During the hospital stay

Baby care skills are developed through practice. New parents feel awkward when they begin. If you start taking care of your baby during the hospital stay, you will quickly feel comfortable doing it.

Parents feel more attached to their babies when they provide care. Taking care of your baby is one way to express your love.

Use the time in the hospital to get to know your baby and how to care for them:

• Ask the hospital staff any question you have about your baby's appearance and behaviors. Be sure to ask about anything that concerns you.
• Ask to be present during the newborn exam and learn about your baby's reflexes.
• Ask to be present during your baby's bath so you can see how it's done.
• Ask to give your baby a bath under the guidance of the nurse.
• Learn how to change your baby's diapers and start doing it.
• Ask the nurse to show you tips for dressing your baby.
• Learn how to swaddle your baby. Wrapping your baby snugly in a receiving blanket can help calm them.
• Ask the nurse for information on safe sleep and the best positions for placing your baby to sleep.
• Have skin-to-skin time with your baby.
• Hold and rock your baby.
• Stay with your partner and baby overnight at the hospital.
• Take care of your baby while your partner naps or takes a shower.
• If your baby is supplementing with formula or banked human milk, ask the nurse how much you should be feeding your baby.

Each parent has their way of diapering, holding and rocking. You don't have to do things the same way. You just need to do them gently and safely. Your baby will get used to and look forward to your style of care.