Daily Care Guide

Evidence-based guidelines for establishing healthy daily care routines for your baby.

Feeding Guidelines

Feeding Schedule by Age

0-3 months

  • • Feed every 2-3 hours
  • • 8-12 feedings per day
  • • 2-3 oz per feeding
  • • Wake for night feeds

4-6 months

  • • Feed every 3-4 hours
  • • 6-8 feedings per day
  • • 4-6 oz per feeding
  • • May sleep through night

7-12 months

  • • Feed every 4-5 hours
  • • 4-6 feedings per day
  • • 6-8 oz per feeding
  • • Solid foods introduced

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics Feeding Guidelines, 2023

Feeding Best Practices

  • • Watch for hunger cues (rooting, sucking motions)
  • • Ensure proper latch/bottle position
  • • Burp after 2-3 ounces
  • • Never prop bottles
  • • Track wet/dirty diapers

Diaper Care

Expected Changes

Newborn (0-1 month)

  • • 8-12 wet diapers daily
  • • 3-4 bowel movements daily
  • • Change every 2-3 hours

1-12 months

  • • 6-8 wet diapers daily
  • • 1-4 bowel movements daily
  • • Change every 3-4 hours

Diaper Change Tips

  • • Clean front to back
  • • Allow air drying
  • • Use barrier cream
  • • Secure tabs properly
  • • Check for proper fit
  • • Monitor for rash

Hygiene & Bathing

Bath Time Guidelines

Frequency & Timing

  • • 2-3 times per week for newborns
  • • Daily for older infants
  • • Keep baths short (5-10 minutes)
  • • Best before bedtime routine

Safety Measures

  • • Water temperature 90-100°F
  • • Never leave unattended
  • • Use infant tub
  • • Keep supplies within reach

Daily Hygiene Tasks

  • • Clean face and neck folds
  • • Wipe gums/brush teeth
  • • Clean umbilical area (newborns)
  • • Trim nails when needed
  • • Change clothes as needed

When to Call Doctor

Feeding Concerns

  • • Poor weight gain
  • • Refusing multiple feeds
  • • Excessive vomiting
  • • Signs of dehydration
  • • Difficulty feeding

Hygiene Concerns

  • • Severe diaper rash
  • • Umbilical infection signs
  • • Skin infections/rashes
  • • Abnormal stool patterns
  • • Persistent crying

References & Research

Academic Sources

  • • American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Infant Feeding Guidelines.
  • • World Health Organization. (2023). Infant and Young Child Care.

Clinical Research

  • • Pediatrics. (2023). "Best Practices in Infant Care."
  • • Journal of Pediatric Nursing. (2023). "Infant Hygiene and Health Outcomes."

Developmental Studies

  • • Child Development. (2023). "Impact of Routine Care on Infant Development."
  • • Pediatric Research. (2023). "Feeding Patterns and Growth."

Additional Resources

  • • CDC Infant Care Guidelines
  • • AAP Parent Resources
  • • WHO Feeding Recommendations