Are you a new mother with no experience with babies? Don't panic. Most is instinct and be sure and have good conversations with your pediatrician. Don’t think that you will be an expert or even need to be.

You just need to get to know your baby. Here are some ways that you can tell if your newborn is coming along fine. *Remember: These are only guidelines and not medical advice. Be sure and get into a good relationship with your baby's doctor and converse often!

You do need to know if your baby is being fed enough. You judge this by having your baby weighed and make sure it is gaining weight as appropriate. New babies will often lose some weight in the first few hours. But your baby's doctor or nurse will know how well your baby is gaining weight. You can generally judge if they are eating good by counting the number of soiled diapers. If you are making about 8 to 10 changes a day, you are on track. Also, remember that your baby may experience periods of bigger and smaller growth.

Your baby was in your womb for 9 months and has gotten to know your voice. If your voice has a soothing effect on your baby, that's good! Hearing you and being in warm skin to skin contact is valuable. Your baby should calm down quickly during this time, but remember babies cry for a variety of reasons. Overall, your voice and touch should calm him.

How active is your baby? Does it sleep all day with hardly any awake time? Your baby should be very alert a few times a day. This will develop eye control and stimulate their minds. Quietly alert is what you want to see, at least by age 1 month. Your baby will get more and more alert often.

Can you get your baby to react to sounds from different directions.

Does your baby move or shift its eyes when you turn on music? Sounds that you might not like are probably more preferable to your baby. Like the vacuum cleaner! Your baby should give some reaction to sounds.

Does your baby make eye contact with you and strangers? Even smile while doing so? Even giggling or making cooing sounds. This is normal. Your baby is learning to socialize.

See if you can get your baby to follow the movements of a toy in your hand. Is there something moving, like a curtain in the wind, and your baby is content just to watch it? Bright colors are really good for stimulation.

You may not believe it, but soon your baby will be sleeping more at night. But don't look for quick miracles. Generally by age 4 months, babies are sleeping longer at night. You can actually do a little control of that. Get your baby on a schedule. Talk with your doctor about this. Your baby should not be waking up at odd hours that are different each night.

By 1 month your baby should be able to hold its head up on its own. Certainly by 3 months they should have some control over head movements. Putting your baby on their stomachs can get them trying and learning more. They will practice rolling and sitting up.

Now remember, these are only guidelines. You need to take your baby to your clinic or doctor as often as your doctor suggests. Be sure and take the time to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have.

Medical Dislaimer: This Website provides users with general baby care and breastfeeding information only to assist mothers and babies. We are not giving medical advice or diagnosis. Nothing contained on this Website should be construed as medical advice or diagnosis. You are urged and advised to seek the advice of a physician before doing any baby care or breastfeeding.

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