Baby Care
Congratulations, your baby is here. This can be a happy time, but it can also be a lot. That’s why we’re here to support you. Below are some tips to help you care for your new baby.
Explore the Newborn Center
Learn the basics of caring for your newborn through the KidsHealth Newborn Center. This gives you tips about childbirth, breastfeeding, bringing your baby home, changing a diaper, bonding with your baby and many other helpful topics.
Start breastfeeding
If you can, start nursing within an hour of your baby’s birth. Babies tend to be alert in the first few hours of life, so breastfeeding right away takes advantage of this natural wakefulness. After this, newborns will sleep for most of the next 24 hours. At that point, it might be harder to get your baby to latch on.
Not able to breastfeed routinely? You can get a free breast pump through the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Program. If you’re having issues with breastfeeding, such as milk supply or sore nipples, the WIC Program may also offer free lactation consulting services.
You can also get a breast pump through Ameda Direct or Aeroflow at no cost to you:
- Aeroflow: 1-844-867-9890
- Ameda Direct: 1-877-791-0064
Sleep safely
First, remove any toys or other objects in your baby’s crib. Place your baby in the crib, face up, on a firm surface. Make sure that they are always alone in the crib. Never sleep with your baby as you can roll over and harm your baby. Need help finding a crib? Call 2-1-1.
Learn more about how to safely put your baby to sleep:
Baby Care Links
- Your Child’s First Checkup: 3-5 Days
- Your Newborn’s Growth
- Communication and Your Newborn
- Newborn Development
- Learning: Play and Your Newborn
- Childhood Immunizations
Questions?
Call our Maternal Care Team at 1-833-230-2034 (TTY: 1-800-750-0750 or 711).