First 100 Days Baby Care Guide for New Parents

Meet our prenatal experts, Dr Ashika and Dr Aishwarya Kanere

Dr Ashika is a Peadiatrician and International Board Certified Lactation Consultant who helps pregnant and new mothers with their Breastfeeding journey.

Dr Aishwarya is a Gynaecologist and a content creator who is on her journey to help pregnant women & new mothers make their journey easier!

The first 100 days with a newborn can feel exciting and overwhelming. This guide explains essential newborn baby care, including feeding, sleep, skin care, diapering, tummy time, and when to seek medical help. Parents will also learn how to choose safe, practical baby essentials, making the transition into early parenthood more confident and less stressful.

• What makes the first 100 days so important?
• How often should a newborn feed?
• How can you tell if your baby is getting enough milk?
• What should you expect from newborn sleep?
• Why do newborns cry so much?
• How should you care for your baby's skin and umbilical cord?
• When should tummy time begin?
• What newborn essentials do you actually need?
• What Should I Look for When Choosing Baby Diapers?
• Newborn essentials comparison table
• Vaccinations and regular health check-ups
• FAQs
• Key Takeaways
• Message from SuperBottoms

What Makes the First 100 Days So Important?

The first 100 days—often called the fourth trimester—are a period of rapid adjustment for both babies and parents. During this time, your baby is adapting to life outside the womb while learning to feed, sleep, and respond to the world around them.

For parents, this phase often brings equal parts happiness, exhaustion, and uncertainty. There is no perfect routine and no perfect parent. The goal isn't perfection—it's building a secure, loving relationship while gradually understanding your baby's unique needs.

Expert Answer

The first 100 days are about helping your newborn feel safe, well-fed, warm, and comforted. Consistent, responsive care supports healthy growth and emotional bonding far more than following a rigid schedule.

As Dr C. Ashika (MBBS, MD Paediatrics, IBCLC, MIYCAN) explains:

"We do not want to be perfect parents. We want to become responsive, loving, learning, and better parents every day."

How Often Should a Newborn Feed?

Most healthy newborns need frequent feeds because their stomach capacity is very small and breast milk is easily digested.

Breastfed babies generally feed 8–12 times every 24 hours, although every baby develops their own feeding rhythm.

Many parents worry that frequent feeding means low milk supply. In reality, babies often feed for several reasons:

• Hunger
• Comfort
• Warmth
• Emotional regulation
• Falling asleep
• Growth spurts

One common pattern is cluster feeding, where babies take several short feeds over a few hours, especially during the evening.

Although tiring for parents, cluster feeding is completely normal and also helps stimulate breast milk production.

How Can You Tell If Your Baby Is Getting Enough Milk?

Rather than focusing only on how often your baby feeds, look for signs of healthy growth.

A well-fed newborn typically:

• Passes urine at least six times daily after Day 4
• Has soft yellow stools during the first few weeks
• Gradually regains birth weight within two weeks
• Gains weight steadily during early infancy
• Appears relaxed after feeds
• Is alert during wake periods
• Continues following their expected growth curve
  

What Parents Should Know

Feeding frequency varies greatly between babies. Instead of watching the clock, monitor wet diapers, weight gain, and your baby's overall alertness. These provide a much better picture of successful feeding.

If breastfeeding becomes painful, your baby struggles to latch, or weight gain is poor, seek help from a paediatrician or an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), as early support often prevents bigger challenges later.

A Parent's Experience

Many first-time parents say the biggest surprise is how often newborns feed.

"I thought my baby was constantly hungry because she wanted to nurse every hour. After speaking with my paediatrician, I learned she was cluster feeding, which made the first few weeks much less stressful."

While every family's experience is different, understanding normal newborn behaviour can reduce unnecessary anxiety.

What Should You Expect from Newborn Sleep?

Newborn sleep rarely looks like adult sleep.

During the first few weeks, babies have not yet developed a day-night rhythm. They wake frequently for feeding, comfort, and diaper changes.

Most newborns sleep approximately 14–17 hours across 24 hours, but these hours are usually divided into many short sleep cycles.

Night waking is completely normal.

Rather than trying to establish strict schedules immediately, focus on creating safe sleep habits.

A safe sleep environment includes:

• Always placing your baby on their back
• Using a firm mattress
• Keeping pillows, blankets, loose bedding, and stuffed toys out of the sleep area
• Avoiding sleeping with your baby on sofas or recliners

During the day, many babies sleep better while being held or during supervised contact naps.

Learning your baby's sleep cues—such as rubbing eyes, staring into space, or becoming quieter—can help you settle them before they become overtired.

Expert Answer

Frequent night waking during the newborn stage is biologically normal. Babies wake because they need feeding, comfort, and close contact, not because they are developing poor sleep habits.

Why Do Newborns Cry So Much?

Crying is your newborn's primary way of communicating.

Your baby may cry because they are:

• Hungry
• Sleepy
• Cold or hot
• Uncomfortable
• Overstimulated
• Needing comfort
• Experiencing gas

Many babies also become fussier during the evening—a phase often called the "witching hour."

While this can feel overwhelming, it usually improves naturally over time.

You can often soothe your baby by:

• Holding them close
• Skin-to-skin contact
• Rocking gently
• Breastfeeding
• Wearing them in a baby carrier
• Moving to a quieter environment

Remember that responding promptly to your baby's cries does not spoil them.

Consistent, loving responses help build secure attachment and emotional development during infancy.

How Should You Care for Your Baby's Skin and Umbilical Cord?

Newborn skin is thinner and more delicate than adult skin, so gentle care is usually all that's needed. Many common newborn skin conditions, such as peeling skin, newborn acne, and tiny white spots (milia), are temporary and usually improve without treatment.

A simple skincare routine includes:

• Bathe your baby after the umbilical cord stump has fallen off, unless your paediatrician advises otherwise.
• Two to three baths per week are generally enough during the newborn stage.
• Use a mild, fragrance-free baby cleanser.
• Keep bath time short (around 5–7 minutes).
• Apply a gentle moisturiser within a few minutes after bathing to help lock in moisture.
• Keep the diaper area clean and dry.
• Avoid using talcum powder, kajal, or harsh traditional remedies on your baby's skin.

How Should You Care for the Umbilical Cord?

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off within 7–14 days after birth.

Until then:

• Keep the area clean and dry.
• Fold the diaper below the stump to allow airflow.
• Avoid applying oils, powders, ointments, or home remedies unless recommended by your doctor.

Contact your paediatrician if you notice:

• Redness spreading around the cord
• Swelling
• Foul smell
• Yellow discharge
• Persistent bleeding

What Parents Should Know

The umbilical stump heals naturally in most babies. Keeping it clean, dry, and exposed to air whenever possible is usually the safest approach.

When Should Tummy Time Begin?

Tummy time can begin from the first few days after birth, provided your baby is awake and supervised.

Initially, even 1–2 minutes several times a day is enough.

As your baby grows, gradually increase tummy time until they are comfortably spending around 15–20 minutes per session by 3–4 months, spread across the day.

Regular tummy time helps:

• Strengthen neck and shoulder muscles
• Improve head control
• Support motor development
• Reduce the chance of developing a flat spot on the head
• Encourage rolling and crawling later

Many babies don't enjoy tummy time initially. Short, playful sessions work much better than trying to complete one long session.

What Newborn Essentials Do You Actually Need?

New parents often receive long shopping lists, but babies don't require dozens of products.

Instead, focus on safe, practical essentials you'll use every day.

A basic newborn checklist includes:

Parents often discover that buying fewer high-quality essentials is more practical than purchasing many products that remain unused.

What Should I Look for When Choosing Baby Diapers?

Whether you're considering disposable diapers or reusable cloth diapers, choosing the right diaper depends on your baby's comfort, your lifestyle, and your family's priorities.

Before comparing brands, look for these features:

Skin-friendly materials

Choose soft, breathable fabrics that reduce prolonged moisture exposure and minimise irritation.

Good absorbency

A diaper should keep your baby comfortable between changes while preventing leaks during naps and overnight sleep.

Proper fit

A snug but gentle fit around the waist and legs helps prevent leaks without leaving deep marks.

Ease of use

Look for diapers that are easy to change, especially during nighttime feeds.

Overall value

Instead of considering only the purchase price, think about long-term value, durability, and how frequently replacements are needed.

What to Look For

The best diaper isn't simply the one with the highest absorbency. Parents should balance skin safety, fit, leak protection, comfort, ease of washing (for reusable options), and overall cost over time.

Is It Worth Switching to Reusable Cloth Diapers?

Many parents in India explore reusable cloth nappies after the newborn stage because they can reduce long-term waste and repeated disposable diaper purchases.

Modern reusable cloth diapers are very different from traditional cloth nappies.

Many features:

• Adjustable sizing
• Leak-proof outer layers
• Highly absorbent inserts
• Washable, reusable construction
• Soft fabrics suitable for sensitive skin

For families comparing the best diapering options, reusable diapers may offer better long-term value, especially when used consistently.

💡 SuperBottoms Pick

SuperBottoms Newborn UNO helps parents looking for a reusable cloth diaper with an adjustable fit, soft fabric, and a leak-proof outer layer suitable for day-to-day diapering.

Newborn Diaper Options Comparison

Every family has different priorities. Some use disposable diapers while travelling and reusable options at home. Many parents find that combining both provides flexibility.

Why Are Vaccinations and Regular Check-ups Important?

Vaccinations protect babies against several serious infectious diseases during early childhood.

Keeping up with your baby's vaccination schedule also creates regular opportunities for your paediatrician to:

• Monitor weight gain
• Assess feeding
• Track developmental milestones
• Address parental concerns
• Identify health issues early

Missing scheduled vaccinations can leave babies vulnerable to preventable illnesses, so it's important to follow your paediatrician’s recommended immunisation schedule.

The first 100 days with your newborn are filled with learning, bonding, and adjustment. While every baby's routine will look different, focusing on responsive feeding, safe sleep, gentle skin care, regular tummy time, and timely medical check-ups can help build a strong foundation for healthy growth.

When choosing baby products, prioritise safety, comfort, ease of use, and long-term value over trends or unnecessary purchases. Whether you're selecting diapers, wipes, clothing, or skincare products, understanding what your baby truly needs will help you make confident decisions.

If you're looking for a reusable diapering solution that combines comfort, leak protection, and convenience, SuperBottoms Newborn UNO can be a practical option for everyday use.

Find the right fit → Shop SuperBottoms Newborn UNO.

Key Takeaways

1. The first 100 days are about responsive care, not perfect parenting. Feeding, comforting, and bonding with your baby matter more than following a strict routine.

2. Simple newborn care practices go a long way. Safe sleep, gentle skincare, tummy time, and regular paediatric visits support healthy development.

3. Choose baby essentials based on quality and practicality. Products that are skin-friendly, easy to use, and offer good long-term value can make everyday parenting easier.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How often should a newborn feed?

Most breastfed newborns feed 8–12 times within 24 hours. During growth spurts, frequent cluster feeding is common and usually helps increase milk supply. If your baby is gaining weight well and producing enough wet diapers, frequent feeding is generally normal.

2. Should I wake my newborn for feeds?

Yes, during the first few weeks your paediatrician may recommend waking your baby every few hours until they regain their birth weight and are feeding well. After that, many healthy babies can feed on demand, following your doctor's advice.

3. Is it normal for my baby to sleep during the day and stay awake at night?

Yes. Newborns have not yet developed a day-night body clock. This gradually improves over the first few months as they mature and are exposed to regular daytime light and nighttime darkness.

4. Does crying always mean my baby is hungry?

No. Babies cry to communicate many different needs, including tiredness, discomfort, overstimulation, gas, or simply wanting comfort and closeness. Learning your baby's cues becomes easier with time.

5. When should I contact a paediatrician?

Seek medical advice immediately if your newborn develops:

• Fever
• Difficulty breathing
• Poor feeding
• Persistent vomiting
• Reduced urine output
• Excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking
• Redness or discharge around the umbilical cord

6. Are reusable cloth diapers suitable for newborns?

Yes, many modern reusable cloth diapers are designed specifically for babies and can provide excellent comfort when they fit correctly. Look for breathable fabrics, good absorbency, a secure fit, and easy maintenance. 

7. Where can I buy the best reusable cloth diapers online in India?

Parents looking to buy reusable cloth diapers online in India should compare factors such as material quality, absorbency, ease of washing, customer reviews, sizing, and overall price rather than choosing based only on cost. Purchasing from the official SuperBottoms website ensures access to the latest products, sizing information, and genuine customer support.

8. Are reusable cloth diapers worth the price?

Although reusable diapers usually have a higher upfront price than individual disposable diapers, many families find they offer better long-term value because they can be washed and reused multiple times. The right choice depends on your baby's needs, your routine, and your family's preferences.

Message from SuperBottoms

Hi there, new parents! SuperBottoms brings you doctor-recommended cloth diapers - the best rash-free diapering solution for your baby’s sensitive and delicate skin. Unlike disposable diapers loaded with chemicals, our newborn cloth diapers, when used and washed properly, can help eliminate the risk of diaper rashes. SuperBottoms offers a wide range of safe, skin-friendly essentials for the whole family - including Reusable Cloth Diapers, Diaper Pants, DryFeel langots for diaper-free time, Padded Underwear for potty training, SuperSoft Underwear for everyday comfort, Joggers for playful days, and Period Underwear for women. Not just for everyday use, SuperBottoms products also make the best gifting choice for babies - thoughtful, eco-friendly, practical, and loved by parents. Now available on Amazon, Myntra, Flipkart, FirstCry, Zepto, Swiggy and Blinkit.