      ![](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/fb2e9ee4-ae04-4a03-8d43-db630806fa78/Newborn-Hero?io=transform:fill,width:1000px&format=webp)  

#  Newborn Care 

The first days with your baby are full of discovery, learning, and change. From feedings and diaper changes to checkups and sleep routines, each moment helps you get to know and care for your newborn.

These resources offer practical information on baby care, safety, medical visits, and feeding, so you can feel ready for life at home with your new baby.



 

 

 ## Explore tips on soothing a fussy baby, recognizing normal appearance and behavior, and understanding your baby’s natural eating and sleeping cues. 

You’ll also learn about recommended vaccines and when to contact your health care provider with questions or concerns.



 

 



1. ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg) Getting To Know Your Baby
2. ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg) Feeding Your Baby
3. ![Medical Care](/sites/default/files/2025-10/medical-care.svg) Medical Care
4. ![Safety](/sites/default/files/2025-10/safety.svg) Safety
 
 

## Getting To Know Your Baby Resources

Now that your child is home, you’ll take extra notice of their tiny features, learn what different cries mean, and start to understand how to meet their needs. Every baby is unique, and taking time to observe and respond helps you build a strong bond.

**Key topics in this section include:**

- Understanding your baby’s appearance and behavior
- Comforting and soothing a fussy baby
- Safe bathing, diapering, and cord care
- Learning your baby’s feeding and sleep cues

The more time you spend with your baby, the easier it becomes to recognize their patterns and signals. You’ll start to notice when they’re hungry, tired, or need comfort, and how small routines like diaper changes or bath time can help them feel calm and secure. These early moments of care are more than just tasks. They’re chances for you to build trust and closeness with your baby.

 

 

### Recommended Resources

 [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-PostP-3](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/04cbd375-216d-4c97-9f8d-1a8a33a5b724/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-PostP-3?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### What to Do When Your Baby Is Fussy 

Most new babies have a fussy time each day. Your baby may cry because they’re tired, hungry, wet, uncomfortable, or simply want to be held. Over time, you’ll start to recognize your baby’s different cries and what they mean. Here are some ways to help calm and comfort your baby.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/when-baby-fussy) [ ![Diaper-change](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a1e1f0bf-0132-49b5-b45d-10a2dc69cd9d/Diaper-change?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### Bathing, Diaper, and Umbilical Cord Care  

Newborn care can feel like a lot at first, but simple routines can keep your baby clean, comfortable, and healthy.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/bathing-diaper-umbilical-cord-care) [ ![GettyImages-1063860934-feature-2](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/f59fd071-fabd-482c-a6d4-f2afd613a96e/GettyImages-1063860934-feature-2?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### The Look of Your New Baby 

Every baby is unique. In the first few days, you may notice things about your baby’s appearance that surprise you—but most are completely normal and temporary.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/look-your-new-baby) 

 

### More Getting To Know Your Baby Resources

 Showing 3 of 3 

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[ ![The hands of a new father feeding his newborn preemie son the first drops of mommy's colostrum.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/555afb71-42ea-4598-8ece-91c941a8f398/iStock-116867741?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### Breastfeeding Your Premature Baby 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/breastfeeding-premature-baby)

[ ![Baby, Newborn, Hand, Pregnant, Sleeping](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/709ed372-d5a1-4e4e-8108-3ff58dfcbb84/Mother-Baby-Holding-Hands?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### Supporting Your Baby’s Growth and Development With Play 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/supporting-babys-development)

[ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-SafeSleep](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a67b180b-a2bd-464c-9fbf-9bf183dfd2f8/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-SafeSleep?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Getting To Know Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/getting-to-know-your-baby.svg)Getting To Know Your Baby#### Newborn Sleep: What to Expect 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/getting-know-your-baby/newborn-sleep)

 

 



 

 

## Feeding Your Baby Resources

Feeding your baby is one of the most important ways to bond, nourish, and build lasting connections as a parent. There’s no single right way to feed your baby. What matters most is finding what works best for you and your family.

**Key topics in this section include:**

- Breastfeeding and pumping
- Bottle-feeding and formula
- Feeding cues and routines
- Getting support and guidance

The early days of feeding can bring both joy and challenges. Whether you breastfeed, pump, use formula, or combine methods, it helps to know what to expect and where to find support. With care and practice, you can feel assured that your baby is getting the nourishment they need to grow and thrive.

## A Note on Inclusion

At BMC, we know it’s important to use gender-inclusive language. In this article we use the word “breastfeeding,” but some families may prefer “chestfeeding” or “human milk.” Please use the words that feel right for your family. We celebrate and support all families of every shape, size, and background.

 

 

### Recommended Resources

 [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-HandExp](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/53b2b8d8-04a8-4089-a6c3-01a8c95cfd89/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-HandExp?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Prenatal Hand-Expression of Colostrum (Breast Milk) 

Learn how to collect colostrum—your first, early breast milk—during the last weeks of pregnancy using a simple technique that can help you feel more confident and give your baby extra nutrition in the first few days.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/colostrum-breast-milk-hand-expression) [ ![_Pregnancy,](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/afe72eef-6065-42b8-8831-1be34c73d3f4/shutterstock_251907310?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### How to Breastfeed and Get a Good Latch 

Getting your baby attached well to your breast is very important to get breastfeeding off to a good start. A good latch helps protect your nipples and helps your baby get plenty of milk.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/how-breastfeed-and-get-good-latch) [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-Breast](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/9320a148-225e-46fe-aed3-e1c6930b7342/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-Breast?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Common Questions About Breastfeeding 

If you choose to breastfeed or are still just considering it, you might have a lot of questions! Here are answers to some of the most common breastfeeding questions we hear.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/common-questions-about-breastfeeding) [ ![baby girl being bottle fed ](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/96fedd3e-ff55-461d-9c55-b5f88e584d48/1365602173?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### How to Bottlefeed 

Whether you’re using breast milk, formula, or both, bottlefeeding can be a special time to bond with your baby. Learning the right techniques can help keep feeding safe, healthy, and relaxed for you both.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/bottle-feeding) 

 

### More Feeding Your Baby Resources

 Showing 6 of 12 

  Filter by Content TypeArticle 





 

[ ![_Pregnancy,](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/afe72eef-6065-42b8-8831-1be34c73d3f4/shutterstock_251907310?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Breastfeeding as Your Baby Grows 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/breastfeeding-your-baby-grows)

[ ![Close up selective focus on breast or formula milk in the baby bottle on the bed at home with sleeping baby infant in background - newborn feeding and nursing concept concept copy space](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e0dd1936-3fdc-40af-ba1c-7307a2266b66/1320599569?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Storing and Preparing Breast Milk 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/storing-breast-milk)

[ ![Mother 1st time pumped milk to Automatic breast pump machine after giving birth. breastmilk is the best healthy nutrition food for newborn baby. Motherhood and Child infant Healthcare concept.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/310cb560-5265-41e4-9ed3-a22522b99c99/iStock-951017092?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### How to Choose a Breast Pump 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/choosing-breast-pump)

[ ![Asian mother breastfeeding baby at home.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/37d700d8-2ce3-4d4d-8e40-960c8f2eaea5/iStock-1319065595?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Getting Started with Breastfeeding 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/getting-started-breastfeeding)

[ ![shutterstock_194119598](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/1672e1d0-0818-4c22-8b04-5713ec10f393/shutterstock_194119598?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Feeding Baby After Going Back to Work or School 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/feeding-baby-after-returning-work-or-school)

[ ![A lactation Consultant sits with a new mother as she discusses her struggles with breast feeding.  The Mother is sitting in a rocking chair with her daughter as she tries to quietly feed her baby.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/c3e32e3b-79db-43ee-a1c6-712dce3e727f/iStock-1957394124?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Feeding Your Baby](/sites/default/files/2025-10/feeding-your-baby.svg)Feeding Your Baby#### Get Help with Breastfeeding 

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/feeding-your-baby/get-help-breastfeeding)

 

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## Medical Care Resources

Your baby’s health and safety are supported by regular checkups, preventive care, and knowing when to reach out for help. Building a relationship with your baby’s care team helps you feel confident about what’s normal and when something needs attention.

**Key topics in this section include:**

- When and how to contact your baby’s provider
- What to expect at well-baby visits
- Understanding vaccines and screenings
- Healing and care after circumcision

The first months with your baby come with many questions, from feeding and sleeping to what changes are normal. Staying in touch with your baby’s care team helps you understand what to expect and when to seek help. Regular checkups track your baby’s growth, offer vaccines, and give you a chance to discuss any concerns so you feel supported and prepared as your baby grows.

 

 

### Recommended Resources

 [ ![Pediatric Primary Care Clinic - Yawkey 6](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/2c0225dd-fa50-455d-816c-3c73b2285079/20190613ecBMC_692?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Medical Care](/sites/default/files/2025-10/medical-care.svg)Medical Care#### When to Call Your Baby’s Provider 

It’s normal to have questions and worries in the first weeks with your baby. Some concerns can wait for a call to your clinic, while others need immediate care. Here’s how to know when to reach out for help—and when to go straight to the emergency room.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/medical-care/when-call-your-babys-provider) [ ![Close up shot of a young black nurse meeting with a patient. The patient is a baby. The child is being held by her mother. The smiling medical professional is leaning in close to examine the baby.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e0db5146-b0d7-4545-8ebf-d3273c0b2627/iStock-1208244894-jpg?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Medical Care](/sites/default/files/2025-10/medical-care.svg)Medical Care#### Well-Child Visit Schedule 

Your baby’s health and growth should be closely monitored throughout their first year. Even if your baby seems totally healthy, regular check-ups help your care team track development, answer your questions, and give your baby the vaccines they need to stay healthy.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/medical-care/well-child-visit-schedule) [ ![Circumcision-902x1049](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/631512a1-cef9-4cf5-a3b3-8d9dd6b3f079/Circumcision-902x1049?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Medical Care](/sites/default/files/2025-10/medical-care.svg)Medical Care#### How to Take Care of Your Baby’s Circumcision 

If your baby is circumcised as a newborn, the area will heal over 7–10 days. It’s normal for the tip of the penis to look red and slightly swollen at first. With gentle care and regular cleaning, healing usually happens quickly and without problems.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/medical-care/take-care-your-babys-circumcision) 

 

 

## Safety Resources

Creating a safe environment helps your baby grow and explore. From sleep to car rides, small daily habits make a big difference in keeping your baby healthy and protected.

**Key topics in this section include:**

- Safe sleep routines and setup
- Car seat safety and installation
- Preventing shaken baby syndrome
- Everyday safety and supervision

Safety starts with awareness and preparation. Knowing how to create a calm sleep space, secure your baby in their car seat, and manage stress during fussy moments helps prevent accidents and promotes peace of mind. With guidance and support, you can worry less and focus more on enjoying time with your baby.

 

 

### Recommended Resources

 [ ![BMC_01.29_3:4 - Misc-SafeSleep](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a67b180b-a2bd-464c-9fbf-9bf183dfd2f8/BMC_01-29_3-4-Misc-SafeSleep?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Safety](/sites/default/files/2025-10/safety.svg)Safety#### Safe Sleep for Your Baby 

Creating the right sleep space helps keep your baby healthy and lowers the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). These steps can help your baby rest safely and comfortably.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/safety/safe-sleep) [ ![_Babies](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/e2d487fc-1f34-4dad-8adf-8c62debff651/shutt_160463675_baby-seat?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Safety](/sites/default/files/2025-10/safety.svg)Safety#### Car Seat Safety 

A properly installed car seat is one of the best ways to protect your baby during every trip—starting with the first ride home from the hospital.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/safety/car-seat-safety) [ ![Woman attending to her crying baby trying to pacify him. Mother putting her baby to sleep in his bassinet.](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/a002f0a0-4ee3-4fb8-80c7-bf08d659f4a0/iStock-1125687632?io=transform:fill,width:800&format=webp) ![Safety](/sites/default/files/2025-10/safety.svg)Safety#### Shaken Baby Syndrome (Newborn Head Trauma) 

All babies cry—it’s how they communicate hunger, tiredness, or discomfort. It’s normal to feel tense or overwhelmed when your baby is crying, but shaking a baby is never safe.

 Article 

 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care/safety/shaken-baby-syndrome) 

 

 

 

 

##  Explore the Other Phases of Pregnancy 

Look back on how far you've come or dive right into our full resource collection. Either way, we hope you feel supported with what you need as you continue on your journey!



 

 

 [ ![Postpartum Experience](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/b1c82991-7b07-41af-85eb-64c8200a72c3/Home-PostP-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Postpartum Experience 

It's important to take care of yourself while you're taking care of your new baby. Learn tips for healing and getting the confidence you need as you start your new life.



 ](/bump-beyond/postpartum-experience "Postpartum Experience") [ ![During Pregnancy](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/4f3595d3-4201-47e5-8b18-6ebfb5b3a88f/Home-Preg-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### During Pregnancy 

As your journey begins, learn what to expect and how to stay healthy and prepare yourself for everything that's ahead during pregnancy.



 ](/bump-beyond/during-pregnancy "During Pregnancy") [ ![Labor and Birth](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/d7195390-7568-4831-8f58-c61b49893ed0/Home-Labor-2-1?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Labor and Birth 

Whether it's your first baby or you've done this before, learn the information you need to feel informed and supported during labor and your stay at BMC.



 ](/bump-beyond/labor-and-birth "Labor and Birth") [ ![Newborn Care](https://assets.bmc.org/transform/7f5c8b6b-47de-4928-a707-feab6621d73b/Home-Newborn-1-trimmed?io=transform:fill,width:400&format=webp)#### Newborn Care 

There's a lot to discover as you start to care for your baby. Learn practical information on how to care for your baby as you get to know them.



 ](/bump-beyond/newborn-care "Newborn Care")