Newborn skills, step by step
Holding, burping, diapers, cord care, bathing, swaddling, safe sleep and more: 12 essential newborn skills, step by step.
Learn before the birth
Practice these skills with a doll or a pillow before your baby arrives. That first night will feel much easier.
All skills
Safe sleep ABC: Alone, on the Back, in a Crib 5 min Installing the car seat Rear-facing seat, snug harness 15 min Holding your baby Safe holds with head and neck support 5 min Changing a diaper Girls vs. boys, and preventing diaper rash 5 min Umbilical cord care Dry cord care: keep it clean and dry 3 min Swaddling Hip-healthy swaddling, and when to stop 5 min Calming a crying baby The 5 S's, and never shake 10 min Burping 3 positions, the right timing 5 min Bottle feeding Expressed milk: storing, warming, feeding 10 min Taking a temperature Under 3 months, 38 °C is an emergency 5 min First bath Sponge baths until the cord falls off 15 min Cutting nails While asleep, in good light, with round-tip scissors 5 min
This guide gives general information and doesn't replace a medical exam. If you're worried about your baby, talk to your doctor.