A Complete Guide to Baby Care Basics for First-Time Filipino Parents

It’s 2 a.m., the electric fan is humming, and Daddy finally dozed off beside you. Your newborn just fell asleep on your chest, and you don’t dare move. In your head, the questions keep coming. Is the cord stump okay? Is your little one breastfeeding well? Should they be sleeping this much? If baby care feels like a lot right now, you’re not alone, Mommy.

This guide gives you the big picture on how to take care of a newborn baby: how to hold, bathe, feed, and burp your newborn, plus safe sleep, cord care, and more. You’ve already stocked up on your newborn essentials. Now you’ll know how to use them with confidence.

To help you, board-certified pediatrician Dr. Sandra Sharlene Lim Uy of St. Luke’s Medical Center Quezon City and Taguig Pateros District Hospital shares her practical tips. Her first piece of advice? “Enjoy parenthood. Don’t stress about it.” She says the first weeks are your time to get breastfeeding going and settle into a loose daily routine with your baby.

Holding and Supporting Your Newborn

You’ll pick up your baby more times a day than you can count, Mommy. Once you know the basics, every cuddle feels more natural for you and safer for your little one. Your newborn can’t hold up their own head yet, so you’ll “always support the head and the butt,” explains Dr. Lim Uy. Slide one hand under your baby’s head and neck and the other under their bottom before you lift.

Do the same when you pass baby to Daddy, and keep your hands in place until he’s got a hold on, too. This keeps your baby’s head steady and helps them feel safe in your arms. You won’t need to do this forever. Your baby’s neck gets stronger week by week, and most babies can hold their head steady on their own by 4 months.

Holding your baby is also how you bond. Snuggling skin-to-skin on your chest is one of the sweetest ways to start, and this Unang Yakap guide explains why health experts recommend it.

Bathing Your Baby

Now that you’re comfortable holding your baby, bath time feels a lot less scary. A few simple habits keep it safe and cozy for your little one.

In the first few days, focus on the umbilical cord stump. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends sponge baths until the stump falls off, which usually happens by 1 or 2 weeks old. Dr. Lim Uy also reminds you to be careful about getting the cord area wet. “It’s essentially a new scab,” she explains. If it gets wet, dry it gently right away.

Follow these tips from the AAP every bath time:

• Check the water before baby goes in. Fill the basin with about 2 inches (5 cm) of water that feels warm, not hot, on the inside of your wrist or elbow.
• Keep one hand on your baby at all times. Set the towel, clean clothes, and diaper within reach before you start, so you never have to let go.
• Take baby with you if you need to step away. Forgot something or someone’s at the door? Wrap your baby in a towel and bring them along. The AAP notes that most drownings at home happen in bathtubs.

When you’re ready for more, this newborn bath guide shows you how to bathe a newborn baby step by step, from sponge baths to the first tub bath.

Breastfeeding and Burping

Burp your baby when you switch breasts, and keep their head supported, whether you hold them on your shoulder or on your lap.

Of all the baby care tasks, learning how to feed a newborn baby probably brings the most questions, Mommy. Here’s what helps feeding time go smoothly for you both.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), breastfeeding helps protect your baby from infections. The WHO and UNICEF recommend giving your baby only breast milk for the first 6 months. After that, keep breastfeeding up to 2 years or beyond as you start your baby on solid foods. In the early weeks, feed as often as your baby wants, day and night.

How do you know it’s working? Dr. Lim Uy says three signs help you feel confident: a good latch, regular pee and poop, and steady weight gain. Your pediatrician checks your baby’s weight at every visit, so that’s a good time to ask about feeding.

A comfy breastfeeding position makes each feeding easier on both of you. And since you’re feeding around the clock, fill your own plate, too. These milk-boosting foods for breastfeeding moms can help you plan your meals.

During feedings, your baby also swallows air, which can make them fussy. Burping helps let it out. The AAP suggests burping your breastfed baby when you switch breasts. Some breastfed babies swallow less air, so don’t worry if yours doesn’t burp every time.

You can hold your baby upright on your shoulder, sit them on your lap, or lay them tummy-down across your lap. Whichever you choose, keep their head supported. This guide on how to burp a newborn baby after feeding walks you through each position step by step.

Helping Your Baby Sleep Safely

Once your baby is fed and burped, chances are they’ll drift off soon. Dr. Lim Uy shares that newborns sleep a lot, more than 12 hours a day, so where they sleep matters. Her two safe sleep rules are easy to remember: lay your baby on their back, and keep the crib clear. Pillows, blankets, stuffed toys, and bumpers can block your baby’s breathing.

These habits from the AAP help keep every nap and night safe:

• On their back, every time. This goes for naps, too. Side sleeping isn’t safe either, since your baby can roll onto their tummy.
• Use a firm, flat surface. If your baby dozes off in a duyan, carrier, or stroller, move them to their crib or bassinet as soon as you can.
• Share a room, not a bed. Keep your baby’s crib near your bed for at least the first 6 months. If you feed in bed, put baby back in their own space before you fall asleep.
• Watch for overheating. Check for sweating, a hot chest, or flushed skin, and skip the extra blankets.

Night wakeups come with the newborn stage, too. Knowing the common reasons why babies cry helps you figure out what they need. Plus, this baby sleep guide has more tips for calmer nights.

Diapering and Umbilical Cord Care

All that feeding means plenty of diaper changes. Each one gives you a quick peek at how your baby is doing. Newborn baby poop changes a lot in the first weeks. For the first few days, it’s thick and black or dark green, and soon turns yellow-green. Wondering what a certain color means? Dr. Lim Uy explains each shade in this baby poop color guide. (And if you spot redness in your baby’s bum, these tips on how to prevent and soothe a diaper rash can help.)

How many times does a newborn baby poop? It can vary a lot. By 3 to 6 weeks, the AAP says some breastfed babies poop only once a week. That’s okay as long as the poop is soft and your baby is feeding well and gaining weight. Wet diapers count, too. Your newborn may pee as often as every 1 to 3 hours, or as few as 4 to 6 times a day.

While you change your baby, mind the cord stump. “Please don’t cover the cord with the diaper, as it will keep it moist,” Dr. Lim Uy says. Fold the top of the diaper down so it sits below the stump. This keeps the area dry until the stump falls off. If anything about your baby’s poop, pee, or cord worries you, check with your pediatrician.

Keeping Your Baby Safe During Visits and Outings

Soon, Lolo, Lola, and other family and friends will want to visit, Mommy, and you’ll be excited for your first family outing. These baby safety tips from Dr. Lim Uy help keep your baby healthy while everyone gets their cuddles in.

• Wash hands first. Everyone should wash their hands before touching your baby.
• Skip the kisses. No kissing, especially on the face, even from gigil relatives.
• Keep crowds small. Until your baby gets their first set of vaccines, called the primary series, stick to small family gatherings or open-air spots.
• Avoid direct sunlight. If you step outside, go in the early morning or late afternoon.

Planning your baby’s first day out? This guide to your newborn’s first pasyal shows you where to go, what to pack in your diaper bag, and how to keep your little one cool.

Checkups, Vaccines, and When to Call Your Pediatrician

Well-child visits are part of baby care and help your pediatrician track your baby’s growth and keep vaccines on track too.

Your pediatrician is your partner through all of this. Regular checkups help them make sure your baby is growing well, and these visits are also when your baby gets their vaccines. Dr. Lim Uy recommends these well-child visits:

• First year: 1, 2, 4, 6, and 9 months
• Toddler years: 12, 18, and 24 months
• School age: Once a year

Bring your baby’s health record booklet to every visit so you can keep track of their shots and jot down questions as they come up. At the first visit, ask about your baby’s newborn screening results, too. This childhood immunization schedule shows which vaccines your baby needs and when.

Between visits, call your pediatrician if you notice your baby:

• Has a fever
• Has swelling at the injection site that doesn’t go away
• Has a seizure, which Dr. Lim Uy says is rare but can happen

And if something just feels off, trust your gut and call. No question is too small when it comes to your baby.

Taking Care of Yourself Too

All this baby care can leave you running on empty, Mommy. Your baby needs you rested and cared for, too, so make room for yourself in the routine. Rest when you can, even if it’s just a short nap while your baby sleeps. Let the dishes wait, and say yes when Lola offers to cook or watch the baby for an hour.

Daddy can share the load, too, from burping and diaper changes to settling your baby after night feeds. These first-time dad tips show him how to be hands-on from day one.

If you often feel sad, anxious, or overwhelmed, talk to your doctor. Knowing these uncommon signs of postpartum depression can help you spot when it’s time to reach out. Asking for help is part of caring for your baby.

Baby Care Gets Easier One Day at a Time

The first weeks can feel like a lot, but you don’t have to learn everything at once. Support your baby’s head when you hold them, keep the cord dry, and breastfeed as often as your baby wants. Lay them on their back to sleep, keep visits small until their first vaccines are done, and rest whenever you can.

One simple step you can take today: save your pediatrician’s number on your phone and stick a copy on the fridge, so anyone at home can call when they need to. Little by little, baby care will feel less like guesswork and more like second nature.

Still figuring things out? You’re in good company. Swap baby care stories and tips with other first-time parents in the ParenTeam Moms and Dads Facebook group.

About Dr. Sandra Sharlene Lim Uy

Dr. Sandra Sharlene Lim Uy is a board-certified pediatrician with a deep commitment to newborn and premature infant care. For the past five to six years, she has served as a dedicated pediatrician in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Taguig Pateros District Hospital, guiding countless families through the critical early days of their premature babies' lives.

Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and doesn’t replace advice from your child’s pediatrician. Always consult your doctor about your baby’s specific needs. The views and opinions expressed by the medical professional featured in this article are their own and don’t necessarily reflect the views of ParenTeam.