Baby on the Way

Having a baby is exciting. It can also feel like a lot.

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Feel confident from day one with the free Pathways.org Baby Milestones App. Track Baby’s milestones, watch quick videos, and learn simple activities—so you know what to expect and when to ask questions.

Getting Prepared — Practical Prep Tips

1. Create Meals & Stock Essentials

• Prepare freezer meals to make early days easier.

• Build a grocery list of staples and share it with friends/family who want to help.

2. Choose Your Pediatrician

• Find and confirm your pediatric healthcare provider. Call the pediatric office to make sure they are accepting new patients.

• Your first well-baby visit usually occurs about 3–5 days after birth.

3. Install & Practice with the Car Seat

• Car seat installation can be tricky. Practice early so you’re confident and ready.

• Make sure it is installed in your car well in advance. Babies don’t always come on schedule.

4. Pack Your Hospital Bag

• Pack well before your due date. Include essentials such as clothes for you and Baby, important documents, and a long phone charger.

5. Prepare Your Household

• Help siblings and pets adjust.

• Discuss photo and visiting preferences with your partner so you’re on the same page for the birth experience.

First Few Days at Home

Those first days are about feeding, sleeping, and bonding.

Feeding

Newborns eat often! Usually every 2–3 hours.

Watch for hunger signs like:

• Sucking on hands

• Turning toward your touch

• Opening their mouth

Sleep

Newborns sleep a lot. They may sleep 14–17 hours a day, but not all at once. Short sleep times are normal.

Safe Sleep Basics

Always place your baby:

• Alone

• On their back

• In a crib or bassinet

Keep pillows, blankets, and toys out of the sleep space. A firm mattress with a fitted sheet is best.

Bonding

Hold your baby close. Talk, sing, and make eye contact. Your voice and touch help your baby feel safe.

Start Supporting Development Right Away

You do not need special toys. You are your baby’s favorite thing!

Tummy Time

• Start Tummy Time soon after birth.

• Place Baby on their tummy for short times while they are awake and you are watching.

• This helps build strong neck and shoulder muscles.

Talk and Sing

• Talk during diaper changes and feeding.

• Sing songs.

• Your baby learns from hearing your voice.

Make Face-to-Face Time

• Hold your baby about 8–12 inches from your face.

• Let them look at you.

• Smile and respond when they make sounds.

You Are Not Alone

Parenting takes time to learn. It is okay to ask for help.

Pathways.org offers free videos, checklists, and simple tools to help you feel confident and informed.

You’ve got this. And we’re here to help.

Baby develops so much in the first few years (and even months!) of life!

Learn more about neuroplasticity in babies and how baby's brain develops.

There’s so much more to explore!

This is just the beginning of our information and resources for new parents! To learn more about newborn care, track baby’s milestones, find answers to common questions, and watch our helpful videos, check out the links below.

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Our Promise

• Our milestones are from Center for Disease Control (CDC) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) materials.

• Our resources are developed with and approved by expert pediatric physical and occupational therapists and speech-language pathologists.

• Our information reflects the most current research studies, vetted by our team of medical professionals and the Pathways.org Medical Roundtable.

“As a pediatric healthcare provider and parent, Pathways.org has become a major tool in everyday life. Patient’s families love the visual representation of my recommendations such as Tummy Time and other developmental play ideas. In a world of ‘browse searching’, having a reliable source supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics is very important.” - Ana-Marie Rojas, MD