When my baby was born, I was overjoyed and… overwhelmed. I thought I had read every “newborn care guide” possible. But in real life, I still made mistakes. They were small ones. But they did feel big as first-time parents.

Sometimes I worried over nothing, other times I missed things that really mattered. Over the first year, I learned which mistakes cost the most—and how I could’ve avoided them. I'd like to share this list with you, outlining common mistakes new parents make in baby care and offering guidance on how to prevent them.

1.     Overfeeding or Underfeeding the Baby

Many new parents worry that their baby is not getting enough to eat. As a result, they feed the baby way too often. Then some parents wait too long between feeds. They wait for the baby to start crying and asking for milk.

Why it’s a mistake:

Overfeeding can lead to discomfort, gas, and spitting up. On the other hand, underfeeding can cause poor weight gain.

Infants typically need to eat every 2–3 hours in the newborn stage.

Research indicates that newborns typically consume 1.5–3 ounces per feeding. The frequency matters more than ample amounts.

How to avoid overfeeding or underfeeding in a Baby

• Learn baby’s hunger cues (rooting, sucking hands, fussiness).
• Adopt a loose routine, but don’t Stress over exact timing.
• Ask your paediatrician if you’re unsure how much formula or breast milk your baby needs.

2.     Unrealistic Baby Sleep Expectations

Many parents make the mistake of thinking that the baby will sleep through the night. And that too, too soon.

They expect that by 3 months or earlier, their baby will start sleeping through the night. They push schedules, avoid night feedings, or get frustrated when the baby wakes often.

Why it’s a mistake:

Most babies don’t sleep long stretches early on. Pushing too early can cause Stress for both the baby and you.

Experts list mismanaging sleep expectations as one of the top mistakes new parents make.

Studies show that only 57% of infants consistently sleep through the night. Knowing this can help you set realistic expectations about newborn baby sleep.

How to avoid it:

• Accept that frequent nighttime wake-ups are a regular part of infancy.
• Build a gentle sleep routine. You should dim the lights, have quiet time, swaddle or use a sleep sack.
• Put the baby down when they are drowsy but not fully asleep, so they can start to self-soothe.
• Don’t rush "sleep training" before the baby is developmentally ready.

3.     Poor Feeding Latch or Technique

Many first-time parents are new to breastfeeding. As a result, they let the baby latch incorrectly, or rely too much on tips from well-meaning friends instead of professionals.

Sometimes, they find the solution in switching to a supplement formula too early.

Why it’s a mistake:

An improper latch leads to low milk transfer. It can cause soreness, leaking, and frustration. Capital Area Paediatrics lists "not using a good latch" as one of the top breastfeeding mistakes new moms make.

Feeding struggles are one of the most frequently searched newborn care tips among first-time mothers. According to CDC data, about 60% of mothers stop breastfeeding earlier than they intended. This is often due to latch and supply challenges.

How to avoid it:

• Ask a lactation consultant early (hospital or clinic).
• Use comfortable positions, such as the cross-cradle or football hold.
• Watch for the baby's chin touching the breast, a wide mouth, and lip flaring outward.
• If supplementing, do so under guidance, not as a first step.

4.     Ignoring Safe Sleep Guidelines

Most of us, as parents, like to create a fabulous baby décor for our newborn. We often use soft bedding, pillows, and let the baby sleep in bed with us or on their tummy.

Why it’s a mistake:

These practices increase the risk of SIDS. What is SIDS? It is Sudden Infant Death Syndrome. Experts emphasise following safe sleep guidelines to reduce the risk.

The American Academy of Paediatrics stresses that following safe sleep practices reduces SIDS risk by up to 50%. This makes safe sleep one of the most essential pieces of infant care advice.

How to avoid it:

• Always place your baby on its back to sleep in a crib or bassinet, flat and firm.
• Use only a fitted sheet. There should be no blankets, pillows, bumpers, or stuffed animals.
• Keep the baby's sleep space in your bedroom for at least the first 6 months.
• Avoid soft surfaces (such as sofas, couches, and adult beds) for sleeping.

5.     Overbuying Baby Gear & Getting Caught Up in Trends

As soon as we hear the news of the pregnancy, we start shopping. We want to stay prepared. We conduct our research and gather as much information as possible for the baby.

However, as new parents, we sometimes end up purchasing dozens of gadgets, monitors, accessories, “smart” devices, and trendy items before even knowing what’s truly needed.

Why it’s a mistake:

This can lead to clutter, overspending, and distraction from the core aspects of baby care. Boston Baby Nurse says “going baby gear overboard” is a common new-parent pitfall.

First-time parents often Google "baby strollers," "car seats," "best baby monitors," and "new baby home care checklists." However, the truth is that newborns need far less than marketing suggests.

How to avoid it:

• Start with essentials: a safe crib, a car seat, diapers, and basic clothes.
• Wait before buying extras. Use what you genuinely need first.
• Read user reviews, check recalls, and choose products that are safe and age-appropriate.
• Remember: your attention, touch, and care often matter more than fancy toys or devices.

6.     Not Using a Baby Car Seat Correctly

A baby car seat is essential when bringing your baby home from the hospital after delivery. However, many new parents are unsure of how to use a baby care seat correctly. They end up placing the baby in a forward-facing position too soon. They may install the seat incorrectly or use loose straps.

Why it’s a mistake:

Car seat misuse is dangerous. The CDC reports that nearly 46% of car seats are installed incorrectly.

How to avoid it:

• Keep babies rear-facing until at least age two or until they outgrow the seat's weight or height limits.
• Follow the manual carefully and get the seat checked by a certified technician.
• Ensure harness straps are snug and chest clips are at armpit level.

7.     Comparing Baby’s Development to Others

First-time parents often worry if their baby is behind in development and growth. This is more worrying when another baby around them crawled, walked, or talked sooner.

Why it’s a mistake:

Every baby develops at their own pace. Stressing over comparisons often causes unnecessary anxiety.

Experts note that some babies start crawling at 6 months, while others wait until 10 months. Both are normal ranges.

How to avoid it:

• Track milestones, but don’t panic if your baby is a little early or late.
• Focus on consistent progress and growth.
• Discuss concerns with your paediatrician rather than comparing with friends or social media.

8.     Not Asking for Help

First-time parents are always overly conscious of being judged. After learning parenting basics from numerous books, articles, and online tutoring videos, they think they have it all figured out, and there is no room for mistakes.

Hence, they try to handle everything themselves. They believe they should “do it all.”

Why it’s a mistake:

Yes, there is no room for errors in being a parent, but that does not mean parenting can take over you. It doesn't have to turn into burnout. Lack of support can lead to exhaustion and Stress. This affects both parent and baby.

How to avoid it:

• Ask family or friends to pitch in with meals, chores, or babysitting.
• Join a parenting group or online community for advice and encouragement.
• Remember: self-care for new parents is not selfish. It is essential.

9.     Forgetting to Burp the Baby

Sometimes we are in a hurry. So we may skip burping after feeding. This often happens when the baby seems calm or sleepy.

Why it’s a mistake:

Babies swallow air while feeding, and not burping can cause gas, fussiness, or spitting up.

How to avoid it:

• Burp baby mid-feed and after feeding.
• Try different positions: over the shoulder, sitting upright, or face-down on your lap.
• Make it part of your routine. It only takes a minute and prevents discomfort.

10.    Not Reacting to Warning Signs of Baby Illness

There may be signs and symptoms that are unusual or off. As parents who are busy or overworked with being a new parent, sometimes we wait too long, thinking “maybe it’s nothing,”

Why it’s a mistake:

Babies can decline quickly. Issues such as fever, laboured Breathing, persistent vomiting, or dehydration are serious. Early action matters.

According to the AAP, newborns younger than 3 months with a fever of 100.4°F or higher should be seen by a doctor immediately. Many parents overlook this critical baby care tip.

How to avoid it:

• Take your baby's temperature; if it is over 100.4°F (38°C) in infants younger than 3 months, seek medical advice.
• Look for signs such as laboured Breathing, blue lips, a weak cry, inability to feed, and fewer wet diapers.
• Trust your instincts. If something feels off, call your paediatrician.
• Keep your doctor's number visible and know the location of your nearest emergency clinic.

Baby Care Is a Process of Continuous Learning

Making mistakes does not mean you are a bad parent. We all make mistakes. It means you’re human.

Every new parent learns, adjusts, and grows. What matters is catching the ones that matter. You should know when to act and forgive yourself.

Figuring out how to take care of a newborn, searching for baby care tips for first-time parents, or navigating the infancy stage, in all cases, you must remember: you don’t have to get it perfect. You need to keep trying, learning, and listening to your baby and yourself.