Първи грижи за новороденото у дома - мисия (не)възможна?

First care for the newborn at home – mission (im)possible?

Welcome to the world of parenthood! The most exciting (and slightly chaotic) adventure awaits you – the first days with your baby at home. If you feel like you've forgotten everything you've read, heard, and watched on YouTube – don't worry, it's completely normal! At first, parenting feels like a computer game on the hardest level, only without a pause button. But don't worry – with a little practice and the right advice, you'll soon be handling it like a true expert.

In this article we will talk about first care for the newborn, because let's face it – no one told you that you'd spend half your day changing diapers and the other half trying to figure out why your baby is crying. Take a deep breath, grab a coffee, and let's get started!

Creating a safe and comfortable environment

How to prepare the baby's room?

The first step is to provide a calm and safe place to sleep. The crib should have a firm mattress, free of unnecessary pillows and toys that could pose a risk. Place the bed away from windows and heating appliances to avoid drafts and excessive heat.

Maintaining appropriate temperature and humidity

Babies are sensitive to temperature changes. Maintain air temperature between 22-23°C and humidity around 50%Use a humidifier if the air is too dry, especially during the winter months.

Body temperature in newborns

Maintaining the right body temperature is key to a baby's health. The normal temperature for newborns ranges between 36.5°C and 37.5°C.

How to measure temperature?

The most accurate way is with a digital thermometer inserted rectally.
The armpit is another classic option, but keep in mind that it can be 0.5°C lower.
Ear and forehead thermometers, while seemingly easy to use, are not completely reliable for newborns.

When should you worry?

Below 36.5°C – This may be a sign that the baby is too cold. Dress him in more layers of clothing or place him in skin-to-skin contact.
Above 37.5°C – A slightly elevated temperature may be the result of overheating. Check that the baby is not overdressed and keep the room temperature around 22-23°C.
Above 38°C – High fever in newborns requires immediate consultation with a doctor.

Basic hygiene care for the baby

Diaper change

Change diapers regularly to prevent irritation and chafing. At each change, gently clean the area with wet wipes that are gentle and gentle on the baby's skin. For example, Baby Crema biodegradable wet wipes are 100% eco-friendly and contain 99% pure water, making them ideal for delicate baby skin while protecting the environment.

For daily skin care, use products without fragrances and dyes to avoid allergic reactions. Apply baby oil or moisturizing lotion after a bath to keep your baby's skin healthy and clean, while also keeping it soft and hydrated.

Bathing

Bathing the baby is a special moment for you and your baby. Prepare everything you need in advance – baby soap and shampoo, a soft sponge, a towel, a clean diaper and clothes. The water temperature should be around 37°C. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can check if the water is too hot with your elbow. Wash your face first, then move on to your body, paying attention to all the folds.

В първите 1-2 месеца от живота на бебчето можете да го къпете под течаща вода (т.е. на мивката), а после – във ваничка с помощта на каничка за поливане. Някои специалисти препоръчват банята да бъде 1-2 пъти седмично, други между 2-4. Консултирайте се с вашия педиатър кой е най-добрият вариант и адаптирайте рутината си спрямо това.

Toilet

And no, we're not talking about clothes for little girls and little boys. A baby's daily grooming includes bathing, but also regular cleaning of the the face, eyes, nose, ears, hands and the area around the diapers.

Eyes. Clean your baby's eyes gently with a cotton swab soaked in boiled water, from the outer corner inward.
Face. Wipe with a soft damp cloth or soaked cotton pad, paying attention to the folds around the nose.
Hands. Babies often put their hands in their mouths, so it's a good idea to clean them regularly with a damp cloth.
Nails. A baby's nails grow surprisingly quickly and can be a real weapon against their own face, so trim them carefully with baby scissors or a nail file while they are soft - best after a bath.
Diaper area. Use wet wipes to avoid redness, and apply a protective anti-chafing cream around the bottom with every diaper change. For girls, it is extremely important to always wipe from front to back.

Caring for your baby's ears and nose

A baby's nose often gets blocked, especially in drier air. To keep it clean, use:

Saline solution – Apply a few drops to loosen secretions.
Nasal aspirator – Use when needed, but don't overdo it.
Air humidification – Maintain humidity around 50% to prevent drying out.

Ears are cleaned only externally:

Soft cloth or wet wipes – They are enough for daily care.
Earplugs with protector – Only for the external part, without insertion into the ear canal.
Drying after a bath – To avoid irritation and redness behind the ears.

Feeding an infant

Breastfeeding – basic tips

Breast milk is undoubtedly the best food, providing everything your baby needs for development. Try to breastfeed on demand, following your baby's cues. Make sure your baby is positioned correctly to avoid pain and ensure effective feeding.

Choosing formula milk

If breastfeeding is not possible, consult a pediatrician about choosing the right formula. Opt for formulas that are close to the composition of breast milk and meet your little one's needs.

Meal plan and weight tracking

Newborns usually feed every 2-3 hours. Monitor weight regularly to make sure your child is growing healthily. Consult your pediatrician if you have any concerns.

Belly button care

How to clean a pimple properly?

The umbilical cord usually falls off within the first two weeks. Keep the area clean and dry. Gently clean the umbilical stump or umbilical wound with an alcohol swab and avoid covering it with the diaper.

If you notice redness, swelling, or an unpleasant odor around the belly button, contact a pediatrician.

Sleep and rest

Newborns sleep most of the day. Create a routine that includes bathing, feeding, and putting the baby to sleep at the same time.

Place your little one to sleep on their back on a firm mattress without pillows or toys to ensure a safe and restful sleep. Keep the room airy but draft-free, and keep a soft night light on to create a cozy atmosphere.

Suitable baby cosmetics

What products to choose for daily baby care?

Choose products with natural ingredients, free of parabens and dyes, as baby skin is extremely sensitive. Check labels for dermatologically tested formulas and avoid synthetic fragrances, which can cause adverse reactions.

Anti-chafing and irritation protection creams

Apply anti-itch cream at every diaper change to protect the skin from moisture and irritation, especially in the first months. Choose creams with zinc oxide, panthenol or natural extracts that create a protective layer without clogging pores.

How to test cosmetics for allergies?

Before adding a new product to your baby's routine, apply a small amount to the inside of your baby's wrist and wait 24 hours to check for redness, itching, or irritation. If there is no reaction, the product is safe to use, but it's a good idea to introduce new cosmetics gradually to make sure your baby's skin accepts it well.

Newborn development

Useful techniques for baby massage

Massage relaxes the baby, improves blood circulation and aids digestion. Use baby oil or a moisturizing lotion suitable for sensitive skin. Use light, circular movements to massage the back, belly and limbs. For colic, rub the belly in a clockwise direction. If the baby is restless, try again later.

First games and sensory stimulation

From the very first days, little ones explore the world through sight, sound, and touch. Games help develop the baby's motor activity and temperament. You can bet on:

Face-to-face contact – Look him in the eye, make facial expressions, and speak in a soft tone.
Black and white contrasts – Use books or toys with clear outlines, as vision is still developing.
Music and rhythm – Gentle sounds soothe and stimulate hearing.
Touch and textures – Different materials enrich tactile sensations.

The first steps in caring for a newborn may seem challenging, but remember – no one is born an expert in parenting. Trust your instincts, seek advice from experts, and bet on quality baby cosmetics. And most importantly, enjoy every moment with your baby. Children grow up too fast, so cherish the first smiles, the tiny fingers that squeeze you tightly, and the warm hugs that are second to none.