Discover baby care tips for your newborn’s first 40 days. Learn how to handle feeding, sleep, massage, hygiene and comfort with ease and confidence.
CARE OF THE NEWBORN – THE FIRST 40 DAYS
Baby care may seem challenging in the first few days of motherhood, especially for a mother who does not have any previous experience. We have listed essential baby care practices for the first 40 days, a phase where the mother begins to establish a routine and builds a strong connection with her newborn.
You likely started to breastfeed your baby in the hospital. It is important that the mother frequently breastfeeds her baby and holds her close to her chest to strengthen the emotional bond. This is a fundamental part of baby care in the early days. [Click here for nursing.]
Do not neglect to frequently clean your baby’s bottom to avoid skin irritation. Be sure to use diapers specially designed for newborns, especially those with an umbilical cord notch. [Click here for changing diapers.]
Bathing your baby daily is another essential baby care routine. It supports comfortable sleep and healthy growth. You do not need to use shampoo every day—gentle water cleansing is often enough. [Click here for bathing.]
Many mothers prefer to use gloves for their newborns as they worry about scratching. However, hands are the first tools of discovery for babies. Using gloves may delay sensory and motor development. Instead, gently trim your baby’s nails using blunt scissors to protect the face without interrupting development.
Newborns tend to sleep a lot in the early days. Even so, they need to be gently woken up and breastfed every 2–3 hours as part of good baby care practice.
For safer, more comfortable sleep, you may swaddle your baby’s hands loosely while keeping the feet free. This prevents facial scratching and allows freedom of movement.
Raising the head of the baby’s bed slightly helps babies who experience reflux—a small adjustment that can make a big difference in baby care.
Playing soft classical music in the baby’s room can offer a sense of calm and security.
A short outdoor session—about 10 minutes a day—exposes your baby to fresh air and sunlight, which is beneficial for natural development.
Be sure to ventilate your baby’s room for 10 minutes daily to keep the air fresh and healthy.
Giving your baby a gentle massage after feeding and bathing using appropriate oils supports motor development and helps strengthen arms and legs. [Click for baby massage.]
It’s common for babies to experience gas as their digestive systems adjust. Gas discomfort may affect sleep and feeding. Burping your baby properly is a key baby care step to provide relief. [Click for burping.]
Stay with us on every step of your journey with your baby and discover helpful tips with Molfix here.
