Caring for your newborn baby
Essential care in the first weeks, and the danger signs that need help fast.
✓ Clinically reviewed · Catherine, RN & Juah, RN
When should I get help?
- The baby is not feeding well or stops feeding.
- The baby is less active than usual, has difficulty breathing, has a fever or feels cold.
- The baby has fits (convulsions). Go to a health facility immediately.
Key things to remember
- Keep your baby warm with skin-to-skin contact.
- Breastfeed early and give only breastmilk.
- Know the danger signs and act fast.
📖 Read the full lesson
The first month is the most dangerous time of a baby's life, and three-quarters of newborn deaths happen in the first week. Sub-Saharan Africa has the highest rate of newborn deaths in the world. Many can be prevented with simple care.
Every baby needs: to be kept warm, especially with skin-to-skin contact with the mother; clean care of the umbilical cord and skin; early and exclusive breastfeeding; a check for health problems; and preventive care such as vaccines.
Families should register the birth, bring the baby for vaccinations on time, and go to the postnatal check-ups. Staying at the health facility for 24 hours after birth is recommended.
Babies born early or small need extra care: skin-to-skin warmth, help with breastfeeding, careful hand-washing and close watching for danger signs.
📚 Sources
- World Health Organization — Newborn mortality (fact sheet) 14 Mar 2024 · accessed 1 Nov 2026
Written in plain language from these sources. It does not imply endorsement by these organizations.
HH-ART-020 · Version 1.0 · Last updated 4 Nov 2026
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