Baby Basics: Navigating your little one’s first months

Bringing your baby home is a moment filled with excitement, questions and some worry. You want to do everything right for your little one, and every day brings something new. The good news is, you’re not alone on this journey. With trusted guidance, you can confidently support your baby’s growth and development.

From the very beginning, your baby is learning and changing. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, in the first month, you might notice your baby’s appearance shift. Their skin color evens out, and they begin to gain weight. It’s normal for newborns to lose a little weight right after birth, but they usually regain it within a couple of weeks. Tracking your baby’s growth and celebrating small milestones, like their first smile or when they start to lift their head, helps you see how much they’re learning every day. 

Your baby depends on you for comfort and safety. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), holding, cuddling and talking to your baby help them feel secure and build trust. When your baby cries, responding with gentle words or a soothing touch reassures them that you’re there. Creating a safe sleep space, by placing your baby on their back in a crib with a firm mattress and no loose blankets or toys, reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

Feeding is a big part of your baby’s routine. The CDC notes that whether you choose to breastfeed or use formula, your baby will need to eat every few hours. Watch for signs of hunger, like sucking on their hands or turning their head toward you. Frequent diaper changes are normal and a good sign that your baby is getting enough to eat. 

Even in these early days, you can help your baby’s brain grow. Simple activities like talking, singing and reading to your baby make a difference. Giving your baby tummy time while they’re awake and you’re watching helps them build strong muscles and prepares them for future milestones like rolling over and crawling.

Since caring for a newborn can be tiring, the CDC encourages new parents to ask for help and to rest when their baby sleeps. Taking care of yourself is an important part of caring for your baby. 

Free Baby Basics Class

At Genesis HealthCare System, we offer a one-time, two-hour, free class for expecting parents and their support systems. This class covers infant feeding, bathing and diapering, car seats, safety, soothing and calming babies and what to expect during the first year. Registration is available at genesishcs.org/classes.