Bringing a newborn home is… well, there’s no manual for it. One day you’re in the hospital, nurses are around, and everything feels under control. The next, you’re sitting on your couch thinking, Wait… how do I know if they’ve eaten enough?
I remember staring at my baby while they were sleeping, wondering if I should wake them up to feed or just let them be. (Spoiler: I woke them up. Newborn life is basically trial and error.)
Here are a few things I wish I’d heard early on. Not from a textbook — just from another tired, slightly overwhelmed, but very loving parent.
1. Try to Breastfeed Soon After Birth
If it’s possible for you, getting that first feed in within the first hour is gold. The early milk — colostrum — is packed with nutrients and immune-boosters.
But here’s the thing no one tells you: it might not go smoothly. My first latch attempt? Let’s just say there were more tears (mine) than milk. It gets better, though.
2. Let the Baby Set the Pace
Forget the clock in those early weeks. Your baby will have their own little “feed-o-meter.” Sometimes they’ll want milk every two hours, sometimes sooner.
Crying is actually the last sign of hunger — you’ll usually see them rooting, making little sucking noises, or squirming first.
3. Hold Off on Solids
Yes, someone will suggest putting cereal in the bottle “so they sleep through the night.” No, don’t do it. Their tiny tummy isn’t ready.
Most experts say wait until about 6 months before introducing anything other than milk. You’ll save yourself a lot of stomach ache drama.
4. Feed Yourself, Too
If you’re breastfeeding, your body is basically working overtime. You need fuel — real food, not just biscuits and tea (though, trust me, biscuits will happen).
Drink water, eat actual meals when you can, and grab naps whenever possible. You can’t pour from an empty cup — or make milk from one.
5. Formula? Do It Safely
If you’re using formula, great. Just make sure you prep it exactly as the instructions say.
One time I thought, “Eh, a tiny bit more powder won’t matter.” It did. My baby’s tummy was not happy, and I learned my lesson fast.
6. Watch for Reactions
Some babies react to certain formulas or even to something you eat while breastfeeding.
My clue? Tiny rash on the cheeks after a feed. Your clue might be fussiness, odd stools, or extra spit-up. If anything feels off, talk to your pediatrician.
7. Make Feeding Calm
Feeding isn’t just about calories — it’s about comfort. I found a corner of the couch that became “our spot.” Soft blanket, dim light, no TV blaring.
It made both of us relax, and honestly, those moments are some of my favourite memories.
8. Keep a Rough Log
Newborn days blur together. You think you’ll remember when they last ate… until it’s 3 a.m. and you can’t even remember what day it is.
I kept a scrappy notebook with feed times and diaper changes. Not pretty, but it worked.
9. Adapt as They Grow
A bebê recém nascido changes so quickly. One week they’re eating every 2 hours, the next they’re spacing feeds out. And before you know it, you’re Googling “how to mash sweet potato for baby.”
The key? Don’t panic. Just follow their cues.
Wrapping It Up
Feeding a newborn is messy — literally and figuratively. There will be leaks, spit-ups, and moments where you’re convinced you’re doing it all wrong.
But here’s the truth: if your baby is fed, loved, and growing, you’re doing just fine. The rest? You’ll figure it out, one feed at a time.
And one day, you’ll actually miss those sleepy, middle-of-the-night feeds… though maybe not the laundry that came with them.