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Community Centers: Public centers that can connect people to local resources, and offer services such as support groups, classes (e.g., cooking, computer basics) and activities for families and children.

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Resources for Young Parents | Young United Parents!

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Community Centers: Public centers that can connect people to local resources, and offer services such as support groups, classes (e.g., cooking, computer basics) and activities for families and children.

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Young parents have been hit especially hard by the economic turmoil spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic. Review a list of resources that aim to assist practitioners and stakeholders in supporting young parents.

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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Take steps to prevent injury where children live, learn, and play.

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How to start babyproofing

This checklist will tell you everything you need to do to you make your home safe for your baby or toddler. Don't panic if it seems a bit overwhelming at first, especially if your baby isn't even here yet.

You don't have to have your house fully babyproofed when you bring your baby home. In fact, some things (like installing safety gates, corner guards, and cabinet latches) may make more sense when your baby gets mobile.

Before you start babyproofing, take a baby's-eye view of your home. Get down on your hands and knees and see how things look from down there. This will help you figure out which cupboards and drawers your child might get into, and which objects they might pull off surfaces or bump into as they round a corner.

Then determine which babyproofing products you'll need, such as corner guards, latches, locks, furniture anchors, and baby gates. If you'd like some professional help, consider working with a childproofing consultant.

Babyproofing is an ongoing process, and you'll have to reevaluate your approach as your child grows, learns new skills, and outsmarts your efforts. Sometimes one of your safety measures can become unsafe later. For example, the gate you put at the top of the stairs to protect your 9-month-old may become their favorite thing to climb when they're 2.

Babyproofing around the house
Electrical outlets and cords

Put outlet covers over unused outlets to keep your child from sticking metal objects into the holes and getting a shock. Instead of removable plug-in caps that your child may learn to pull out, use outlet covers that feature a sliding safety latch.

Keep electrical cords behind furniture or use a cord cover.

Furniture

Attach corner and edge guards to all hard edges and sharp corners.

Secure furniture that can topple (like bookcases, bureaus, filing cabinets) to the walls.

Anchor a flat-screen TV with safety straps or mount it on a wall so it can't fall on your child.

Place floor lamps behind other furniture so your child can't pull them over.

Keep drawers closed and latched so your child doesn't use them to climb.

Make sure any storage chests have air holes in case your child gets trapped inside, and a spring-loaded hinge to prevent the lid from slamming shut on your child's hand.

Windows, doors, and decks

Keep your child's crib or bed, and all other furniture, away from windows. Make sure your child can't reach or open any window more than 4 inches.

To childproof your windows, install window stops to prevent them from opening more than 4 inches. Or, install window guards that have bars no more than 4 inches apart. The guards should fit snugly but not so securely that an older child or adult can't remove them in case of an emergency.

Keep windows locked when they're closed.

Use cordless window coverings, because cords can pose a strangulation risk to young children. If your blinds or shades have cords and you can't replace them, shorten or tie up cords to ensure they're well out of reach. The Window Covering Safety Council has more information on window covering cord safetyOpens a new window .

Mark sliding doors and other expanses of glass with colorful stickers so your child doesn't run into them.

Use doorstops or door holders on doors and door hinges to prevent injuries to hands and fingers.

Install safe railings to childproof a balcony or deck. Block openings wider than 4 inches on railings with plastic garden fencing, Plexiglas, or other material.

Rugs

Put nonslip pads under area rugs.

Make sure rugs don't have curling edges that your child (or you) can trip on.

Fireplaces

Install a fireplace grill and keep it in place when a fire's burning.

Keep gas fireplace keys out of reach.

Stow logs, matches, and fireplace tools out of reach.

Safety gates

Install baby gates for stairs at the top and bottom of stairways. Never use pressure gates at the top of stairs. Instead, install a gate that screws to the wall - it's much more secure.

You can also use baby gates to block off dangerous rooms or areas, and to create a safe space to contain your child.

Look for gates that your child can't dislodge, but that you can easily open and close. (Otherwise, you may be tempted to leave them open when you're in a hurry.)

It's best to buy brand-new safety gates that display a seal from the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA).

Smoke and CO2 detectors

Install a smoke detector in every room in your house. Check the detectors monthly to be sure they're working, and change the batteries at least once a year or choose smoke alarms that use long-life (ten-year) batteries.

Install carbon monoxide detectors in every bedroom. Check the batteries every spring and fall (at the beginning and end of daylight saving time, as a reminder). Carbon monoxide is an odorless and colorless gas produced by malfunctioning fuel-burning appliances such as furnaces, water heaters, ovens, stoves, gas dryers, and emergency generators. Although you can't see it, smell it, or taste it, carbon monoxide gas can be deadly.

If an alarm goes off, leave your home immediately and call 911 or your local emergency number.
Other potential hazards around the house

Heaters: Cover or block access to radiators and floor heaters.

Matches, lit candles, and lighters: Keep them out of reach.

Medicines, chemicals, and cleaning supplies: Put childproof locks on all cabinets that contain items that can be poisonous to your child.

Alcohol: Keep all alcohol locked in cabinets or out of reach. Don't leave an alcoholic drink on a table where a child can reach it.

Purses: Your purse or a visitor's purse can hold medicines, toiletries, and other dangers - keep them out of reach.

Balloons. Uninflated balloons or pieces of burst balloons can cause suffocation. Don't let children younger than 8 years play with balloons, and store uninflated balloons out of reach.

Small objects: Coins, pins, toys with small parts, and buttons can be choking hazards and should be kept out of your child's reach. Small magnets and button batteries are especially dangerous if swallowed.

Guns: Keep all guns unloaded and locked in a cabinet.

Lead: If you live in a building constructed before 1978, it may contain lead in the paint or plumbing, which puts your child at risk for lead poisoning. Contact the National Lead Information Center (NLIC) at (800) 424-5323 to find out how to test your home for lead.

Water: Infants and toddlers can drown in as little as a few inches of water. Young children are top-heavy. If they lose their balance, they can fall into a bucket or pool headfirst and drown. Never leave your child unattended around any water, even a bucket of liquid or a kiddie pool. It's essential to childproof your pool if you have one.

Houseplants: Get rid of toxic houseplants such as philodendron or move them out of reach.

Babyproofing the kitchen
Dangerous items

Keep detergents, cleaning products, pesticides, and any other household chemicals locked up, preferably in a high cabinet. Be especially cautious with detergent pods, since young children are often attracted to them.

Keep cleaning products and other chemicals in their original containers. Never transfer a hazardous product into a generic container or a food container, because that could lead to a dangerous mix-up.

Consider switching from hazardous cleaning products, such as chlorine bleach and ammonia glass cleaner, to safer products, such as nonchlorine bleach, vinegar, and baking soda.

Store plastic bags and boxes of plastic wrap and aluminum foil out of reach. Plastic bags and wrap can suffocate a child, and the sharp cutting edges on boxes of aluminum foil are dangerous for kids.

Store knives and other sharp tools, such as peelers, graters, and food-processor blades, in latched drawers or high cabinets.

Store glassware and china up high, out of your child's reach.

Cabinets and drawers

Put latches on all cabinets and drawers except one or two that are safe for your child to explore. Fill these with safe objects, such as plastic storage containers, wooden spoons, and lightweight saucepans. Change the contents occasionally to give your child a surprise.
Tables and counters

Never leave glassware, knives, foods that are choking hazards, or hot food and beverages unattended on counters or tables, not even for a few moments.

Don't use placemats or tablecloths because a child can pull them - and what's on top of them - down on themself.

Cover any sharp edges with corner guards.

Appliances

Make sure the toaster, coffeemaker, and all other electrical appliances are out of your child's reach. Unplug them and hide the cords when they're not in use.

Consider putting appliance latches on the doors to the oven, microwave, dishwasher, and refrigerator if they're within your child's reach.

Use the back burners on the stove whenever possible. If you must use the front ones, turn the pot handles toward the back. Consider installing a stove guard that blocks access to burners.

Remove the dials from your stove when you're not cooking or cover them with knob covers.

Other potential hazards in the kitchen

Hot water: Equip your kitchen faucet with an anti-scalding device or set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or lower.

Highchair falls: When your baby is ready for a highchair, use a sturdy, stable, wide-based model with a safety strap. Or clamp a hook-on chair securely to a table that can't tip over. Always buckle the safety straps so your child doesn't stand up and fall out. And never leave your baby unattended in a highchair.

Babyproofing the bathroom
Dangerous items

Keep all cosmetics, vitamins, and medications - including mouthwash - in a cabinet secured with a child-safety lock. This includes products with safety caps, which are only child-resistant and not childproof.

Put razors, scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, and other sharp utensils in a locked cabinet or out of your child's reach.

Appliances

Unplug your blow-dryer, curling iron, and any other appliances that create heat, and put them away after each use to prevent burns. Keep cords out of reach - they pose a strangulation hazard (and little ones can use them to pull an appliance down).

Don't keep anything plugged in near the sink or bathtub. Water conducts electricity, so if a hair dryer falls into the tub while you're giving your child a bath, it could electrocute you both. To be extra safe, make sure all electrical outlets are protected by a ground-fault circuit interrupter (GFCI), an inexpensive device that senses a change in the current and quickly stops the flow of electricity.

Other potential hazards in the bathroom

Hot water: Set your hot water heater no higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) or install an anti-scalding device on your faucets.

Toilets: Remember to keep the toilet lid down, and consider installing a toilet lock to prevent your baby or toddler from lifting the lid and falling in.

Falls: Place a nonslip rubber mat in the bathtub and a nonslip bathmat on the floor next to the tub to prevent falls.

Hard spouts: Put a soft plastic or rubber guard over the tub spout to protect your child from accidentally bumping their head.

Water: No matter how much you've babyproofed the bathroom, never leave your child alone around water. When they're in the tub taking a bath, supervise them closely at all times.

Babyproofing the nursery or bedroom
Cribs
When you buy a crib, look for the Juvenile Products Manufacturing Association label, which ensures that the product was designed with safety in mind. Also check the CPSC's list of recalled productsOpens a new window to see whether the crib has been recalled.

You might be tempted to borrow a crib, or to use an old one, but be careful. Most crib-related accidents and deaths happen in cribs that don't meet current safety standards. Here's how to make sure a crib is safe:

Make sure crib slats are no more than 2 3/8 inches apart (you shouldn't be able to fit a soda can between the slats). The crib shouldn't have any missing or broken slats.

The crib mattress should be firm and fit snugly - you shouldn't be able to slip more than two fingers between the mattress and the side of the crib.

Don't use a drop-side crib. Drop sides were standard on cribs for decades, but as of 2010, millions had been recalled and the CPSC banned them.

The rail height should be 26 inches from the mattress support at its lowest level.

The wood should be smooth with no splinters or peeling paint.

Steer clear of any headboard or footboard with decorative cutouts that could entrap your baby's head or limbs.

All hardware, including nuts, bolts, screws, plastic parts, and so on, should be included with the crib (don't substitute original parts with hardware store items).

Once your baby can push up on hands and knees, remove the mobile or any toys that hang down into the crib because they can be strangulation hazards.

When your baby can pull up to a standing position, move the mattress to its lowest position so your baby can't fall out of the crib.

Position the crib away from windows, heaters, lamps, wall decorations (including stick-on decals that could fall off the wall and into the crib), cords, and furniture your baby could climb on.

Baby sleep safety

To reduce the risk of SIDS, put your baby to sleep on a firm, flat mattress with only a fitted sheet under them. (It's okay to put a thin, tight-fitting mattress pad under the sheet to protect against diaper leaks.)

Don't let your baby sleep with soft bedding, crib bumpers, loose blankets, stuffed animals, or pillows. They can lead to suffocation, strangulation, or entrapment.

Toddler beds
Once your child is 35 inches tall or can climb or fall over the side of the crib, it's no longer safe for them to sleep there. If your child's not ready for a big-kid bed, you can ease the transition with a smaller toddler bed or by putting the crib mattress or a regular mattress on the floor.

When your child makes the move to a bed, fit it with guardrails to prevent falls.

Put some pillows or something soft on the floor next to the bed just in case.

Changing tables

Make sure your changing pad is securely attached to the changing table.

When your baby is on the changing table, use the safety strap and don't leave your little one unattended. Always keep one hand on your baby when they're on an elevated surface.

Prepare for an emergency

Learn first aid for choking and CPR for babies and children 12 months and older. BabyCenter CoursesOpens a new window offers a virtual, on-demand class that covers CPR and choking rescue maneuvers, as well as other safety topics like fevers, when to call the doctor, and more.

Stock up on first-aid supplies. Make sure babysitters and other caregivers know where to find a first-aid kit in your home and how to respond in an emergency.

Install a fire extinguisher on each floor of your home, and have it serviced or checked according to the manufacturer's instructions. Make sure you know how to use it, but only attempt to extinguish a fire if it's small. Otherwise, get your children out of the house and call the fire department.

Start talking to your child about the dangers of fire. Make an evacuation plan and practice your fire escape route regularly.

Program emergency numbers into your cell phone. Keep a list of these numbers close to any landline phone in your home, and give the list to all caregivers. Make sure to include the Poison ControlOpens a new window hotline: 1-800-222-1222.

Learn more:

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Babyproofing your house: A room by room checklist

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This checklist will tell you everything you need to do to you make your home safe for your baby or toddler. Don't panic if it seems a bit overwhelming at first, especially if your baby isn't even here yet. You don't have to have your house fully babyproofed when you bring your baby home.

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Get resources on how to find and install the right car seat for your child such as forward-facing and rear-facing car seats, along with booster seats.

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You've no doubt been dreaming about your baby for months: what he'll look like, whether he'll be laid-back like his dad or a Type A like you. But chances are, if it's your first child, you don't know much about taking care of a newborn.

Well, we've been there, and we're here for you, with everything you need to know to care for your baby in those exciting but often frustrating first weeks. Let's get started!
If You Choose to Breastfeed, Start ASAP
Even if the baby doesn't actually latch on, you can squeeze the yellowish colostrum -the precursor to real breast milk that's packed with immune-boosting nutrients-directly into his mouth.

Family and friends will want to visit as soon as possible, but you may want to keep them at bay for a bit so that you and your partner can spend time alone with your baby. Because a newborn is usually alert and receptive immediately after birth, it's the perfect time to bond, so look him in the eyes and talk to him. He knows your voice from being in your body and may find it soothing.

A cute going-home outfit is irresistible, but remember that babies cannot regulate their body temperature until they're about 6 months old. So dress your newborn carefully. Generally, he should wear the same amount of clothing as you, indoors or outdoors. Don't overbundle him-sweating can cause him to become chilled. Layers are a good way to go.

A few weeks before your due date, visit seatcheck.org or call 866-SEAT-CHECK to locate a certified child passenger safety expert who can make sure the car seat is installed properly in your vehicle. Ask your partner to bring the seat to your hospital room when it's time to go home. The basics:

1. If your baby has too many clothes on, the harness may not fit properly. If it's cold out, put your baby in the seat first, buckle him in, then place blankets on top.

2. The harness must be snug against the hips and shoulders.

3. The chest clip should be level with your baby's armpits.

4. The seat must be installed at a 45-degree angle so that the baby is semi-reclining; his head must not flop forward.

5. Once the seat is installed, push on it-hard. It shouldn't move more than an inch in any direction.

Nursing may be natural, but it can prove difficult for some women. These strategies will help.

Breastfeeding seems to go more smoothly for women who nurse within an hour of delivery. Don't be afraid to request help-most hospitals have lactation consultants on staff.

During the first six weeks, it's essential to let your baby nurse whenever he wants. Trying to establish a feeding schedule too early can backfire by interfering with your milk supply. Don't worry about having enough milk-the more your baby eats, the more you'll produce.

Your baby needs to have a deep latch in order to get enough milk and to prevent your nipples from becoming damaged and sore. Before you put him to your breast, position him on his side so that his belly is right up against yours. Then tickle his mouth with your nipple to encourage him to open wide; make sure he takes the entire nipple and a good portion of your areola in his mouth.

Though not essential, a glider, rocker or cushy chair with an ottoman or footstool are helpful. Wherever you nurse, have plenty of pillows (for back support and to help position the baby properly at your breast), water, snacks, a good book and the TV remote.

Drink at least eight glasses of liquids a day. Depending on your age, metabolism and activity level, your calorie needs will likely be 2,200 to 2,400 daily. The good news: Breastfeeding moms tend to lose 1 to 4 pounds a month even with the added calories.

Some women cannot breastfeed; others need to supplement with formula occasionally. Commercial formulas are largely the same-the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regulates formulas to ensure they're safe and contain the most important nutrients. Ask your pediatrician if she recommends a formula with added iron, DHA, or other nutrients. Your choice of powder, liquid, or concentrate primarily boils down to issues of cost and convenience.

Fear of an allergic reaction makes some parents reluctant to give their babies milk-based formula brands, but only 3 percent to 4 percent of infants have a true milk allergy. Surprisingly, soy formula may not be a good alternative for babies with a milk allergy because those babies may also have an intolerance to soy protein.

However, soy-based formula is a good choice for parents who don't want their babies to eat animal products. Hypoallergenic formulas break down milk proteins so that they're more easily digested.

Try these tips to make formula feeding easier:

Heat formula in a pan of warm water or a bottle warmer; microwaving can create dangerous hot spots.

Use room-temperature formula within two to four hours; after that, you should discard it.

Use refrigerated formula within 48 hours.

Don't freeze formula, which robs it of nutritional value.

Don't save any formula your baby leaves behind in the bottle. Bacteria from her saliva can contaminate it.

Follow these simple, doctor-recommended tips for keeping your baby clean and comfy.

It's disconcerting to see a newborn with a red, blotchy face, but baby acne is a common and harmless condition.
Care tip: Wash your baby's face daily with a mild baby soap.
Some babies have a yellowish discharge or crusting in the eye or on the lid, which is usually caused by a blocked tear duct. This condition can last several months.
Care tip: Wipe the area using a cotton ball moistened with warm water.
Many newborns develop a scaly scalp condition called cradle cap. It typically disappears in the first few months.
Care tip: Wash your baby's hair with a gentle baby shampoo no more than three times a week and gently brush out the scales daily using a baby hairbrush or soft toothbrush.
Babies' narrow nasal passages tend to fill with mucus.
Care tip: Gently unclog nostrils with an infant-sized nasal bulb syringe or try the trauma-minimizing Nosefrida (nosefrida.com). To loosen mucus, insert saline solution with an eyedropper before suctioning.
A newborn's nails usually are soft, but they can scratch his sensitive skin.
Care tip: Use baby nail clippers or blunt-nosed scissors. Clip after his bath when nails are soft, or when he's asleep and his fingers are relaxed. Care tip: Limit baths to 10 minutes, and use a mild, fragrance-free soap and lukewarm water; liberally apply hypoallergenic skin cream immediately afterward. Stick to cotton clothing.
Too much moisture plus sensitive skin can equal diaper rash for many babies.
Care tip: Change diapers frequently. Rinse your baby's bottom with water during each change and blot dry. Avoid using wipes; they may irritate skin. Barrier creams, such as petroleum jelly or white zinc oxide, may help.
Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry; it will shrivel and fall off within a few weeks.
Care tip: Avoid covering the cord area with a diaper and stick to sponge baths until the stump detaches.
The tip of the penis will be swollen, and a yellow scab will appear.
Care tip: Gently clean the genital area with warm water daily. Use petroleum jelly to protect the site and prevent the penis from sticking to a diaper.
Newborns' legs are bowed out and the feet are turned in, which is no surprise, given their previous cramped living quarters.
Care tip: Don't worry about it-your baby's legs and feet will straighten in anywhere from six to 18 months.
Newborns' toes frequently overlap and the nails look ingrown (but aren't).
Care tip: Don't sweat it-this appearance is perfectly normal.
Sleep Close to Baby Being close to his mother regulates a baby's heart rate, immune system, and stress levels and makes breastfeeding easier, says James McKenna, Ph.D., director of the Mother-Baby Behavioral Sleep Laboratory at University of Notre Dame in Indiana. "It also keeps the baby in lighter phases of sleep so he can practice arousing and going back to sleep, which is good in case of any problems, such as sleep apnea."

It may also be linked to a decreased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). A bedside or freestanding (but nearby) bassinet is a good option. Various experts, including the American Academy of Pediatrics, advise parents not to sleep with their babies because of the danger of suffocation.

Day vs. Night "Encourage him to switch," says Jodi Mindell, Ph.D., associate director of the Sleep Center, Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and author of Sleeping Through the Night: How Infants, Toddlers and Their Parents Can Get a Good Night's Sleep (HarperCollins). "At night, keep the lights low and move slowly when you feed him. Be boring. Make sure he gets bright light in the morning, and keep him as busy as you can during the day. Make noise. Play with him." In other words, during the day, be interesting.

Bedtime Rituals "Sleep time should be consistent," Mindell says. "Each family has to develop its own routine, but doing the same activities in the same order every day helps the baby anticipate what will come next." Mindell suggests doing three or four winding-down activities for a total of 20 to 30 minutes; these can include massages, baths, lullabies, prayers, rocking, nursing, and reading.

Rocking baby "If you are doing this and your baby is sleeping all night, don't worry," says Jennifer Waldburger, L.C.S.W., co-owner of Los Angeles-based Sleepy Planet and author of the book and DVD The Sleepeasy Solution. "After about four months, if he is waking up, you probably need to let him do the last little bit of falling asleep on his own. You can still rock him as part of the wind-down process, but put him down drowsy, not asleep.

Baby Naps Look to your baby for his evolving schedule after about three months -before that, anything goes. "You don't have to be rigid," Mindell says, "but some structure helps both parents and baby. By age nine months, most babies naturally move to napping at around 9 a.m. and 2 p.m." But don't try to force a schedule on your baby for your convenience.

Crying it Out Waldburger and other experts suggest that when he's about 5 months old, you can experiment with letting your baby cry a bit at night. (That does not mean letting him scream for hours.) Try starting with five minutes, Waldburger suggests; if that's too hard to take, pick him up after three minutes. "It sounds cruel not to pick up a crying baby," she says, "but we find that teaching babies how to calm themselves is really kinder in the long run.

Taking care of a tiny infant can be scary. Here's the knowledge you need to feel and act like a pro when it comes to three particularly intimidating tasks.

Sometime during your hospital stay, your baby will pass a thick black or dark-green substance called meconium; this is normal. Within a few days, a breastfed baby will begin having six to eight bowel movements daily; these will be soft and yellow-green and sometimes filled with seedlike particles. If your baby is formula-fed, he will likely have one to two stools per day; they'll be thicker and yellow/tan in color. Unless your baby has signs of diarrhea, wide variations in color, consistency and frequency are normal.

Rule out the obvious potential causes: Check to see if the baby's diaper is soiled, if he's too hot or cold, or if his diaper or clothing is pinching him.

Let him suck on your breast, a bottle, your finger, or a pacifier. (If you're breastfeeding, don't offer a pacifier until nursing is going smoothly, usually when the baby is 4 weeks to 6 weeks old.)

Re-create a womblike environment by swaddling him securely in a blanket with his arms tucked inside. Then hold him snugly on his left side or stomach and jiggle him gently while making loud "shushing" sounds in his ear..

Walk, rock, sway, take him for a car or stroller ride, or put him in an infant swing. (Babies love motion!)

Above all, keep your cool! If you're tense, your baby will be, too. Remember that babies just cry-and it will pass.

Fever can be a sign of serious illness, especially in a baby younger than 2 months old. Call your pediatrician if your newborn's rectal temperature hits 100.4° F; 102° F if your baby is 2 months or older. Also watch for other signs of illness: If your baby just isn't acting right, eating, or drinking, or seems to be in pain, contact the doctor regardless of his temperature. A low-grade fever (99° F to 100° F) itself isn't harmful, so if your baby shows no signs of discomfort, trying to reduce it is not necessary

A temp of 101° F or higher might warrant medication. If your older baby's temperature is this high, giving him Infants' Tylenol may ease his discomfort and help him sleep and eat. (Never give aspirin to a child of any age.) Just remember that reducing a child's fever can pose a problem: When he begins to feel better, it can be difficult to assess how sick he actually is.

However, any fever of 101° F or higher that lasts more than two days, especially if your baby is coughing, warrants a call to the doc to rule out urinary tract or other bacterial infections.

Has a fever of 100.4° F or higher if the baby is 2 months or younger; 102° F if he's older than 2 months

Shows changes in his eating patterns, such as refusing to nurse

Has very watery or mucusy stools

Is excessively sleepy, lethargic or unresponsive

Is excessively irritable and cries unconsolably for longer than normal

Has a red or swollen rash anywhere on his body

Has redness or swelling at the base of his umbilical cord

Exhibits discomfort (e.g., straining) when he moves his bowels

Has a distended abdomen or vomits (as opposed to spitting up)

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Newborn Baby Bootcamp: Taking Care of a Newborn

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You've no doubt been dreaming about your baby for months: what he'll look like, whether he'll be laid-back like his dad or a Type A like you. But chances are, if it's your first child, you don't know much about taking care of a newborn.

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Baby Care 101: How to Take Care of a Baby

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From burping your baby to dressing him to cutting those tiny nails, newborn care can all seem pretty challenging sometimes. Luckily, with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time.

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High-quality universal newborn health care is the right of every newborn everywhere. Babies have the right to be protected from injury and infection, to breathe normally, to be warm and to be fed. All newborns should have access to essential newborn care, which is the critical care for all babies in the first days after birth. Essential newborn care involves immediate care at the time of birth, and essential care during the entire newborn period. It is needed both in the health facility and at home.

Essential newborn care includes:

Immediate care at birth (delayed cord clamping, thorough drying, assessment of breathing, skin-to-skin contact, early initiation of breastfeeding)

Thermal care

Resuscitation when needed

Support for breast milk feeding

Nurturing care

Infection prevention

Assessment of health problems

Recognition and response to danger signs

Timely and safe referral when needed

WHO's work includes: monitoring and data; guidelines; quality of care and research

Working with countries and partners to implement the Every Newborn: An action plan to end preventable deaths adopted in May 2014 in the framework of the UN Secretary-General's Global Strategy for Women's, Children's and Adolescents' Health (2016-30);

Working with countries to strengthen the availability and quality of data on routine health care for babies

Coordinating the development of indicators at national and subnational level to assess coverage of key indicators for essential newborn care

Related links

Regularly updating clinical guidelines for the routine care of newborns

Supporting countries to implement these guidelines

Selected guidelines

This up-to-date, comprehensive and consolidated guideline on essential intrapartum care brings together new and existing WHO recommendations that, when...

This guideline aims to improve the quality of essential, routine postnatal care for women and newborns with the ultimate goal of improving maternal and...

Working with partners to develop tools to improve health workers' skills and to assess the quality of health care provided to all babies

Key publications

Much progress has been made during the past two decades in coverage of births in health facilities; however, reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality...

Deaths in the neonatal period (the first 28 days of life) now represent nearly half (47%) of all deaths of children under 5 years, with 2.5 million neonatal...

Working with partners around the world to conduct research into interventions to improve routine newborn health care

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High-quality universal newborn health care is the right of every newborn everywhere. Babies have the right to be protected from injury and infection, to breathe normally, to be warm and to be fed. All newborns should have access to essential newborn care, which is the critical care for all babies in the first days after birth.

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What is prenatal care and why is it important?

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Having a healthy pregnancy is one of the best ways to promote a healthy birth. Getting early and regular prenatal care improves the chances of a healthy pregnancy. This care can begin even before pregnancy with a pre-pregnancy care visit to a health care provider.

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What can I do to promote a healthy pregnancy?

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Once you're pregnant, early and regular prenatal care is important to keep yourself and your developing infant healthy. During your first prenatal visit, your health care provider may talk to you about the following ways to help have a healthy pregnancy:1

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You are on your way to one of the most important journeys that women embark on- Motherhood.

This beautiful journey begins on the day your pregnancy is confirmed and from thereon, it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, some nervousness, and of course, exhilaration and simply a wondrous joy!

The first thing that you need to do as soon as your home pregnancy test gives you a happy plus sign is to schedule an appointment with your doctor/midwife.

The importance of proper prenatal care (i.e., care before the birth of your tiny bundle of joy) cannot be emphasized enough. It is crucial for both your health and for your baby's health as well.

Ideally, prenatal care needs to be started at least 3 months before you begin trying to conceive. Once you become pregnant, it becomes even more important of course.

Important Prenatal Care Tips for Pregnant Mothers

Here are some important prenatal care tips that every mother-to-be should know.

1. Do not take any stress

Stress is very harmful both to you and your baby. It can have an adverse effect on your baby's health as well as weight.

A study published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology investigated the association between prenatal stress and infant birth weight and gestational age at birth. It found that prenatal stress is significantly associated with both infant birth weight and gestational age at birth. (1)

Another study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry stated that maternal stress during pregnancy affects cognition and behavioral fearfulness in infants. (2)

2. Visit your doctor/midwife regularly

Never miss any of your appointments with the doctor/midwife when you are pregnant. There will be several prenatal visits before your due date, to ensure that both you and your baby are as healthy as can be.

Women who do not take appropriate prenatal care are exposed to a greater risk for adverse pregnancy outcome. And this risk cannot be attributed only to unfavorable living conditions. (3)

Typically, you will be required to visit your doctor or midwife every month during the first six months of pregnancy, and then every two weeks in the seventh and eighth months, and finally every week during your ninth month.

During these visits, your doctor will check both your and your baby's health by monitoring your blood pressure, measuring your weight gain, and monitoring the baby's growth and heart rate. Your doctor may also do routine tests and screenings, such as a blood test to check for anemia.

When visiting your healthcare provider, feel free to talk about your health problems or concerns. They are there to help answer questions about your pregnancy and upcoming childbirth.

3. Take your supplements

During the prenatal stage, your doctor may prescribe certain supplements. These supplements are vital, and you should take them as directed.

During pregnancy, your body needs a lot of nutrients that a typical healthy diet cannot meet. Typically, folic acid, prenatal vitamins, and occasionally iron supplements are prescribed.

Reviews in Obstetrics & Gynecology (2011) published a study suggesting folic acid supplement even before pregnancy protects against fetal structural anomalies, including neural tube and congenital heart defects. Several referenced studies in the article also indicate lower blood levels of folate are associated with preterm birth (less than 37 weeks of pregnancy).

This suggests that regularly taking folic acid before and during pregnancy may protect against these complications. (4)

Researchers at the UC Davis MIND Institute published in Epidemiology (2011) evidence that women who did not take a daily prenatal vitamin immediately before and during the first month of pregnancy were nearly twice as likely to have a child with an autism spectrum disorder as compared to women who did take the supplements. (5)

Prenatal vitamins are also important to supplement the mother and fetus with those daily nutritional needs that are otherwise difficult to get through the diet alone.

Women can sometimes be anemic or have a low iron level, which leads to fatigue or other more severe complications in the pregnancy. The mom-to-be can become more prone to infections and can have an increased chance of a low birth-weight baby. (6)

For this reason, it is important to take any iron supplements recommended by your doctor or midwife to prevent complications.

These are only a few examples of why taking supplements as prescribed by your doctor or midwife is so important. It is also not advised to take over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies without first consulting your doctor.

4. Eat a healthy diet

Early research suggests that the food that you eat during pregnancy can affect your child's health even decades later. (7) Your diet plan should support your growing baby and his or her health.

A healthy prenatal diet needs to fulfill all your body's nutritional requirements as well as those of the fetus. This healthy diet supports the normal birth weight, improves fetal brain development, and reduces the risk of many congenital disabilities. (7)(8)

The healthy prenatal diet is one which has the recommended amount of green leafy vegetables, fruits, lentils, dairy products along with fish and meat or other similar protein sources.

A well-rounded diet ensures that you and your baby get the protein, vitamin C, calcium, iron, and adequate healthy fats that are needed in this crucial time of fetal growth.

Eating in moderation is always part of a healthy lifestyle, but it is especially more important during pregnancy. Overeating during pregnancy may increase your risk of having a cesarean section, getting preeclampsia, or increase the risk of stillbirth. (9)

It is important to get enough nutrition; however, you are not eating for two as many have mistakenly thought in the past. It is best to follow the diet plan suggested by your doctor or midwife.

Along with a good diet, keep your water intake healthy. Dehydration is very common during pregnancy and may cause the mother to be susceptible to urinary tract infections (UTI) or preterm labor (10) which can negatively affect the baby or put the pregnancy at risk. Along with plain water, you can enjoy coconut water, barley water, or fruit-and-herb infused water.

Choose these hydrating options in place of those high in sugar content or caffeine-infused drinks.

There is conflicting evidence which has mothers-to-be concerned about too much caffeine intake. Studies suggest that the risk for miscarriage and fetal growth retardation (IUGR) increases only with daily doses of caffeine above 150mg/d. (11)

Caffeine can also impact overall hydration; so it is safer to avoid caffeine in high doses during pregnancy.

5. Keep a pack of crackers by your bed

Crackers can be a boon for mothers-to-be suffering from morning sickness. They help soothe an unsettled stomach and relieve the feeling of queasiness. Most mothers find these especially helpful to have even before getting out of bed in the morning.

A 2010 study published in the International Journal of Women's Health notes that simple dry carbohydrates like the ones found in crackers and biscuits before getting out of bed in the morning can help control morning sickness. (12)

Being high in starch, crackers help absorb excess gastric acid that contributes to feelings of nausea and vomiting. They are easy on the stomach because they are bland and quite easy to digest.

Eat a few crackers in the morning as soon as you get up to help prevent morning sickness; an empty stomach can worsen your nausea. Also, avoid triggers such as strong smells and foods that make you feel queasy.

6. Quit smoking

As soon as you plan to become pregnant or find out that you are pregnant, you need to quit smoking. Even if you're not a smoker, stay away from secondhand smoke. (13)

When you smoke, you inhale poisons like nicotine, lead, arsenic, and carbon monoxide. These poisons get into the placenta and ultimately cause harm to the fetus.

During pregnancy, smoking increases the risk of miscarriage, growth problems, placental abruption, and premature delivery. It also increases the chance that the baby may be stillborn or die in infancy. (14)

The evidence in one 2013 study published in PLOS ONE indicates that maternal smoking is associated with reduced growth of fetal brain, lungs, and kidneys. Also, fetuses exposed to maternal smoking are smaller in size. (14)

Additionally, The Asian Journal of Andrology published a study's findings that prenatal exposure to cigarette smoking may cause some long-term adverse effects on the child's reproductive health in adulthood. (14)

7. Say no to alcohol

Like smoking, it is important to stay away from alcohol while you're pregnant to avoid complications for the growing baby. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) both recommend women to abstain from drinking alcohol during pregnancy.

Any amount of alcohol you drink reaches your baby rapidly through your bloodstream and placenta and can have significant effects on your baby and pregnancy.

In fact, drinking can increase your odds of having a baby with low birth weight, while also increasing your risk of miscarriage and stillbirth. (15)

Prenatal exposure to moderate weekly doses of alcohol and binge drinking episodes are associated with lower scores on children's grapho-motor skills as measured by the Draw-a-Person Intellectual Ability Test for children, adolescents, and adults. (16)

For these reasons, healthcare professionals continue to recommend abstinence from alcohol during pregnancy as the safest measure to have a healthy pregnancy and baby.

8. Continue exercising

Whether you are pregnant or planning to be, regular exercise is important for your health. Exercise is even more important during the prenatal stage.

A good exercise routine will ensure that you have all the strength and endurance to carry the weight you gain during pregnancy. It also helps to prevent or ease aches and pains, improve blood circulation in your legs, and help your body handle the physical stress of labor.

Plus, if you're in the habit of exercising, it will be easier for you to get back into shape after delivery.

A 2016 study published in Clinical Medicine Insights: Women's Health reports that regardless of income or socioeconomic status, exercise during pregnancy is associated with increased incidence of full-term delivery. They state that exercise during pregnancy also decreases the risk of chronic disease for both the mother and child. (17)

The American Journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology (ACOG) recommends regular exercise, stating that pregnant women who exercised were less likely to have back pain or constipation. They showed a reduced risk of gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and cesarean delivery, as well as improvement in overall fitness; strengthening the heart and blood vessels while promoting weight loss after birth. (18)

From yoga and pelvic floor exercises to swimming and brisk walking, there are many exercises that can help you stay active and fit during pregnancy. However, before starting any new exercise, always consult your doctor.

Some Other Important Tips

Keep an eye on your weight gain, as too much weight gain can affect your baby's health and cause complications in pregnancy.

Avoid contact with toxic substances and chemicals at home or work.

Always listen to your body and take short naps during the daytime. Try to get a good amount of sleep at night.

Use relaxation techniques like yoga, stretching, deep breathing, and massage to combat stress.

Cut back on caffeine by switching to green tea.

Wear comfortable shoes and put your feet up several times a day to prevent fatigue and swelling of the feet, legs, and ankles.

Always wear a safety belt while riding in motor vehicles and sit as far from the airbag as possible while pregnant.

Final Word

Prenatal care involves a routine health evaluation, prenatal education and any necessary medical treatment to improve the chances of a healthy pregnancy, labor and delivery of a healthy baby.

Regular prenatal visits reduce the risks of complications during pregnancy. It allows your doctor/midwife to identify any problems or complications before they become serious. (19)

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8 Prenatal Care Tips for New Mom - eMediHealth

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You are on your way to one of the most important journeys that women embark on- Motherhood. This beautiful journey begins on the day your pregnancy is confirmed and from thereon, it is a rollercoaster ride of emotions, some nervousness, and of course, exhilaration and simply a wondrous joy!

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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

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As a parent you give your children a good start in life-you nurture, protect and guide them. Parenting is a process that prepares your child for independence. As your child grows and develops, there are many things you can do to help your child. These links will help you learn more about your child's development, positive parenting, safety, and health at each stage of your child's life.

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Child Development Positive Parenting Tips | CDC

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Learn more about your child's development, positive parenting, safety, and health at each stage of your child's life.

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Life has changed now that your baby is here, and you might have lots of questions about what to do. These tips can help first-time parents feel confident about caring for a newborn in no time.

How Do I Get Help After My Baby Comes Home?

An important part of caring for a newborn is to also take care of yourself. Consider getting help during this time, which can feel hectic and a bit overwhelming.

Relatives and friends might want to help. Even if you disagree on some things, their own experiences might be helpful.

To keep your baby healthy, anyone handling your little one should be up to date on their vaccines and help only if they feel well. But if you don't feel up to having guests or have other concerns, don't feel guilty about limiting visitors.

How Do I Handle My Baby?

If you haven't spent a lot of time around newborns, they may seem very fragile. Here are a few basics to remember:

Wash your hands (or use a hand sanitizer) before handling your baby. Newborns don't have a strong immune system yet, so they're at risk for infections. Make sure that everyone who handles your baby has clean hands.

Support your baby's head and neck. Cradle the head when carrying your baby. And support the head when carrying the baby upright or when you lay your baby down.

Never shake your baby, whether in play or in frustration. Shaking can cause bleeding in the brain and sometimes death. If you need to wake your baby, don't do it by shaking. Instead, tickle your baby's feet or blow gently on a cheek.

Always fasten your baby securely when using a carrier, stroller, or car seat. Limit any activity that could be too rough or bouncy.

Avoid rough play with newborns, such as jiggling them on the knee or throwing them in the air.

How Can I Bond With My Baby?

Bonding happens during the first hours and days after birth when parents make a deep connection with their child. Physical closeness can help form an emotional link and help your baby develop in other ways. Another way to think of bonding is "falling in love" with your baby. Kids thrive from having a parent or other adult in their life who loves them unconditionally.

Begin bonding by cradling and gently stroking your baby in different patterns. Another good technique is skin-to-skin contact (also called kangaroo care), where you hold your newborn against your own chest. This helps calm and soothe babies and regulate their heartbeat. It's a good practice for moms or dads to do.

Here's how to do skin-to-skin contact with your baby:

Avoid using scented perfumes or lotions and stay away from cigarette smoke beforehand.

Find a comfortable seat in a dimly-lit room. Wear a shirt that opens in the front. Lay your baby in just a diaper on your bare chest.

Sit quietly, talk softly, hum, sing, or read aloud. Your baby may sleep during this time.

How Can Soothe My Baby?

Helping babies relax can help them feel happier and more comfortable. Here are some tips on soothing your baby.

Massage: Infant massage may help babies, especially those who were born early or have medical problems. Some types of massage may enhance bonding and help babies grow and develop. Many books and videos cover infant massage - ask your doctor for recommendations. Be careful, though - babies aren't as strong as adults, so massage your baby gently.

Sounds: Babies usually love vocal sounds, such as talking, babbling, singing, and cooing. Your baby will probably enjoy listening to soft music. Baby rattles and musical mobiles are other good ways to stimulate your infant's hearing. If your little one is fussy, try singing, reciting poetry and nursery rhymes, or reading aloud as you sway or rock your baby gently in a chair.

Some babies can be unusually sensitive to touch, light, or sound. They might startle and cry easily, sleep less than expected, or turn their faces away when someone speaks or sings to them. If that's the case with your baby, keep noise and light levels low to medium.

Swaddling: Another soothing technique is swaddling, which works well for some babies during their first few weeks. Proper swaddling keeps a baby's arms close to the body while allowing their legs to move a bit. It keeps a baby warm, and it seems to give most newborns a sense of security and comfort. Swaddling also may help limit the startle reflex, which can wake a baby.

Here's how to swaddle your baby:

Spread out a baby blanket with one corner folded over slightly.

Lay the baby face-up on the blanket with their head above the folded corner.

Wrap the left corner over the baby's body and tuck it beneath the back, going under the right arm.

Bring the bottom corner up over the baby's feet and pull it toward their head, folding the fabric down if it gets close to your baby's face. Don't wrap too tightly around the hips. The hips and knees should be slightly bent and turned out. Wrapping your baby too tightly may increase their risk for hip dysplasia (dis-PLAY-zhuh).

Wrap the right corner around your baby, and tuck it under their back on the left side, leaving only the neck and head exposed. To make sure your baby isn't wrapped too tightly, make sure you can slip a hand between the blanket and your baby's chest. This will allow comfortable breathing. But make sure that the blanket isn't so loose that it could come undone.

Stop swaddling when your baby shows signs of starting to roll over. That's usually around 2 months. At this age, some babies can roll over while swaddled, which puts them at risk for sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).

How Do I Diaper My Baby?

Whether you use cloth or disposable diapers, your little one will dirty them about 10 times a day, which is about 70 times a week. When diapering your baby:

Have all the supplies you need within reach.

Wipe your baby front to back gently using water, cotton balls, and a washcloth or wipes.

Apply diaper cream if needed to treat diaper rash.

Wash your hands after changing the diaper.

When Should I Bathe My Baby?

For the first few weeks, babies get sponge baths. Then, after the umbilical cord stump falls off and the circumcision heals (if your baby was circumcised), babies can have baths in a sink or small plastic infant tub.

When your baby is ready for tub baths, the first ones should be gentle and brief. If your baby gets upset, go back to sponge baths for a week or two, then try the tub bath again. A bath two or three times a week in the first year is fine. More frequent bathing may be drying to the baby's skin.

How Do I Care for the Umbilical Cord and Circumcision Area?

Umbilical cord care: Clean around the cord stump with plain water and blot dry until the stump dries up and falls off, usually in 10 days to 3 weeks. Don't let the belly button area soak in water until the stump falls off and the area heals. Before the cord stump falls off, it will change color from yellow to brown or black - this is normal. Call your doctor if the area looks red, has a bad odor, or has discharge.

Circumcision care: After a circumcision, doctors usually put petroleum jelly on the tip of the baby's penis and cover it with gauze to keep the wound from sticking to the diaper. At each diaper change, gently wipe the tip clean with warm water (not a baby wipe), then apply petroleum jelly and gauze. Penis redness or irritation should heal within a few days to a week. But call your baby's doctor right away if it gets worse or if pus-filled blisters form. These can be signs of an infection.

How Often Should I Feed My Baby?

Whether feeding your newborn by breast or a bottle, you may wonder how often to do so. Generally, it's recommended that babies be fed on demand - that is, whenever they seem hungry. Your baby may show you they're hungry by crying, putting fingers in their mouth, or making sucking noises. A newborn baby needs to be fed every 2-3 hours.

Breastfed babies are probably getting enough to eat if they:

seem satisfied

have about 6 wet diapers and several poops a day

sleep well

gain weight regularly

Another good way to tell if a breastfed baby is getting milk is to notice if your breasts feel full before feeding your baby and less full after feeding. If you're formula-feeding, you can easily see if your baby is getting enough to eat. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about your baby's growth or feeding schedule.

Babies often swallow air during feedings, which can make them fussy. To help prevent this, burp your baby often.

What Should I Know About My Baby's Sleep?

You may be surprised to learn that newborns sleep about 16 hours or more. They typically sleep for periods of 2-4 hours. Many babies sleep through the night (between 6-8 hours) at 3 months of age, but if yours doesn't, it's not a cause for concern. Like adults, babies develop their own sleep patterns and cycles.

Always place babies on their back to sleep to lower their risk of SIDS. Other safe sleeping practices include:

not using blankets, quilts, sheepskins, bumpers, stuffed animals, or pillows in the crib or bassinet because they can suffocate a baby

parents sharing a bedroom (but not a bed) with the baby for the first 6 months to 1 year

Change the position of your baby's head from night to night (first right, then left, and so on). This helps prevent a flat spot from developing on one side of the head.

Before long, you'll have a routine and be parenting like a pro. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your doctor. They can recommend resources that can help.

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A Guide for First-Time Parents (for Parents)

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If you're a new parent, get the basics in this guide about burping, bathing, bonding, and other baby-care concerns.

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Shop smart for your new baby with this checklist of infant necessities, nice-to-haves, and baby items you don't need to spend money on.

Register at a baby gear store and you may be given a list that's even longer than this one. Of course, they want you to buy everything they've got!

Try to keep in mind that all you really need for your baby is diapers, a place to sleep, and a blanket for bundling. That said, we know you're not living in the Stone Age. You deserve the accessories that will make your job as a parent easier-which is why we've compiled this baby registry checklist.

We've categorized must-have baby items as "necessities." Other baby things that you might appreciate (but some parents find to be a waste of money) are listed as "nice-to-haves." We also mention unsafe products that you should avoid in the nursery.

Using this checklist as a guide, you'll be able to discern between baby essentials and needless items, saving time and money as you prepare for parenthood.

Nursery Furniture

The necessities:

The nice-to-haves:

Changing table

Bassinet (though it's only safe until 3 months or 15 pounds)

Rocking chair or glider

Humidifier or vaporizer

Dresser/chest

Hamper

Baby monitor, if you have a big house

What you don't need: A secondhand crib. Get a new one for safety purposes instead.

Baby Linens

The necessities:

2 fitted crib sheets

Several thin cotton receiving blankets

2 waterproof mattress protectors

The nice-to-haves:

Matching quilt or a crib skirt (they're only decorative)

What you don't need: Pillows, sleep positioners, bumper pads, or mattress padding. All of these items increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), and they should be kept out of the crib until your baby is at least one year old.

Babyproofing Gear

The necessities (after 4 months):

Gates at the top and bottom of all stairs

Cabinet latches

Drawer latches

Outlet covers

Fireplace bumper

Furniture anchors

The nice-to-haves:

Toilet lock

Corner guards for low tables

Formula-Feeding Gear

The necessities

About 8 bottles with newborn nipples (try several brands to find the one your baby prefers)

Bottle-cleaning brush or a dishwasher basket

Bottle-drying rack

Several weeks' worth of baby formula to start

6 or more cotton bibs

6 or more burp cloths (cloth diapers do the job)

Insulated cooler/carrier for outings

The nice-to-haves:

Dry formula dispenser

Bottle sterilizer

What you don't need: A bottle warmer (heating in hot water takes the same amount of time) or a bottle proper (unless you have multiples; use it sparingly when you can't otherwise feed all the babies at once)

Breastfeeding Gear

The necessities:

Nursing pillow

2-3 nursing bras

2-3 boxes of nursing pads

6 or more cotton bibs

6 or more burp cloths (cloth diapers do the job)

The nice-to-haves:

Breast pump (choose an electric pump if you'll use it every day at work; a hand pump is fine otherwise)

Breast milk storage bags or containers

Several bottles and nipples, if someone else will be feeding your baby pumped breast milk

Nipple cream for the first few weeks

Solid Food Feeding Gear

The necessities (not needed until 4 to 6 months):

The nice-to-haves:

Diapering Gear

The necessities:

2 packs of newborn diapers to start

Wipes

Diaper rash ointment

Waterproof changing table pad

2-3 changing table pad covers (usually cotton or terry cloth)

Diaper pail or trash can with a lid

The nice-to-haves:

4-5 waterproof square or rectangular pads for under your baby's bottom (these will protect the cover that's protecting the pad-you won't be sorry)

Baby cream, if your baby has dry skin

Non-talc powder to help the diaper area dry faster

What you don't need: A wipe warmer or a diaper stacker (though they're pretty)

Bathing and Grooming Gear

The necessities:

2 hooded towels

4 washcloths

Infant tub (after the umbilical cord falls off)

Bath seat or inflatable tub-within-a-tub (for after 6 months)

Baby bath wash

Baby shampoo

Baby comb and brush set

Nail scissors/nail clippers/nail file set

Cotton swabs

Cotton balls

The nice-to-haves:

What you don't need: A baby-size robe. It's hard enough to get your baby dressed in their real clothes!

Baby Clothing

The necessities:

7 or more snap-crotch bodysuits/onesies

3-4 T-shirts and/or side-snap shirts

Several snap-up rompers

Several shirt-and-pant sets

7 pairs of pajamas and/or sleeping gowns

Sun hat

Cold-weather hat

Cardigan sweater

Bunting or snowsuit if it gets cold

6 pairs of booties and/or socks

Baby hangers for the closet

The nice-to-haves:

A special outfit for bringing your baby home and/or showing them off

Several diaper covers

A wearable sleep sack to use instead of a blanket

What you don't need: Shoes. Wait until your baby is walking outside (i.e., the toddler years).

Baby Travel Gear

The necessities:

Car seat that fits a newborn

Stroller that accommodates a newborn

Diaper bag filled with diapers, wipes, and a spare outfit

Front carrier like Baby Bjorn

The nice-to-haves:

Sling (for the newborn stage)

Baby backpack (for after 6 months)

Stroller that your car seat fits onto

Rain cover for the stroller

Infant headrest for the car seat (if it doesn't come with one)

Warm blanket or "boot" to wrap your baby in during winter strolls

Sunshades for the car windows

Big diaper bag for overnight trips

What you don't need: A mirror to see your baby in the car; these can be a hazard if there's an accident. Also avoid secondhand car seats for safety reasons.

First Baby Toys

No necessities, but these baby items are nice-to-haves:

Soft books and board books

Rattles

Plastic links

Soft blocks

Activity gym/play mat

Crib mirror

Toys that attach to the stroller

Something plush that crinkles, rattles, and squeaks

Baskets to store toys in all the key places, like your baby's room, the living room, and the kitchen

What you don't need: Car seat toy bars. These an added risk if there's an accident.

Baby Seats

The necessities:

Bouncer seat or infant seat

Stationary activity center (once baby is 4 months old)

Heavy blankets and quilts to lay on the floor

The nice-to-haves:

Swing

Moses basket (though only usable until baby reaches 3 months)

Portable play yard

What you don't need: A walker or a jumper. Get a stationary center instead, for safety reasons.

Baby Care Basics

The necessities:

Several pacifiers (try different brands to see which one your baby prefers)

Thermometer

Petroleum jelly

Infant Tylenol

Nasal aspirator

Electrolyte drink, such as Pedialyte, to treat dehydration

The nice-to-haves:

Teething ointment or other teething remedy

Vapor cream and/or vapor bath

Saline nose drops

Antigas medicine

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Baby Must-Haves (and Don't-Needs) for Your Registry

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Shop smart for your new baby with this checklist of infant necessities, nice-to-haves, and baby items you don't need to spend money on. Register at a baby gear store and you may be given a list that's even longer than this one. Of course, they want you to buy everything they've got!

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1. Preparing the Nursery:

This involves stocking up on all the necessary items that the baby will need in their room, such as a crib, changing table, dresser, mattress, clothing, and other essentials. It is also important to set up safety precautions like plug covers and window guards.

2. Purchasing Baby Gear:

This includes all the items that the baby will need to get around and be comfortable, such as strollers, car seats, bouncers, swings, and even toys.

3. Researching Childcare Options:

Deciding on a childcare option is one of the most important decisions any parent needs to make. It is important to research different options and get an understanding of the different costs, schedules, and philosophies.

4. Creating a Birth Plan:

Writing a birth plan helps new parents to communicate their wishes and preferences with doctors, nurses, and other medical staff during labor and delivery.

5. Taking Birthing Classes:

Birthing classes are a great way for expecting parents to learn about the process of labor and delivery, as well as the different pain management techniques available.

6. Setting Up Financial Accounts:

Creating financial accounts for the baby is important to establish savings and funds that can be used for their future needs.

7. Gathering Resources:

There are many resources out there to help new parents navigate parenthood including online groups, parenting classes, and more.

8. Making a Baby Registry:

A baby registry is an invaluable tool for expecting parents to get the necessary items they need before the arrival of the baby.

9. Arranging Home Visitations:

Postpartum home visitations provide additional support to new parents as they adjust to life with a newborn and transition into parenthood.

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First Time Parents Checklist | ChecklistComplete

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This involves stocking up on all the necessary items that the baby will need in their room, such as a crib, changing table, dresser, mattress, clothing, and other essentials. It is also important to set up safety precautions like plug covers and window guards.

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Parenting tips for the first two years of life

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Supporting Young Parents - Child Welfare Information Gateway

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Learn about programs that support expectant, pregnant, and parenting youth and explore ways to support young parents, including those in out-of-home care.