Newborn Care Basics: Feeding, Sleep & Soothing in the First Weeks
The first weeks with a newborn are a steep learning curve for every parent. Here are the basics to help you feel more confident.
Feeding
Whether you breastfeed, formula-feed, or combine both, newborns feed often — typically 8–12 times in 24 hours. Watch for hunger cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth, fussing) rather than waiting for crying. Burp your baby during and after feeds. Wet and dirty nappies are a good sign that feeding is going well.
Safe sleep
- Always place your baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface.
- Keep the cot clear of pillows, soft toys and loose bedding.
- Room-sharing (baby in your room, in their own cot) is recommended; bed-sharing increases risk.
- Newborns sleep a lot — often 14–17 hours a day — but in short, irregular stretches. This is normal.
Soothing a crying baby
Crying is how newborns communicate. Run through the basics — hunger, a dirty nappy, too hot or cold, tiredness, or wanting comfort. Techniques like swaddling, gentle rocking, shushing, skin-to-skin and offering a feed often help. You cannot "spoil" a newborn by comforting them.
Cord and skin care
Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry; it usually drops off within one to two weeks. Mild newborn rashes and peeling skin are common and usually settle on their own.
Jaundice
Many newborns develop mild jaundice (a yellow tinge to the skin and eyes) in the first days. It's common and often harmless, but it needs monitoring — your hospital or doctor will check levels and may recommend phototherapy if needed.
Don't forget your baby's health checks and vaccinations — see our vaccination schedule tool for the Singapore timeline.
