If you’re expecting a baby — or recently brought one home — you’ve likely had a moment (or several) of wondering, “Am I doing this right?” You’re not alone.
“Babies don’t come with an instruction manual,” says Meaghan Flechas Smith, MD, pediatrician with Our Lady of the Lake Children’s Health. “There are so many questions, especially in the newborn stage. We want parents to feel confident — not overwhelmed — when they bring their baby home.”
That’s the idea behind ParentingU: Baby 101, a resource created for new and expecting parents, designed to ease anxieties and answer those “Is this normal?” questions that pop up in the first days, weeks and months of life with a newborn. Dr. Smith joined Brian Haldane for a recent episode of Medical Monday.
Real Talk, Real Advice: What New Parents Really Want to Know
ParentingU: Baby 101 tackles the newborn basics head-on, covering everything from feeding and sleep to car seat safety and decoding cries.
“I’d say that most parents have tons of questions about feeding because it can be so confusing,” Dr. Smith shares. “But I find sleep, especially when they’re a couple months old, is when it becomes a big hot question as well.”
When it comes to feeding, it’s not one-size-fits-all. There’s so much information — and misinformation — out there. ParentingU cuts through that and give parents support that actually works.
“Take a deep breath,” she advises. “Whenever you are stressed, baby can sense that you’re stressed out a bit.”
Sleep is another hot topic.
“We cover safe sleep practices like the ABCs: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib,” Dr. Smith says. “But we also talk about how to build good sleep habits from the start, even during naps.”
And when it comes to car seat safety, even confident parents have questions.
“The most common mistake I see is parents adding extra padding or accessories,” Dr. Smith explains. “It’s not always intuitive, and a hands-on visual goes a long way.”
From Crying to Confidence
A big part of Baby 101 is clearing up myths and giving parents peace of mind.
“People assume that crying always means something is wrong, but it’s how babies communicate,” Dr. Smith says. “You’ll quickly start to recognize what different cries mean. A healthy baby can cry for up to two hours a day without needing anything to be ‘fixed.’”
One more myth Dr. Smith is quick to bust? That more expensive means better.
“We hear this a lot with formula and baby gear,” she says. “It’s not about the price tag. It’s about safety, comfort and what works best for your family.
Parenting Is a Team Sport
ParentingU guidance isn’t just for moms.
“Bring dad, bring grandma, bring whoever is going to help you take care of this baby,” Dr. Smith says. “Even though they said they raised you perfectly, everyone could use a refresher on how to best take care of a new baby.”
Whether you’re preparing to welcome your first child or you’re already in the newborn trenches, Baby 101 is built to give you something invaluable: confidence.
“I think the most important thing that a parent can take away from this is a little bit of confidence,” Dr. Smith says. “Of course, you’re still going to have questions when your little one comes. But knowing that you have a pediatrician on your side and just a little bit of confidence to go with it goes a long way.”
