10 Newborn Misconceptions Every Parent Should Know

Learn the top 10 misconceptions about newborns that leave parents stressed. Pediatric nurse practitioner & mom Kelly-Ann Smith breaks them down with practical advice.

Jul 30, 2025

Dear Parents,

The newborn stage is filled with so much joy, wonder… and let’s be honest—confusion. As a pediatric nurse practitioner and mom, I’ve seen (and experienced!) how common it is for new parents to feel overwhelmed by all the advice and information thrown their way. Let’s clear the air and bust some of the biggest misconceptions about newborns so you can move forward with confidence and grace in this precious season.

a baby in a carrier — Photo by Brian Erickson on Unsplash

Top 10 Misconceptions About Newborns

1️⃣ “I’ll spoil my newborn if I hold them too much.”

This is one of the most common myths I hear from new parents (and well-meaning family members):

“Don’t hold the baby too much—you’ll spoil them!”

Let me reassure you: you absolutely cannot spoil a newborn by holding them.

Here’s why:

Your Baby’s Brain Is Wired for Connection

In the first few months of life, your baby’s brain is growing at an incredible pace. When you hold, cuddle, and respond to their cries, you’re doing much more than comforting them—you’re actually helping to:

• Build their sense of safety and trust in the world.

• Support their emotional regulation (babies can’t calm themselves yet!).

• Promote healthy brain development by reducing stress hormones like cortisol.

Far from “spoiling” your baby, holding them teaches them that their needs matter and that you are a safe place.

Holding Your Baby Builds Attachment—not Bad Habits

Think of these early weeks as the fourth trimester. Your newborn spent 9 months in the warmth, rhythm, and closeness of your womb. It’s natural for them to crave closeness now—they’re not trying to manipulate you or form “bad habits.”

What you’re doing is laying the foundation for a secure attachment, which research shows is linked to:

✅ Better emotional health later in life

✅ Stronger parent-child relationships

✅ Improved social and cognitive development

What About Independence?

Some parents worry that responding too quickly to every cry will make their baby clingy. The opposite is true. When babies feel safe and their needs are met consistently, they’re more likely to develop confidence and independence as they grow.

You’re not spoiling your baby by holding them. You’re teaching them the world is a safe place—and that’s one of the greatest gifts you can give.

Takeaway for New Parents:

Hold your baby as much as you want. Cuddle, rock, and wear them in a carrier if it makes life easier.

And if you need a break, that’s okay too—your baby will still thrive in your loving care.

2️⃣ “Newborns need a bath every day.”

A newborn’s skin is delicate and still developing its natural protective barrier. Frequent bathing—especially with soaps and warm water—can strip away the natural oils that keep their skin hydrated and healthy.

Here’s what you need to know:

✨ 2–3 times a week is plenty.

Until your baby starts crawling around and getting messy, a bath every other day or even every third day is enough to keep them clean and comfortable.

✨ Too much bathing can lead to dryness.

Over bathing may cause dry, flaky, or irritated skin. Babies are prone to conditions like eczema, and preserving their natural skin oils can help prevent these issues.

✨ Spot cleaning is your best friend.

On non-bath days, use a soft, damp cloth to gently clean their face, neck folds, hands, and diaper area. This is often called a “top and tail” wash and works beautifully to keep them fresh.

When Should You Bathe Your Newborn?

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends waiting until the umbilical cord stump falls off (usually 1–2 weeks after birth) before giving baby their first full bath. Until then, stick to sponge baths.

After that, you can introduce 2–3 gentle baths per week using lukewarm water and mild, fragrance-free baby soap only as needed.

Bath Time as Bonding Time

When you do give your baby a bath, make it a calm, cozy experience:

Keep baths short (5–10 minutes).

Check water temperature with your elbow—it should feel warm, not hot.

Use a soft washcloth and gentle motions.

End with cuddles and a light moisturizer to lock in hydration.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

Your baby doesn’t need daily baths. Fewer baths mean healthier skin, less dryness, and one less thing on your daily to-do list!

3️⃣ “Sleep when the baby sleeps is realistic for everyone.”

If you’ve welcomed a new baby, chances are you’ve heard this advice more than once:

“Just sleep when the baby sleeps!”

It’s meant to be encouraging, but let’s be honest—for many parents, it’s not always realistic.

Why the Advice Isn’t One-Size-Fits-All

In theory, sleeping when your newborn sleeps sounds like a great way to catch up on rest during those unpredictable newborn days. But in reality, there are plenty of reasons why this isn’t possible for everyone:

Other responsibilities – Laundry piles up, older kids need attention, or you’re trying to squeeze in meals and showers.

Postpartum anxiety – Many parents find it hard to relax or fall asleep during the day, even when they’re exhausted.

Short baby naps – Newborns often nap in short stretches (20–45 minutes), and by the time you wind down, they’re awake again.

What You Can Do Instead

While “sleep when the baby sleeps” might not work perfectly, here are realistic ways to prioritize rest:

✨ Lower expectations. It’s okay if dishes stay in the sink or laundry waits another day.

✨ Take micro-rests. Even lying down with your eyes closed for 10–15 minutes can be restorative.

✨ Ask for help. If possible, let a partner, friend, or family member hold the baby so you can nap uninterrupted.

✨ Create a rest-friendly environment. Use blackout curtains and white noise to make it easier to fall asleep when you do get the chance.

✨ Focus on nighttime sleep stretches. Once your pediatrician approves, gently work toward lengthening nighttime sleep by helping your baby learn day vs. night cues.

Give Yourself Grace 🫶🏽

The newborn stage is beautiful but exhausting, and you’re doing an incredible job—whether or not you can nap during the day. Prioritizing rest when and how you can (even in small ways) makes a difference.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

“ Sleep when the baby sleeps” isn’t realistic for everyone—and that’s okay. Focus on what works for your unique situation and give yourself grace in this season.

4️⃣ “Breastfeeding will come naturally.”

You’ve likely heard people say, “Breastfeeding is the most natural thing in the world.”

While breastfeeding is natural, that doesn’t mean it’s easy—or that it will automatically “click” for every mom and baby.

The truth? Breastfeeding is a learned skill—for both you and your baby. And like any skill, it can take time, practice, and support to get the hang of it.

Why Breastfeeding Can Be Challenging at First

Your newborn is born with reflexes like rooting and sucking, but they’re still learning how to coordinate them. Meanwhile, your body is adjusting to producing milk, healing from birth, and responding to your baby’s needs.

Here are some common challenges many parents face in the early days:

Latch difficulties – Getting a deep, effective latch takes practice (and sometimes troubleshooting).

Sore nipples or engorgement – These are common in the beginning and often improve with proper technique.

Uncertainty about milk supply – Many moms wonder, “Am I making enough milk?” even when everything is going fine.

Exhaustion and emotional highs & lows – Hormonal shifts and sleep deprivation can make the early days feel overwhelming.

Here’s the Good News

✔️ Most breastfeeding challenges can be addressed with education and support.

✔️ Working with a lactation consultant or trusted pediatric provider can make a world of difference.

✔️ Many moms who struggle in the first days or weeks go on to have positive, rewarding breastfeeding journeys.

And remember: there’s no shame in asking for help—it doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re doing everything you can to nourish your baby.

✨ Practical Tips for New Moms

✅ Take a breastfeeding class during pregnancy to learn what to expect.

✅ Ask for support early—a lactation consultant in the hospital or at your pediatrician’s office can help you troubleshoot.

✅ Skin-to-skin contact in the early days encourages your baby’s natural feeding reflexes and helps establish milk supply.

✅ Be patient with yourself and your baby. You’re both learning something brand new!

Takeaway for New Parents:

Breastfeeding doesn’t always come naturally—but with time, practice, and support, it often gets easier. And whatever your journey looks like, you’re doing an amazing job nourishing and loving your baby.

5️⃣ “If my baby isn’t pooping daily, something is wrong.”

It’s completely natural for new parents to pay close attention to their baby’s diapers—after all, poop can tell us a lot about how your baby is feeding and growing.

But here’s the truth: not all babies need to poop every day, and in many cases, it’s perfectly normal.

What’s Normal for Newborn Poop Patterns?

In the first days of life, your baby’s digestive system is adjusting to life outside the womb. Here’s what you can expect:

✅ Days 1–3 (Meconium) – Thick, sticky, black or dark green stools as baby clears out what’s been in their gut.

✅ Days 3–5 (Transition stools) – Greenish-yellow, looser stools as breast milk or formula starts moving through.

✅ After day 5: Breastfed babies often poop multiple times a day in the first few weeks. Formula-fed babies may poop a little less often.

When Less Frequent Poops Are Normal

Around 4–6 weeks, many breastfed babies stop pooping as frequently. Some can go several days (even up to a week!) without a bowel movement.

Why? Breast milk is so efficiently digested that there’s often very little waste left over. As long as:

✔️ Your baby is feeding well

✔️ Gaining weight appropriately

✔️ And their poop is soft when it does come…

…there’s usually no reason to worry.

🚨 When to Call Your Pediatrician

While infrequent pooping can be normal, there are times it’s worth checking in:

🚩 Your baby’s poop is hard, dry, or pellet-like (sign of constipation).

🚩 Their belly seems swollen or firm.

🚩 They seem unusually fussy or uncomfortable.

🚩 No poop at all in the first 48 hours of life.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

Poop frequency isn’t as important as poop quality. Soft, yellow, seedy stools in a breastfed baby—even if only every few days—are often normal.

If you’re ever unsure, reach out to your pediatrician for reassurance.

6️⃣ “My baby should sleep through the night early on.”

If you’re a new parent running on coffee and two hours of broken sleep, you’ve probably wondered:

“When will my baby finally sleep through the night?”

You may even hear stories about other babies sleeping 8+ hours at just a few weeks old—leaving you feeling like you’re doing something wrong.

Here’s the truth: it’s completely normal for newborns NOT to sleep through the night in the early months.

Why Newborn Sleep Is Different

Newborns have tiny tummies and immature circadian rhythms. Here’s why sleeping all night long isn’t realistic at first:

They need frequent feedings. Babies typically wake every 2–4 hours to eat in the early weeks because their stomachs can’t hold much milk at a time.

Day vs. night confusion. In the womb, your baby was lulled to sleep by movement during the day and often more active at night. Adjusting to the outside world’s day-night cycle takes time.

Brain development. Night wakings are actually protective and support healthy brain growth and development in the first few months.

What’s Normal?

• 0–3 months: Multiple night wakings are expected. Sleep often happens in stretches of 2–4 hours.

• 4–6 months: Some babies may begin sleeping longer stretches (6–8 hours), but many still wake 1–2 times overnight.

• 6+ months: Sleeping through the night (8–12 hours) becomes more likely, but even older babies may have regressions.

How to Support Healthy Sleep

✔️ Set realistic expectations. Remember, sleeping through the night is a milestone that looks different for every baby.

✔️ Help your baby learn day vs. night. Expose them to natural light during the day and keep nighttime feedings quiet and calm.

✔️ Establish a bedtime routine. Simple steps like a warm bath, feeding, and soft lullabies can cue your baby that it’s time for sleep.

✔️ Prioritize safe sleep. Always place your baby on their back in a crib or bassinet with a firm, flat surface and no loose bedding.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

Frequent night wakings in the newborn stage are normal and temporary. You are not creating bad habits by responding to your baby’s needs—you’re supporting their growth and security.

7️⃣ “Formula is harmful.”

In the parenting world, few topics are as emotionally charged as how we feed our babies.

You’ve likely heard the message that “breast is best”—and while breastfeeding has many wonderful benefits, this has sometimes led to an unintended and harmful idea:

“Formula is bad for babies.”

Here’s the truth: infant formula is a safe, healthy, and nourishing option for babies who need it.

Why This Myth Persists

Breastfeeding is often celebrated (and rightly so!) for its immune-boosting and bonding benefits. But when “breast is best” is presented as “breastfeeding or bust,” it can leave parents who use formula feeling guilty or judged.

The reality? Formula was designed to meet a baby’s nutritional needs and is rigorously regulated for safety. It provides all the proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals your baby needs to grow and thrive.

When Formula Can Be Essential

There are many reasons families choose to use formula—some planned, some unexpected:

✔️ Low milk supply or medical concerns in the parent.

✔️ Challenges with latching or feeding despite support.

✔️ Exclusive pumping not being sustainable long-term.

✔️ Personal choice or mental health considerations.

In these cases, formula can be a lifesaving tool, ensuring babies get the nutrition they need to grow.

Formula Feeding Facts

✅ Formula is not harmful to your baby’s brain or immune system.

✅ Babies fed formula still bond deeply with their caregivers.

✅ Modern formulas are carefully designed to mimic breast milk as closely as possible.

✅ A well-fed baby is a healthy baby—whether that’s breast milk, formula, or a combination of both.

Your Worth as a Parent Isn’t Defined by How You Feed

Feeding your baby should never feel like a measure of your love or commitment as a parent. Choosing formula—whether fully or partially—doesn’t mean you’ve failed. It means you’re making sure your baby is nourished, cared for, and thriving. And that’s what matters most.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

Formula is not harmful. It’s a safe, effective way to feed your baby—and you deserve to feel confident and supported in whatever feeding choice works best for your family.

8️⃣ “Crying always means that the baby is hungry.”

As a new parent, your baby’s cries can feel overwhelming—especially in the early days when you’re still learning what each sound means.

One of the most common assumptions is:

“If my baby is crying, they must be hungry.”

While hunger is one reason babies cry, it’s not the only one. In fact, crying is your baby’s main way of communicating a variety of needs in the newborn stage.

Why Do Newborns Cry?

Crying doesn’t always mean your baby needs to feed. Here are other common reasons newborns cry:

They’re tired or overstimulated. Babies often fuss when they’re trying to fall asleep or if they’ve been awake too long.

They need to burp or pass gas. Trapped air can be uncomfortable and lead to crying after feeds.

They need a diaper change. A wet or soiled diaper can make your baby feel fussy.

They’re too hot or too cold. Babies are sensitive to temperature changes and may cry to let you know they’re uncomfortable.

They want closeness. Babies crave skin-to-skin contact and the comfort of your voice and heartbeat.

How to Tell If It’s Hunger

Hunger cues often show up before crying. Watch for these early signs:

Rooting (turning head toward your hand or breast)

Sucking on hands or smacking lips

Restlessness or bringing hands to mouth

Crying from hunger is actually a late hunger cue—by this point, baby may be too upset to latch well right away.

Why This Myth Matters

If parents assume every cry means hunger, it can lead to:

✔️ Overfeeding and spit-up (especially with bottles)

✔️ Missed opportunities to address other needs like soothing or helping baby sleep

✔️ Parent stress and burnout from feeling unsure what baby wants

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

Crying is your baby’s way of communicating, not just asking for food. By learning their cues, you’ll become more confident in meeting their needs—and that takes time and practice.

9️⃣ “Swaddling is unsafe.”

If you’ve spent any time in parenting groups or scrolling online, you’ve probably heard mixed messages about swaddling:

“Don’t swaddle—it’s dangerous.”

Here’s the truth: when done correctly, swaddling is safe for newborns and can be a wonderful tool to help them feel calm and secure in the early weeks.

Why Swaddling Helps Newborns

Your baby spent nine months snug in the womb. The outside world—with its bright lights, sudden movements, and wide-open spaces—can feel overwhelming.

Swaddling mimics that cozy environment by:

✅ Soothing the startle reflex (those sudden jerky movements that wake them up)

✅ Helping babies feel secure as they adjust to life outside the womb

✅ Supporting longer stretches of sleep in the early weeks

🚨 When Swaddling Becomes Unsafe

While swaddling can be safe and helpful, there are important guidelines to follow:

✔️ Always place baby on their back to sleep. Swaddled babies should never be placed on their side or stomach.

✔️ Leave room at the hips. Swaddles that are too tight around the hips and legs can increase the risk of hip dysplasia. Baby’s legs should be able to bend and move naturally.

✔️ Stop swaddling at the first signs of rolling. Once your baby shows signs of rolling (often around 2–4 months), swaddling can become unsafe because it increases the risk of suffocation if baby rolls onto their stomach.

✔️ Choose safe swaddling methods. Avoid loose blankets in the crib—opt for swaddle sacks or wraps that are designed to stay secure.

So… Is Swaddling Right for Every Baby?

Not always. Some babies don’t enjoy being swaddled, and that’s okay! If your little one resists, try other soothing methods like skin-to-skin contact, gentle rocking, or a white noise machine.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

💡 Swaddling isn’t unsafe when done properly. It can be a wonderful tool to help your newborn adjust—but like all things in parenting, the key is using it safely and knowing when to stop.

🔟 “Good parents don’t need help.”

Parenting a newborn is one of the most beautiful—and challenging—seasons of life. Yet so many parents feel pressure to “do it all” and prove they’re capable without asking for support.

You may have heard (or thought):

“If I was a good parent, I’d know what to do on my own.”

Here’s the truth: there’s no trophy for doing it alone—and asking for help isn’t weakness. It’s strength.

Why This Myth Persists

In a world of Pinterest-perfect parenting and social media highlight reels, it’s easy to believe that “good” parents manage sleepless nights, cluster feeding, and endless diaper changes without breaking a sweat.

But here’s what’s often left out of the picture:

🌱 Parenting is a 24/7 job with no breaks, especially in the newborn stage.

🌱 Historically, parents were surrounded by a “village” of family and community support. Today, many parents are navigating early parenthood without that same safety net.

It’s no wonder so many feel exhausted and overwhelmed.

The Truth About Support

✔️ Asking for help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s smart parenting.

✔️ Support can come in many forms:

• A family member holding baby so you can nap or shower

• A friend dropping off a meal

• A lactation consultant or pediatric provider guiding you through feeding challenges

• A therapist or support group helping you process postpartum emotions

✔️ You don’t have to do it all to be enough for your baby.

📝 Simple Ways to Build Your Village

🤍 Make a list of 3 people you feel comfortable reaching out to when you need practical or emotional support.

🤍 Say yes to offers of help (even if it’s just someone folding laundry or holding baby for 20 minutes).

🤍 Explore local or virtual new parent groups—sometimes just talking to others in the same stage is incredibly validating.

✨ Takeaway for New Parents:

💡 Good parents don’t “go it alone.” They know when to reach out for support—because raising a tiny human was never meant to be a solo act.

Final Thoughts

The newborn period is tender and fleeting, but it can also feel overwhelming. Remember: there’s no such thing as a perfect parent. With love, rest, and a little guidance, you’re doing exactly what your baby needs.

✨ If you found this helpful, forward it to a friend who’s in the newborn stage—they may need this reassurance today!

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Next up in my free newsletter: Mastering the Proper Latch: Breastfeeding Tips for a Pain-Free Experience