Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Today's visit was a chance to check in on your baby's growth, development, and overall health. Here's some information to help you care for your baby in the weeks ahead.

• Feed your baby when they show signs of hunger, such as smacking their lips, making sucking motions, looking around for your breast or the bottle, or crying.
• Do not give your baby water, juice, or solid foods (such as baby cereal) unless your healthcare provider recommends it.
• If you are breastfeeding:
  • Your baby should breastfeed about every 1.5–3 hours, or 8–12 times per day. Breast milk is digested quickly, so frequent feeding is completely normal.
  • Give your baby 400 IU of vitamin D drops every day. Breast milk alone does not provide enough vitamin D.
  • Reach out to a lactation consultant (breastfeeding expert) if you have any concerns about latch, milk supply, or breast pain.
• If you are formula feeding:
  • By 1 month, most formula-fed babies take about 2–4 ounces (60–90 ml) every 3–4 hours.
  • Use iron-fortified infant formula only. Do not add extra water to the formula.
  • Never prop up the bottle — always hold your baby and the bottle during feedings.

• Your baby should have at least six wet diapers a day. 
• Breastfed babies may poop many times a day, only once a week, or anywhere in between. Formula-fed babies usually poop at least once a day. As long as the poop is soft and your baby seems well, don't worry about how often your baby poops.

• Newborns may sleep 14–17 hours or more in 24 hours. They usually sleep only a few hours at a time.
• Put your baby in the crib when they're sleepy but not yet asleep. This helps babies learn to fall asleep on their own.
• To help prevent SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome):
  • Always put your baby on their back for sleep.
  • Put your baby in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface that meets all safety standards.
  • Never put wedges, sleep positioners, pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the crib or bassinet.
  • Keep the crib or bassinet in the room where you sleep. Don't have your baby sleep in bed with you.
  • Breastfeed your baby, if possible.
  • Offer your baby a pacifier at naptime and bedtime. If breastfeeding, wait until your baby is breastfeeding well before giving a pacifier (usually by about 3 weeks of age).
  • Keep the room at a comfortable temperature. Do not overdress your baby. Watch for signs of overheating, such as sweating.
  • If your baby falls asleep in a car seat, stroller, sling, or baby carrier, move them to the crib or bassinet as soon as possible.
  • Make your home and car smoke- and vapor-free. For help quitting, call 800-QUIT-NOW (800-784-8669) or visit smokefree.gov.
  • Make sure everyone who cares for your baby follows these safe sleep practices.

• Talk, read, sing, and play with your baby every day.
• It's normal for babies to be fussy at times, especially in the first 2–3 months of age. Babies usually cry less when they reach 3 or 4 months.
• Respond to your baby when they cry. You can't spoil a newborn. Try these ways to calm your baby:
  • Rock or hold your baby while you walk.
  • Sing or play music.
  • Turn on a fan or other calming noise.
  • Give your baby a pacifier.
  • Rub your baby's back while they're lying across your knees.

• Get all immunizations (vaccines) and tests that your baby's healthcare provider recommends.
• Wash your hands before touching your baby and have others do the same. Keep your baby away from people who are sick.
• If your baby was circumcised, keep the area clean and put a small amount of petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline® or a store brand) on the area at each diaper change.
• Keep the diaper below the umbilical stump (belly button) so the stump can dry and fall off. It usually falls off in about 10–14 days, but it can take up to three weeks.
• Girls may have a vaginal discharge (sometimes with a small amount of blood) during the first week of life. This is nothing to worry about.
• Give sponge baths using fragrance-free soap until the umbilical stump falls off and, for a baby boy, the circumcision heals. After the umbilical stump falls off, you can bathe your baby a few times a week in a sink or infant tub lined with a towel. Always keep your eyes and a hand on your baby during a bath.

• In the car, put your baby in a rear-facing car seat in the back seat. Follow the manufacturer's instructions on installing and using the car seat or go to a child safety seat check (cert.safekids.org/get-car-seat-checked).
• If you haven't taken an infant first aid/CPR class, sign up for an online or in-person class at redcross.org.
• To prevent burns, set your water heater lower than 120°F (48°C).
• Put smoke and carbon monoxide alarms near all sleeping areas and on every level of your home.
• When using a changing table, keep a hand on your baby and use the safety buckle.
• It's best not to use sunscreen on babies younger than 6 months old, but you may use a small amount if shade and clothing don't give enough protection.
• Never shake your baby — it can cause bleeding in the baby's brain and even death. If you are ever worried that you will hurt your baby, put your baby in the crib or bassinet for a few minutes so you can get help. See below for ways to get help.

• Your baby:
  • Is not feeding well or has fewer than six wet diapers in a day
  • Has skin that looks yellow
  • Has redness or pus around the umbilical cord or circumcision
• You are struggling with food, housing, healthcare costs, or substance use at home.

Your baby:

• Has a rectal (in the bottom) temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher or below 96.8°F (36°C)
• Vomits more than a few times in a 24-hour period or has green vomit

If you are feeling very overwhelmed, anxious, or sad, have thoughts about hurting yourself or your baby, or see or hear things that aren’t there, put your baby safely in a crib or bassinet and get help right away.

Where to get help:

• Call Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit postpartum.net. You can also text HELP to 800-944-4773 (English) or 971-203-7773 (Spanish).
• Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline). You can also go to the nearest emergency room.
• Text HOME to 741741 (National Crisis Text Line).