3 reasons, either hunger, dirty diaper or pain.

Answered 4/27/2020

4.3k views

Thank

Do: Do talk to your babies. They love the sound of your voice. Don't overreact. Stay calm.

Answered 11/15/2017

4.3k views

Thank

Ignore: Since starting the "back to sleep" campaign, the number of babies dying of SIDS has been cut in half.

Answered 5/21/2014

4.1k views

Thank
Dr. Marshall Seligmann answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Don't leave your child unattended on a table or other elevated surface.

Answered 6/1/2014

4k views

Thank
Dr. Kyon Hood answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Call Dr. immediately for fever (100.4 (rectal) or higher). Wash hands often. Avoid crowds.

Answered 6/12/2014

4k views

Thank
Dr. Neigatha Graney answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: All We Need Is Love! Hold your baby with confidence, trust your instincts, seek doctor's advice.

Answered 6/13/2014

4k views

Thank
Dr. Elizabeth Wallen answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Don't ever leave a newborn on a surface unattended. The day they roll over will catch you off guard.

Answered 6/19/2014

4k views

Thank

Ignore: Most fevers in newborns are viral, but should be considered medical emergencies until proven.

Answered 7/4/2014

3.9k views

Thank

Ignore: Always place your newborn to sleep on its back in a bassinet.

Answered 7/8/2014

3.9k views

Thank

Ignore: DO opt for simplicity (not many gadgets are needed). DON'T be afraid to ask for help!

Answered 7/12/2014

3.9k views

Thank

Ignore: Taking care of a newborn takes energy so be sure to take care of yourself too!

Answered 12/26/2014

3.8k views

Thank

Ignore: Do love your baby, sleep baby on back until baby can roll, use a pacifier. Do not leave baby in car.

Answered 8/1/2014

3.8k views

Thank

Ignore: Do: -Love and enjoy your baby -Be confident -Get some rest -Get help Don't: do too much.

Answered 9/22/2014

3.7k views

Thank
Dr. Natalie Hodge answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Sleep when you can! Try and lie down for a nap when baby is napping.

Answered 12/26/2014

3.7k views

Thank

Ignore: Change diapers regularly, make sure baby is fed on demand q3-4 hrs, crib is free of loud noises.

Answered 11/4/2014

3.6k views

Thank

Ignore: Do take care of yourself as a healthy mother is able to create a healthy child .

Answered 12/26/2014

3.6k views

Thank

Ignore: Patience! Don't be uptight and be flexible! Babies don't always read the book:-).

Answered 11/30/2014

3.5k views

Thank
Dr. Lori Semel answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Don't over dress or under dress.Infants should be in clothing similar to how you are dressed.

Answered 12/21/2016

3.4k views

Thank

Ignore: Sleep on back in own bed, with nothing in the bed but the baby - no pillows,blankets, or toys.

Answered 12/24/2014

3.4k views

Thank

Ignore: Feed the baby 2 hourly,and burp after feed ,keep the belly button clean and dry.baby to lie on back.

Answered 12/27/2014

3.4k views

Thank

Ignore: Lack of sleep might be one of the most difficult parts of new motherhood!if baby sleeps so should U.

Answered 12/30/2014

3.4k views

Thank

Ignore: Babies can sense if you are stressed. If you are stressed they will stress and cry and fuss more.

Answered 1/1/2015

3.4k views

Thank
Dr. Albert Melaragno answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Talk, sing, and frequently cuddle and kiss your child.

Answered 1/7/2015

3.4k views

Thank
Dr. Richard Zimon answered

Specializes in Internal Medicine

Ignore: DON'T HESITATE to obtain a good Book as a guide!! Ask your Pediatrician for a suggestion!!!!!!!

Answered 1/7/2015

3.4k views

Thank

Ignore: Love, love and more love!!! Try not to be overly anxious when holding your baby. Stay calm.

Answered 1/9/2015

3.3k views

Thank
Dr. Venkata Vallury answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Tender loving care, feed, change diapers, read to them, talk to them,dont let dogs or cats near them.

Answered 2/1/2015

3.3k views

Thank
Dr. Jalal Zuberi answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Breastfeed as much as possible, keep baby warm, avoid exposure to sick and prevent SIDS & injuries.

Answered 2/1/2015

3.3k views

Thank

Ignore: Umbilical cord care: keep area dry and clean until cord falls off. no baths, keep diaper below area.

Answered 2/11/2015

3.2k views

Thank

Ignore: The best advise I give is "always go with your gut instincts", you will usually be right.

Answered 2/27/2015

3.2k views

Thank

Ignore: Read for your child daily, inclde religious books, avoid scarey books, pray with them every night.

Answered 5/1/2016

2.6k views

Thank

Ignore: Dress infant in onsie PJ and put in crib with just bottom sheet - NO bumperpads, blankets or pillows.

Answered 9/6/2015

2.3k views

Thank

Ignore: If child feels feverish, use a rectal thermometer. Seek medical care for temps more than 100.4F.

Answered 10/3/2015

2.2k views

Thank

Ignore: Diet: Only give breast milk or properly mixed formula. NEVER give babies water.

Answered 10/26/2015

2.1k views

Thank

Ignore: Do rest when your baby rests and don't worry about the cleanliness of home. Stay calm and ENJOY!

Answered 1/16/2019

881 views

Thank

Ignore: Do ask your doctor lots of questions at your visits.

Answered 6/2/2017

672 views

Thank
Dr. Michelle Ramirez-joglar answered

Specializes in Pediatrics

Ignore: Do not over bundle, use the number of layers you are wearing as a guide to how many layers for baby.

Answered 6/27/2017

644 views

Thank

Related Questions

A member asked:

What is the rationale for injecting vitamin K to newborn`s thigh?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers