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Newborn care in week 1 can feel like a stream of small questions: Was that feed comfortable? Is the changing routine working? What should I bring up at the checkup? A short question list can make your next conversation more useful.
This page preserves the original video resource and gives you five ways to prepare for follow-up care. You will get a simple note-taking method, questions to ask and two optional supply examples to compare with what you already own.
Watch the newborn care week 1 video
Watch the original video on YouTube. The original resource is from the Doctors Bjorkman newborn-care series. The written checkup preparation below is separate iBabyMama editorial context, not a transcript or a summary of unverified video claims.
1. Gather the information your clinician will need
Keep your discharge paperwork and appointment details together. The AAP first-week checkup checklist recommends bringing hospital information, including discharge weight and any pregnancy or birth complications. Your clinician reviews growth, development and screening information at the visit.
Before leaving, choose one place for the records and one place for your questions. A folder and a phone note can work. You do not need a special organizer to make the information easier to find.
2. Describe feeding rather than guessing the cause
Write down what you notice during a difficult feed. Describe the situation in plain language: what happened, whether it repeated and what you want help understanding. Avoid assigning a diagnosis from a video or comparing your baby with an online schedule.
Ask which feeding changes your care team wants you to report and where to get hands-on support. Bring equipment details if they are relevant. Our infant nutrition video guide offers related preparation questions.
3. Ask about diapers and everyday care
Use the checkup to ask about diaper patterns, cord care and when to bathe your baby. The AAP checklist includes these practical topics. Ask your clinician what is expected for your baby’s circumstances and which changes need prompt advice.
Keep a spare change of clothing and the supplies you actually use together. If something is missing, add it to a small list. If the issue is uncertainty about a task, ask for a demonstration instead of treating it as a shopping problem.
A changing-supply option: Huggies Natural Care wipes
The observed unscented sensitive-wipe listing contains 12 packs of 64 wipes, 768 total. Confirm the current ingredients and your baby’s tolerance. These wipes are an example of a changing supply, not a treatment for all irritation or a reason to ignore a skin concern.
View Huggies Natural Care Sensitive Unscented Wipes, 768 Count on Amazon
4. Bring your sleep setup into the conversation
Be ready to describe where your baby sleeps and which product you use. Keep the manufacturer’s instructions available if a question concerns a crib, bassinet or playard. A description of the actual setup makes a question more specific than asking whether a room looks ready.
Ask about any part of the sleep routine you do not understand. For related reading, see our baby sleep tips for newborns. Follow your baby’s feeding instructions even when you are trying to organize nights.
5. Leave with a follow-up plan you can find
Before the visit ends, confirm the next appointment and how to reach the office after hours. Ask what to do if a concern arises before that appointment. AAP guidance encourages contacting the pediatrician’s office with questions, including when it is closed.
Share the plan with anyone helping you. Note who will make a call or bring the paperwork next time. If your baby seems unwell, seek advice promptly rather than waiting for the next scheduled checkup.
Questions about newborn care in the first week
Should I wait until the visit to ask a question?
Use your care team’s contact instructions when you are concerned. A planned visit is a chance to review ordinary questions, not a reason to postpone help for a baby who seems unwell.
What if I forget something during the appointment?
Keep a short written list and put the most important question first. Ask how to send a follow-up question if something remains unclear after you get home.
Your newborn care note for today
Record one observation, one question and one next task. Put the appointment details beside them. That gives you a manageable starting point without turning every ordinary moment into a tracking requirement.
A temperature-checking option: Frida digital thermometer
Ask your pediatrician to show you how to use a rectal thermometer safely before trying an unfamiliar method. Follow the exact instructions and wait for the final measurement signal; an early prediction is not the final reading. This product does not determine when medical care is needed. Keep your clinician’s fever and contact instructions with it.
View Frida Digital Rectal Thermometer for Babies, Newborns & Infants on Amazon
Source checked October 8, 2026: AAP first-week checkup checklist, updated September 18, 2026. This page has not received an individual clinician review.
29 comments
We just welcomed our first baby into the world exactly 1 week ago! We have been watching your videos for the past few months to prepare, and we really appreciate all the time and care you have put into your videos. You have been so helpful, instructive, and reassuring. Thank you so much, and congrats on your third baby!!
My baby is 13 months 😢🎉
Been watching your channel since we found out we were pregnant with our first last August. Finally had our baby 3 days ago, what an angel!! I am so grateful for all the helpful videos I’ve watched, I feel much more prepared than I thought possible. Thanks for all the tips and advice. ❤❤❤
https://youtube.com/@lullaby24-24?si=W-E2o1BkqlQclQ8o
Sooon to be first time mama here I'm 30 weeks today and I so happy I came across you guys. I will be following your series and hoping to learn a lot from you both! I'm still working so it's hard for me to be able to take online classes or in person classes plus all that extra $$$ ( even though I still want/ probably will do ) but this is a great alternative!! Thank you ❤️😭😭
You mentioned an app for tracking feeding, which app did you guys use to track and how helpful did you guys find it?
I cried while reading this. Finally—someone said it. The sleepless nights, the self-doubt, the love, the fear… it’s all in Bornside Mama.
You two are Awesome !! Thank you for sharing your professional wisdom !!
Bornside Mama didn’t sugarcoat anything, and that’s exactly what I needed. It made me feel seen, not judged.
I felt so alone the first few weeks… until I found Bornside Mama. Suddenly, I felt supported, like someone was holding my hand. 💕
This book felt like a hug from a big sister who gets it. Bornside Mama told me everything no one else had the courage to say, must read fr womens
That dog wants the baby 😅 im scared
34weeks now and i can't wait to hold my miracle
I’ve been following you guys for my entire pregnancy, my baby girl is three days old today and your videos have been soooo helpful during this wonderful but scary experience. Thanks!
Very helpful I just found your channel and I’m glad I did , hope you continue sharing this amazing content
Holding my 4 day old daughter as she sleeps while watching this (while Mum gets some well needed rest). Thank you very much for the video, looking forward to following along with the series
I’m watching this 3.5 months after giving birth. Wish I had access to this before. Going in I was so anxious and honestly got blindsided by first few weeks. Also, I don’t know how are you all able to make videos in the first week of baby. I could barely keep up with basic things like eating/showering.
Thanks a lot for this video. I’m expecting more.
Does anyone know what is ABC sleep and where can I watch it?
My baby is exactly one week old today!
currently 35 weeks pregnant with my son and i'm super nervous but also very excited.
39 weeks here first child. I love that you're covering this topic.
35 weeks pregnant with our first! I'm excited but also nervous, these videos really help! Thank you so much😊
I’m 25 weeks pregnant and have been following y’all for awhile and watching your family grow. So glad I can finally but some of the things I’ve learned into practice 😂😬🤷🏼♀️😍
Thank you so much for this! I’m still pregnant, first time mom, and I’m so grateful for your content. Thank you so so so much for all the knowledge you provide.
All the best always!
Xx
Your channel is such a beautiful combination of medical expertise and personal experience. Thank you so much for all of your time and effort in creating this amazing content 🙏🏼
I’m so excited for this series, currently 36 weeks along with my first & I can’t wait to watch every video 🥲😂
Woohoo congratulations!
What do I need to track in terms of feeds, poop, pee and sleep? Like the duration, timing etc? And for how long? And do you have a guide on what the values should be?