Bringing home a newborn is a life-changing experience. Alongside the joy and love comes sleepless nights, constant feeds and an entirely new routine. In the middle of it all, it is easy to forget your own health. Staying well, both physically and emotionally, is essential to care for your baby effectively. This guide offers practical, GP-backed advice to help new parents look after themselves while navigating newborn care and prioritising their postnatal care.
Focus on Your Postnatal Health
After childbirth, your body needs time to recover. Prioritise rest when possible short naps during the day can improve mood and reduce fatigue. Accept support from family and friends, even for small tasks like meal prep or holding the baby while you rest.
It is normal to feel emotional during this adjustment, but if low moods, anxiety or lack of motivation persist beyond a couple of weeks, speak with your GP. Postnatal depression and anxiety are common and treatable. Early support makes a big difference.
Handle Your Baby with Confidence
Newborns may seem fragile, but with gentle and consistent care, you will quickly build confidence.
- Wash your hands before every interaction
- Always support your baby’s head and neck
- Use carriers, prams and car seats according to safety guidelines
- Avoid shaking or rough play, even in jest
These simple actions reduce the risk of injury and infection, helping keep your baby safe and well.
Bonding Builds Trust
Bonding with your baby lays the foundation for emotional development. Start with skin-to-skin contact holding your baby against your bare chest calms their heartbeat, helps them feel secure and supports physical growth.
Talk, sing or hum during feeds and changes. Babies respond to your voice and facial expressions, so maintain eye contact and speak gently throughout the day.
Feeding on Demand
Newborns need frequent feeds, usually every 2 to 3 hours. Watch for early hunger signs like lip-smacking or hand-sucking to avoid distress cries.
Breast milk or formula is all your baby needs in the early months. If breastfeeding, ensure your baby is latching well and gaining weight. If using formula, follow mixing instructions closely and burp your baby regularly to reduce wind.
Speak to your GP if you are unsure about feeding routines or if your baby shows signs of discomfort or slow weight gain.
Understand Baby Sleep Patterns
Newborns sleep up to 16 hours a day, but not all at once. Expect short stretches of 2–4 hours between feeds.
To support safe sleep:
- Always place your baby on their back
- Use a firm cot mattress with no pillows or toys
- Share the same room, not the same bed, for at least 6 months
- Alternate your baby’s head position to prevent flat spots
Create a consistent bedtime routine to help your baby associate certain activities with sleep. A warm bath, quiet feed and dim lighting can make a difference over time.
Keep Baby Clean and Comfortable
For the first few weeks, stick to sponge baths until the umbilical stump falls off. After that, use a baby bath with warm water and gentle soap. Bathing two or three times a week is enough to keep your baby clean without drying out their skin.
Expect frequent nappy changes. Always wipe front to back, use barrier cream if needed and change promptly after bowel movements. Clean hands thoroughly after each change.
Care for the Umbilical Cord
Keep the umbilical cord stump dry and clean. Avoid soaking it in water until it naturally falls off, usually within three weeks. If you notice redness, discharge or a foul smell, contact your GP.
Soothe and Settle Your Baby
If your baby becomes fussy or overstimulated, try the following:
- Gentle rocking or walks in a pram
- White noise or soft music
- Swaddling with arms tucked but hips free to move
- Infant massage using light strokes
These methods can calm your baby and improve sleep. As your baby grows, you will discover what works best for settling them.
Know When to Seek Medical Advice
Always trust your instincts. Contact your GP if:
- Your baby is not feeding well or has fewer than six wet nappies per day
- You notice signs of infection or fever
- Your baby has ongoing rashes, vomiting or difficulty settling
- You are struggling physically or emotionally
Early intervention can prevent complications for both you and your baby. Your local GP can provide support, refer you to allied health professionals or help with feeding and mental health concerns.
Final Thoughts
Caring for a newborn is rewarding, but it comes with challenges. By focusing on your own health, recognising your baby’s needs and seeking help when necessary, you create a strong foundation for your growing family.
Your GP plays a key role in supporting your journey. From postnatal care, childhood immunisations and emotional wellbeing to long-term health planning, your local medical centre provides continuous support every step of the way.
About Lakes Family Medical Centre
Lakes Family Medical Centre is a Caboolture-based general practice committed to supporting families through every stage of life. The clinic offers a wide range of services With a patient-focused approach, the medical and allied health team works together to help individuals and families maintain their overall wellbeing. Whether you are a new parent or navigating the early months of newborn care, the team provides care and support in a friendly and respectful environment.