You will spend these first months getting to know your new baby. You will get into a routine together and you will start to learn the ways your baby tells you what they need. You are your new baby’s whole world. You will give them all the things they need, including love, attention and a feeling of safety.

Your Baby’s Brain

Right from birth, your baby is having new experiences with all of their senses. These experiences create new connections in their brain—and you are the source of most of these experiences. When you play with, sing and talk to your baby, you help their brain to develop and you make your bond with your baby stronger.

Giving Your Baby Loving Care

You can show love to your baby with your care and attention. Babies feel safe and secure when they can feel, hear or see you close to them. 

• Hug, cuddle and kiss your baby. 
• Talk in a soothing voice or sing to them. Read On Arizona has some ideas on how to talk to your baby on its Smart Talk page 
• Respond to your baby’s cries right away. In fact, babies often cry less when you respond to them quickly. 

Ages and Stages

As your baby grows, you will notice new things that they can do. All babies are different, but there are age ranges when babies usually do certain things. Talk to your pediatrician if you have questions about how your baby is developing.

Helping Your Baby Sleep

Newborn babies usually sleep for about two hours at a time. As your baby grows older, they will sleep for longer periods. When your baby wakes up at night, change and feed them, then put them back in their crib. Keep the lights dim. You can soothe your baby by talking quietly to them. You can also start a bedtime routine that helps your baby know it’s nighttime. This can be a bath, a story and a last feeding.

During the day, encourage your baby to stay alert when they are awake. Daytime is the best time to sing and play with them. When you notice signs that your baby is sleepy, such as yawning or fussing, placeΩ them in their crib. This helps them learn to fall asleep on their own.

Research shows that physical activity helps babies get more sleep.