There’s lots to learn as you get to know your new baby. Find advice on how to provide the care your baby needs for a healthy start.
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Overview
Premature infants
If your baby is born more than 3 weeks early, he or she is considered premature. Premature babies may need to stay in the hospital until they can eat, breathe and stay warm on their own. Some premature babies will need surgery or special treatment.
Emotional care and soothing
Having a happy, confident child requires a strong, healthy emotional attachment. There are simple steps you can take to establish a strong bond with your baby and ensure their emotional needs are being met.
- Bonding with your baby
- Infant crying
- Ways to comfort a crying baby
- Ways to comfort a baby in the hospital
- Coping when your baby cries a lot
- Coping strategies to avoid harming your baby
- Crying: Tired or overstimulated
- Tips for soothing babies
- Using soothers and stopping when it’s time
- Thumb-sucking versus pacifier use
- Caring for more than one baby
- Preparing siblings for meeting your new baby
- Separation protests: Helping your child
Newborns
Find information about looking after your new baby for the first few days and weeks.
- Bonding with your newborn
- Important paperwork for newborns
- Tips for diapering a newborn baby
- Can cloth diapers work for your family
- Bathing and skin care for newborn babies
- Baby's daily needs: What to expect
- Umbilical cord care
- Pregnancy: Should I bank my baby's umbilical cord blood?
- Umbilical cord blood donation and private banking
Physical care
Babies require delicate care during the first few months after birth.
Sleep
Learn how to help your baby get the sleep they need safely:
Birthmarks
There are many kinds of birthmarks. They can be any size or shape and can be different colours. Most are harmless and painless. Learn more:
Circumcision
It's up to you whether you have your baby circumcised. Circumcision has both risks and benefits. Learn more:
