Essential Things You Should NEVER Do with a Newborn
- TARAH ALEXIS
- Oct 30
- 4 min read
Caring for a newborn is a profound experience, but it's also filled with potential pitfalls that can affect their safety, health, and emotional development. Based on guidance from pediatric experts, here are critical actions to avoid. These are drawn from reputable sources like the American Academy of Pediatrics and child development specialists. NOTE: Always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice, as every baby is unique.
Feeding and Health
Do Not Give Water to a Newborn. Even a Few Sips Can Be Harmful.
Babies under 6 months should get only breast milk or infant formula.
Their kidneys are not fully mature, so they cannot process excess water effectively. Introducing water to infants can pose serious health risks.
Water Intoxication (Low sodium or Hyponatremia): Excess water dilutes the sodium levels in a baby's blood. This can cause seizures, brain swelling, lethargy, irritability, or even coma in severe cases. It's especially dangerous for babies under 6 months who are vomiting, have diarrhea.
Reduced Nutrient Intake: Offering water can fill up their tiny stomachs, causing them to drink less breast milk or infant formula. This leads to inadequate calories, vitamins, and antibodies, potentially resulting in poor weight gain, dehydration, or weakened immunity.
Other Concerns: Tap or bottled water might contain contaminants like bacteria, nitrates, or heavy metals that a newborn's immature digestive system cannot handle.
Health organizations like the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and Mayo Clinic unanimously advise against giving infants water.
When Can You Introduce Water to a Newborn?
Starting at 6 Months: Once your baby begins eating solid foods (around 6 months), you can offer small amounts of water (about 4 to 8 ounces per day) in an open cup, sippy cup, or straw cup. This helps with transitioning to solids and practicing drinking skills. Even then, water should not replace milk/formula as the primary drink.
Always Prioritize Milk/Formula: Continue breastfeeding or formula-feeding as the main source of nutrition until at least 12 months.
Tips for Hydration in Newborns
Feed on demand: Newborns typically need 8–12 feedings per day of breast milk or formula.
Signs of Adequate Hydration: 6+ wet diapers per day, alert behavior, and steady weight gain.
If Concerned: Talk to your pediatrician before offering any extras, especially in hot weather or if your baby seems dehydrated.
Other Feeding and Health Considerations
Never warm bottles in the microwave: It creates dangerous hot spots that can burn your baby's mouth; Warm bottles in warm water instead.
Never ignore signs of fever in a newborn under 3 months: A rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher is an emergency—seek immediate medical care.
Never dilute formula or skip proper breastfeeding latching: Incorrect mixing can lead to malnutrition; follow exact instructions or consult a lactation expert.
Sleep and SIDS Prevention
Never put your baby to sleep on their stomach or side: Always place them on their back in a crib or bassinet to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Never use soft bedding, pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the sleep area: These can cause suffocation or entrapment; keep the sleep space bare except for a fitted sheet.
Never co-sleep by sharing a bed with your baby: It increases risks of SIDS, suffocation, or rolling over on them—especially if you've consumed alcohol, drugs, or are exhausted. Opt for room-sharing instead.
Never let your baby sleep in unapproved products like car seats, swings, or loungers: These can lead to airway obstruction if they fall asleep; move them to a flat, firm sleep surface immediately.
Handling and Physical Safety
Never shake your baby, even in play or frustration: This can cause severe brain bleeding, injury, or death—known as shaken baby syndrome.
Never lift or carry your baby by their arms or under the armpits: Their neck muscles are weak, so always support the head and neck fully to prevent injury.
Never leave your baby unattended on elevated or soft surfaces: Even on a bed, couch, or changing table, they can roll and fall—always keep one hand on them or use a safe, enclosed space.
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, even for a second: Drowning can happen quickly in shallow water; stay within arm's reach at all times.
Never bounce, jiggle, or roughly handle a fussy newborn: Their fragile bodies can't handle it—use gentle rocking or soothing techniques instead.
Emotional and Developmental Care
Never ignore your baby's cries or signals of discomfort: Responding promptly builds trust and prevents anxiety; letting them "cry it out" can lead to long-term stress responses.
Never leave your baby alone for extended periods: Newborns need constant physical closeness to feel secure and develop empathy; isolation can cause emotional distress.
Never withhold holding or cuddling: Babies thrive on touch for brain development and hormone regulation—hold them skin-to-skin as much as possible.
Never punish or scold your newborn: They can't understand or learn from it, and it erodes trust while activating harmful stress responses.
Everyday Precautions
Never take your newborn to crowded indoor places in the first 2 months: Their immune systems are vulnerable—limit exposure to germs and opt for fresh air outdoors.
Never overdress or overheat your baby: Keep the room at 68–72°F and use one extra layer than you'd wear; overheating raises SIDS risk.
Never use bulky clothing like puffy jackets in car seats: It can compress in a crash, loosening the harness—dress in layers and add a blanket over the straps.
By steering clear of these, you'll help your newborn feel safe and supported during their first precious weeks. Remember, it's normal to feel overwhelmed—reach out to your healthcare provider or support networks for help. You've got this!
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