Introduction
Bringing a newborn home for the first time is an exciting, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming experience. In their video, Dr Kurt Bjorkman, a paediatrician, and Dr Sarah Bjorkman, an obstetrician-gynaecologist who is pregnant herself, share what every new parent needs to know about caring for their baby once they leave the hospital. Here’s a complete summary of their key advice and medical insights.
Feeding Your Newborn
Newborns eat often — at least 8 to 12 times per day, or about every 2 to 3 hours. Feeding intervals are measured from the start of one feeding to the start of the next.
- Cluster feeding is common: babies may feed multiple times close together.
- Expect to spend a large portion of your day feeding your baby — it’s completely normal.
- At check-ups, your baby’s weight helps indicate if they are feeding well.
At home, you can tell your baby is eating enough by monitoring wet and dirty nappies
Pooping and Wet Nappies
Just as they eat often, babies also pee and poop frequently.
- Expect at least 3 wet nappies per day, sometimes one with every feed.
- On day one, babies usually poop once; by day four, around four times daily.
- Normal poop changes:
- First few days: black, tar-like meconium
- Then: green, later turning yellow and seedy (for breastfed babies)
- Formula-fed babies’ stools may be thicker and darker
- First few days: black, tar-like meconium
- Call your paediatrician if poop is white or contains blood.
- Babies may strain while pooping — this is normal as they learn bowel control.
- As babies grow, they may poop less often (even once every 1–2 days).
Safe Sleep Practices
Sleep is vital for your baby’s growth but can also be a risky time if not handled safely.
Follow these safe sleep guidelines:
- Always place baby on their back to sleep.
- Keep the crib empty — no pillows, bumpers, soft toys, or loose blankets.
- Use a swaddle or one light blanket layer.
- Once babies can roll over independently, bumpers can be reconsidered, but safety should remain the priority.
These steps significantly reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Umbilical Cord Care
After birth, the umbilical cord stump needs minimal attention.
- Do not clean or apply alcohol — simply keep it dry and exposed.
- The cord usually falls off within one week.
- A few drops of blood are normal as it detaches.
Seek medical advice if the area looks red, swollen, has persistent drainage, or emits a foul smell.
Baby’s Private Parts
For Baby Girls:
- White vaginal discharge or light bleeding is normal in the first few days due to maternal hormones.
For Baby Boys:
- If circumcised, apply Vaseline to protect the area and prevent sticking. Healing takes about 5–7 days.
If uncircumcised, do not retract the foreskin. Gently clean the outside only — retraction occurs naturally over time.
Car Seat Safety
A rear-facing car seat is legally required to take your baby home.
- It’s the one essential item you must bring to the hospital.
- Always ensure the seat:
- Has not expired (check the label).
- Is properly installed according to the manual.
- Has shoulder straps at the lowest setting and tight enough that you cannot pinch the fabric.
- Has not expired (check the label).
- Dress baby in one light layer, then use blankets over the straps for warmth.
- Avoid bulky clothing or coats under harnesses — they can compress during a crash.
Keeping Baby Healthy
Newborns have delicate immune systems. Protect them by:
- Ensuring everyone washes hands before touching the baby.
- Avoiding large crowds and sick visitors.
- Asking visitors to wear masks, especially in high-risk seasons or during outbreaks.
- Keeping close family up to date with vaccines, especially the Tdap (whooping cough) vaccine.
Pregnant mothers should receive their Tdap in the third trimester to pass protection to baby.
When to Call the Paediatrician
You don’t need to check your baby’s temperature routinely, but watch for warning signs:
- Missed feeds or extreme sleepiness
- Feeling unusually warm
- Temperature above 100°F (37.8°C) — call your paediatrician immediately
- Fewer than 3 wet nappies per day — could indicate dehydration
Check temperatures rectally for accuracy (underarm is the second-best option).
Parental Mental Health
Caring for a newborn is physically and emotionally demanding. Both parents, especially mothers, should monitor their mental wellbeing.
- Feeling emotional or overwhelmed in the first two weeks (“baby blues”) is common.
- But if sadness persists, bonding is difficult, or thoughts of self-harm occur, seek help immediately — contact your OB-GYN or paediatrician.
- It’s okay to feel frustrated — if needed, safely place baby in their crib and take five minutes to calm down before returning.
- Never feel ashamed to ask for help — parenting is a learning journey for everyone.
Final Thoughts
The Doctors Bjorkman remind parents that it’s normal to feel uncertain when bringing a baby home. Even experienced healthcare professionals face a learning curve. Focus on feeding, safe sleep, hygiene, and emotional care — and remember, your healthcare team is always ready to answer questions.
As Dr Sarah says, “There’s a learning curve for everyone — and you’ll learn as you go.”
So breathe, take it one day at a time, and enjoy the incredible adventure of parenthood.
