Newborn Care Guide for Growing Families
Practical, Compassionate Guidance From the Expert Pediatricians at Austin Health Partners
Becoming a parent often brings a lot of questions, especially in the early weeks. This newborn care guide offers quick, reliable answers to some of the most common concerns. From diaper changes to sleep routines, you’ll find practical, pediatrician-backed advice to support you through each new stage.
Your Newborn Questions - Answered
Get expert answers to common newborn questions like rashes, feeding, fussiness, poop, sleep, and when to call the pediatrician.
Is my baby’s rash normal?
Call your pediatrician if the rash blisters, bleeds, or is paired with a fever or unusual behavior.
How do I soothe a fussy baby at night?
> Holding & Comforting: swaddle, skin-to-skin, or gentle massage
> Motion: rocking, stroller walks, infant swing
> Soothing sounds: white noise, humming, soft singing
> Non-nutritive sucking: pacifier after feeding
Babies often cry more during evening “fussy periods.” If you’re overwhelmed, it’s okay to step away and ask for support.
How often should newborns feed?
Look for these signs of adequate feeding:
> Baby seems satisfied after feeds
> 6+ wet diapers a day by day 5
> Steady weight gain (return to birth weight by 2 weeks)
What should my baby’s poop look like?
Call your pediatrician if you see:
> No poop in 24 hours
> Blood in the stool
> Hard, pellet-like poop
> Jelly-like texture
> Red crystals in urine are usually harmless uric acid crystals—normal in the first few days.
What are the signs my newborn is sick?
> A rectal fever over 100.4°F and is under 2 months
> Poor feeding, extreme sleepiness, or seizures
> Trouble breathing or bluish skin
> Oozing around the umbilical cord, eyes, or circumcision site
If your baby is choking or injured, call 911 right away.
What to Expect at Your Baby's Wellness Visits
Wellness visits play an important role in your baby’s growth and development. During each appointment, your pediatrician will check your baby’s physical health, monitor developmental milestones, and answer any questions you may have. This newborn care guide outlines what to expect at each visit in the first year.
- Birth
- 3-5 Days
- 1 Month
- 2 Months
- 4 Months
- 6 Months
- 9 Months
- 12 Months
These visits include physical exams, tracking growth, developmental screenings, and vaccinations based on CDC guidelines
What Happens at Each Visit
Each checkup is designed to support your baby’s health while giving you the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. Here’s what you can typically expect during a wellness visit:
A full physical exam (weight, length, head circumference)
Review of feeding, sleep, diapering, and behavior
Developmental surveillance and milestone tracking
Vaccine administration and scheduling
Time to ask questions about your baby’s care
Some visits also include screenings for maternal mental health, particularly in the first few months.
Vaccines & Preventative Care
Your child will receive several vaccines during the first year to protect against serious illnesses. These may include:
Hepatitis B
DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis)
Polio
Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type B)
Pneumococcal (Prevnar)
Rotavirus (oral)
Annual flu vaccine (starting at 6 months)
Your child will receive several vaccines during the first year to protect against serious illnesses. These may include:
Need After Hours or Weekend Visits?
Austin Health Partners offers evening and weekend appointments for patients 18 and under. Visit our Convenient Care page to book an in-person visit at one of our partner care centers in the Austin metro area.
Safe Sleep & Infant Habits
Establishing healthy sleep habits starts early. This section of the newborn care guide covers safe sleep practices, newborn sleep patterns, and simple routines that can help your baby (and you) get more rest. Safety, comfort, and consistency are key during the early weeks.
How Much Do Newborns Sleep?
- Newborns sleep 16 to 17 hours a day in short bursts of 1–3 hours
- Day/night confusion is common and usually resolves within a few weeks
- Sleep cycles last 50–60 minutes, alternating between active and quiet sleep
- It’s normal for babies to move, grunt, or make noise during active sleep
Let your baby settle back to sleep before intervening unless they’re clearly distressed
Safe Sleep Guidelines for Infants
- Always place baby on their back to sleep
- Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet — no loose bedding
- Avoid crib bumpers, stuffed animals, or blankets
- Avoid overheating; keep the room comfortably cool
- Dress baby in lightweight clothing and consider a wearable blanket
- Never smoke around your baby
These techniques reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) and promote safe sleep. For more information on SIDS, click here.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
- Watch for sleepy cues like yawning, rubbing eyes, or fussiness
- Put baby down drowsy but awake to help them learn to self-soothe
- Avoid nursing to sleep once feeding is well established
- Once breastfeeding is going well, you can offer a pacifier at bedtime
Start building a simple, calming bedtime routine even in the early weeks to set a foundation for restful sleep for both parents and baby.
Feeding Baby
Feeding is one of the most important—and sometimes most overwhelming—parts of caring for a newborn. This newborn care guide for growing families includes key information on breastfeeding, formula feeding, supplementing, and where to find trusted lactation support in the Austin area.
Breastfeeding Basics
Feed within the first hour after birth if possible
Most newborns nurse every 2–3 hours around the clock
A proper latch includes more than just the nipple—aim for a wide mouth and deep latch
Feeding sessions vary but often last 10–15 minutes per side
Signs breastfeeding is going well:
Baby seems satisfied after feeding
6+ wet diapers daily by day 5
Steady weight gain (return to birth weight by 2 weeks)
Try different positions like cradle, football, or side-lying to find what works best for you.
Formula Feeding and Supplementing
Each checkup is designed to support your baby’s health while giving you the opportunity to ask questions and share concerns. Here’s what you can typically expect during a wellness visit:
Formula is safe and provides complete nutrition
Newborns typically take 1–3 oz per feeding, every 2–3 hours
Gradually increase as your baby grows
Supplementing breast milk:
Some parents may need to offer formula in addition to nursing. In most cases, breastfeeding comes first, then a small bottle supplement if needed. Your pediatrician or lactation consultant can help develop a plan that works for you.
Lactation Support
Breastfeeding is a journey, and it’s okay if it comes with questions, challenges, or unexpected turns. Whether you’re exclusively breastfeeding, pumping, supplementing, or still deciding what works best, we’re here to support you.
Compassionate, Personalized Care for Nursing Parents
We’re proud to offer personalized lactation support through certified specialists across our Austin-area care centers. Each provider brings extensive experience and compassionate guidance to help you feel confident throughout your feeding journey.
Explore our trusted lactation consultants below and choose the location that works best for your family.
Dr. Suzanne Van Bethuysen, MD, IBCLC
Dr. Vaishalee Patil MD, FAAP, IBCLC
Dr. Shannon Mooney MD, IBCLC
Dr. Jazy Hill, MD, IBCLC
Janelle Calloway, CPNP, CLC
Kathryn Profilet, RD, LD, IBCLC
New to Breastfeeding?
Join our free Breastfeeding 101 Classes, hosted by our IBCLC Kathryn Profilet. Whether you’re preparing before birth or navigating early feeding at home, these classes are a great space to ask questions, gain confidence, and connect with other families.
Supplies & Community Resources
Need a breast pump, scale, or community resources? These trusted resources offer equipment and guidance:
- A Baby’s Best Start – (512) 873-0700
- Special Addition Nursing Boutique – 7301 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX – (512) 326-9308
- My Pure Delivery – (512) 765-9959
For additional connection and encouragement, La Leche League of Texas hosts free parent groups and lactation guidance. Visit texaslll.org to find a local chapter or virtual meeting.