Welcoming a new baby into your life is a joyful and transformative experience. But for new parents, it can also bring a wave of questions, concerns, and uncertainty. That’s why we’ve created this month-by-month baby care guide — to help you understand your child’s needs as they grow, and to give you the confidence to care for them at each stage.
Whether you’re caring for your newborn’s first bath or wondering when tummy time should start, this guide covers the essential areas of baby care: feeding, hygiene, sleep, and development.
Month 1: The Newborn Phase
Your baby is just beginning to adapt to life outside the womb. It’s a delicate time for both the baby and the parents.
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Feeding: Breastfeed or formula-feed on demand — typically every 2–3 hours.
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Hygiene: Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry. Use sponge baths until it falls off.
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Sleep: Newborns sleep 16–17 hours a day but in short stretches (2–3 hours).
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Developmental tip: Skin-to-skin contact helps with bonding and regulation of baby’s temperature.
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Month 2: Settling into a Rhythm
Your baby may start to stay awake longer and begin recognizing your voice and face.
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Feeding: Still feeding every few hours. Burp your baby often to reduce gas.
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Hygiene: Bathe 2–3 times a week. Clean hands, face, and diaper area daily.
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Sleep: Begin to notice sleep patterns; nighttime sleep may slightly lengthen.
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Developmental tip: Introduce supervised tummy time to strengthen neck muscles.
Month 3: Interaction Begins
Your baby starts smiling socially and responds more to people.
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Feeding: Appetite may increase during growth spurts.
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Hygiene: Monitor diaper rashes and ensure frequent diaper changes.
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Sleep: 14–16 hours/day, with 4–6 hours potentially at night.
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Developmental tip: Talk, sing, and make eye contact frequently to build connection.
Months 4–6: Growing Curiosity
By now, your baby is becoming more active and expressive.
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Feeding: Introduce solid foods at 6 months (as per your pediatrician’s guidance).
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Hygiene: Use gentle, tear-free shampoo and baby-safe lotion for skin hydration.
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Sleep: Bedtime routines help establish sleep consistency.
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Developmental tip: Encourage grasping toys and mirror play for brain development.
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Months 7–9: Active Exploration
This is when babies start crawling, sitting up, and exploring the world around them.
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Feeding: Expand solid foods and encourage finger foods.
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Hygiene: Start brushing their gums with a soft baby toothbrush.
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Sleep: Most babies sleep 10–12 hours at night, with 2 naps in the day.
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Developmental tip: Provide safe spaces and toys to explore and boost motor skills.
Months 10–12: Standing and Stepping
You’re now entering the toddler zone — prepare for a lot of movement and curiosity!
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Feeding: Offer a variety of textures and let your baby self-feed when possible.
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Hygiene: Teach basic hygiene habits like wiping their face or using a soft cloth.
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Sleep: Keep consistent naps and bedtime schedule to avoid sleep regressions.
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Developmental tip: Read books, dance, and allow safe walking practice.
Extra Tips for Every Month
Regardless of age, here are essential reminders for new parents:
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Diapering: Change diapers every 2–3 hours to avoid rashes.
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Skin Care: Use mild, fragrance-free products to avoid irritation.
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Vaccination: Stay on top of immunization schedules.
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Environment: Ensure your home is baby-proofed — no sharp objects, choking hazards, or uncovered sockets.
And remember: you don’t have to do it all alone.
👩🍼 Need a Helping Hand at Home?
Caring for a baby full-time can be overwhelming, especially when you need to rest, work, or manage household tasks. That’s why Bab Al Arab Group offers professional Babysitting Services in Dubai — to support your journey as a new parent.
Our babysitters are trained in:
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Infant hygiene and feeding
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Safe sleep practices
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Early stimulation and learning
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Emergency response and first aid
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Final Thoughts
The first year of a baby’s life is filled with incredible milestones and memorable moments. While it can be challenging, understanding what your child needs each month — and preparing in advance — will make the journey more joyful.
At Bab Al Arab Group, we’re committed to making your parenting experience easier, more informed, and better supported — whether through expert babysitting or trusted content.
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