Bringing your newborn home from the hospital is one of the most exciting moments in your life. But those first 10 days? They can feel like a whirlwind of diaper changes, feeding schedules, and sleep deprivation. If you’re a first-time parent wondering whether you’re doing everything right, take a deep breath. You’re not alone.
The first 10 days set the foundation for your baby’s health and your confidence as a parent. This guide walks you through practical new born baby care tips that will help you navigate this precious time with less stress and more joy.
Understanding Your Newborn’s First 10 Days
The newborn care officially lasts four weeks, but the first 10 days are particularly special. During this time, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, and you’re learning to read their cues. According to research from StatPearls, newborns require careful attention to feeding, sleep, hygiene, and temperature regulation during this period.
Your baby will spend most of their time sleeping (14-17 hours per day) and eating. They’ll also lose about 5-8% of their birth weight before day 10, which is completely normal. The goal is for them to regain their birth weight within these first two weeks.
Feeding Your Newborn: The Foundation of Care
Feeding is one of the most important aspects of new born baby care tips during the first 10 days. Whether you choose breastfeeding or formula, your baby needs to eat frequently.
Breastfeeding Basics
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months when possible. During the first 10 days, expect to feed your baby 8-12 times every 24 hours. That means every 1-3 hours, around the clock.
Watch for hunger cues before your baby starts crying. These include rooting (searching for food with their mouth), lip smacking, sticking their tongue out, and moving fists to mouth. If your baby hasn’t eaten in 2.5 hours from the start of their last feeding, wake them up to eat.
Getting a good latch is critical. Your baby’s mouth should be wide open, covering most of your areola. If breastfeeding feels painful or your baby isn’t gaining weight, reach out to a lactation consultant. Mom’s Preg Ladder offers breastfeeding classes that can help you establish proper techniques from the start.
Research published in the Journal of Obstetric, Gynecologic & Neonatal Nursing shows that delaying the first bath for at least 12 hours after birth can increase breastfeeding success rates by 166%. This extra skin-to-skin time helps establish early feeding patterns.
Formula Feeding Guidelines
Formula is a perfectly acceptable option. Formula-fed babies also need to eat 8-12 times daily during the first week. Start with smaller volumes (about 3-17 cc/kg/day on day one) and gradually increase to 140-170 cc/kg/day by day seven, according to guidelines from the National Center for Biotechnology Information.
Watch for these signs that your baby is full: turning away from the bottle, closing their mouth, or becoming relaxed and sleepy.
Sleep Safety: Creating a Secure Environment
Sleep is where many new parents have questions. Your newborn will sleep 14-17 hours daily, but in short bursts of 2-4 hours at a time.
The American Academy of Pediatrics has clear recommendations for safe sleep:
Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back, never on their stomach or side.
Alone in their crib: Your baby should sleep in a crib, bassinet, or portable play yard in your room, but not in your bed.
Clear sleep space: Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet only. No blankets, pillows, toys, or bumper pads.
Many newborns have their days and nights confused during the first 10 days. Keep daytime feedings bright and engaging, while nighttime feedings should be quiet and dimly lit. This helps them learn the difference between day and night.
If you’re struggling with sleep routines, the newborn care classes at Mom’s Preg Ladder provide practical strategies for establishing healthy sleep patterns from day one.
Bathing Your Newborn: When and How
The World Health Organization recommends delaying your baby’s first bath for at least 24 hours after birth. This allows the vernix—the white, waxy coating on your baby’s skin—to provide natural moisture and antibacterial protection. During this initial period, newborn care should focus on gentle handling and basic hygiene rather than bathing.
The First 10 Days Bathing Schedule
Once you’re home, you don’t need to bathe your baby daily. The Mayo Clinic advises that three baths per week during the first year are sufficient. Too much bathing can dry out their delicate skin.
Until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 10-14 days after birth), stick to sponge baths. Here’s how:
- Gather supplies first: warm water basin, gentle soap-free cleanser, soft washcloth, towel, and clean diaper
- Keep the room warm (around 75°F)
- Lay your baby on a comfortable surface
- Start with their face and head, working down to the diaper area
- Keep the umbilical area dry
Water temperature should be around 100°F (38°C). Always test it with your elbow before placing your baby in the water. Never leave your baby alone during bath time, even for a second.
Umbilical Cord Care Made Simple
The umbilical cord stump typically falls off between 10 days and three weeks after birth. During this time, keep it clean and dry.
According to Nemours KidsHealth, you should clean around the cord stump with plain water and pat it dry. Don’t submerge the area in water until the stump falls off and heals completely.
Before the stump falls off, it will change color from yellow to brown or black. This is normal. Call your pediatrician if you notice redness, bad odor, discharge, or if the area hasn’t healed after three weeks.
Diaper Duty: What to Expect
Get ready for lots of diaper changes. Newborns typically have 6-8 wet diapers and 3-4 bowel movements daily after the first few days.
Breastfed babies have runny, mustard-colored stools with a seedy texture. Formula-fed babies have yellowish-tan, firmer stools. Both are normal. Your baby’s first bowel movements will be dark, sticky meconium, but this should transition to normal stool by day 4-5.
Change diapers frequently to prevent diaper rash. Clean with warm water and a soft cloth (baby wipes can be harsh on newborn skin). Apply a thin layer of barrier cream if you notice any redness.
Bonding and Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin-to-skin contact (also called kangaroo care) is one of the most powerful new born baby care tips for the first 10 days. Place your undressed baby (diaper on) against your bare chest.
This practice helps regulate your baby’s heartbeat and temperature, reduces crying, and supports breastfeeding. Research from StatPearls shows that early skin-to-skin contact improves the transition to life outside the womb and increases maternal milk production.
Aim for at least an hour of skin-to-skin time daily. Both parents can do this. It’s a beautiful way to bond while supporting your baby’s development.
Recognizing When to Call the Doctor
Most newborn care goes smoothly, but you should know when to seek medical help. Call your pediatrician immediately if your baby shows these symptoms:
- Rectal temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) or below 97°F (36.1°C)
- Unusually fast breathing, flaring nostrils, or grunting while breathing
- Refusing to eat or not waking for feedings
- Fewer than six wet diapers in 24 hours after day five
- Yellow skin or eyes getting worse after day three (jaundice)
- Umbilical area looks red, swollen, or has discharge
- Not having any bowel movements in 48 hours
- Excessive crying or seems inconsolable
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, it’s always better to call your pediatrician. They’re there to support you, especially during these early days.
Taking Care of Yourself
Here’s a truth that doesn’t get talked about enough: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby. When you’re rested and supported, you’re better able to make calm, thoughtful choices—whether that’s soothing your baby or selecting safe newborn skin care products that protect their delicate skin.
Accept help when it’s offered. Whether it’s a friend bringing meals, a family member doing laundry, or your partner taking the night shift, support truly makes a difference. Simple assistance gives you the mental space to focus on recovery and gentle baby care, including sticking to minimal, fragrance-free newborn skin care products rather than overusing soaps or lotions.
Watch for signs of postpartum depression or anxiety, which can affect both birthing and non-birthing partners. If your mood doesn’t improve after a couple of weeks, or if you’re having intrusive thoughts, talk to your doctor right away. Emotional health is just as important as choosing the right products for your baby’s skin.
Rest when your baby rests. The housework can wait. Your recovery matters just as much as your baby’s care—and when it comes to newborn skin, less is often more: mild cleansers, gentle moisturisers, and lots of cuddles are usually all that’s needed.
Building Your Support Network
You don’t have to figure everything out alone. Mom’s Preg Ladder offers comprehensive support for new parents, including newborn care classes that cover everything from feeding techniques to understanding your baby’s cues.
These classes give you practical skills and connect you with other parents going through the same experiences. Sometimes just knowing you’re not the only one feeling overwhelmed makes all the difference.
Creating Simple Routines
While newborns can’t follow strict schedules during the first 10 days, you can establish gentle routines. Try an eat-sleep-play pattern: feed your baby, let them nap, have a brief period of interaction when they’re alert, then repeat.
This gives structure to your days without putting pressure on you or your baby to stick to rigid timing. As your baby grows, these patterns will naturally evolve into more predictable schedules.
The Bottom Line
The first 10 days with your newborn are a time of adjustment, learning, and falling in love. You’re doing better than you think, even on the days when everything feels hard.
Remember these key new born baby care tips: feed frequently (8-12 times daily), prioritize safe sleep practices, keep baths simple and infrequent, maintain skin-to-skin contact, and trust your instincts about when to call the doctor.
Every baby is different. What works for one family might not work for yours, and that’s okay. Give yourself grace as you learn your baby’s unique personality and needs.
You’ve got this. And when you need extra support or guidance, resources like the classes and consultations at Mom’s Preg Ladder are there to help you feel confident in your new role as a parent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I feed my newborn in the first 10 days?
Newborns need to eat 8-12 times every 24 hours during the first 10 days, whether breastfeeding or formula feeding. This means feeding every 1-3 hours around the clock. Don’t wait longer than 4 hours between feedings, even overnight. Wake your baby if needed. Watch for hunger cues like rooting and lip smacking rather than waiting for crying.
When can I give my newborn their first bath at home?
Wait at least 24 hours after birth before the first bath, and until the umbilical cord stump falls off (10-14 days), give only sponge baths. The World Health Organization recommends delaying the first bath to preserve vernix, which provides natural moisture and antibacterial protection. You only need to bathe your newborn 2-3 times per week during the first year.
Is it normal for my newborn to sleep all day and be awake at night?
Yes, many newborns have day-night confusion during the first 10 days. They spent months in a dark womb and need time to learn the difference. Help them adjust by keeping daytime feedings bright and engaging while nighttime feedings remain quiet and dimly lit. This pattern typically improves within a few weeks as their circadian rhythm develops.
How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk?
Look for these signs: 6-8 wet diapers daily after day five, steady weight gain (back to birth weight by 10-14 days), and your baby seems content after feedings. During breastfeeding, you should hear swallowing sounds. If your baby isn’t producing enough wet diapers, seems lethargic, or isn’t gaining weight appropriately, contact your pediatrician immediately.
What should I do if my baby won’t stop crying?
Try the five S’s: swaddling, side or stomach position (while you’re holding them, never for sleep), shushing sounds, swinging gently, and sucking (pacifier or finger). Check if they’re hungry, need a diaper change, are too hot or cold, or have gas. Sometimes babies cry without an obvious reason. If crying persists for hours or your baby seems in pain, call your pediatrician.
