Newborn Articles

Holding your awake newborn on your chest is safe and bonding. Falling asleep with them on you is not. Here's what's safe and what to do instead.

Taking care of a newborn comes down to a small set of basics. Feed on demand, place your baby on their back to sleep on a firm, flat surface, keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry, change diapers often, soothe gently, and know the signs that mean call the doctor right away. The most important rule: any fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher in a baby under 3 months is a medical emergency. Call your pediatrician or go to the ER immediately.

Soft, occasional snoring in infants is usually benign — but loud, habitual snoring (or gasping, blue lips, pauses over 20 seconds) needs medical attention. A pediatrician's guide to what's normal, the red flags, safe at-home help, and when to call.

No — newborns should not sleep on their side. Learn why back sleeping is safest, what to do when your baby rolls, and how to create a safe sleep space. Medically reviewed by Dr. Makia Powers, MD, FAAP.

Green poop in babies is almost always normal — bile, iron-fortified formula, lactose overload, or fast digestion. Learn the real red flags and when to call a pediatrician.

Most short falls don't cause serious harm. A pediatrician walks you through the immediate red flags, the 24-hour warning signs, when to call 911 vs. your pediatrician vs. wait at home, and whether it's safe to let your baby sleep.

Newborn umbilical cord care is simpler than most parents expect. Keep the stump clean and dry — no alcohol or creams needed. It usually falls off within 1 to 2 weeks (up to 3 is normal). Learn normal vs. warning signs, safe bathing, and when to call your pediatrician.

Colic baby? A pediatrician explains causes, the rule of 3s, the 5 S's, when crying is something else, and the red flags that mean call your doctor.

A pediatrician's step-by-step newborn bedtime routine for babies 0–3 months — feed, bath, quiet time, safe sleep. AAP-aligned. Talk to a doctor 24/7.