How much do you really know about caring for a baby? Whether you are expecting, a new parent, or looking after a little one, this quick 12-question quiz covers the essentials of safe sleep, feeding, bathing, and when to get medical help. Choose an answer for each question, and you will see the correct answer and a short explanation straight away.
Key facts to remember about infant care
- Safe sleep: place your baby on their back for every sleep, in their own cot or Moses basket in your room for at least the first 6 months, on a firm, flat mattress with nothing else in it.
- Avoid overheating: a room temperature of about 16 to 20 degrees C is recommended, and your baby's head should stay uncovered.
- No sofa sleeping: never fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair.
- Feeding: breast milk or infant formula is all your baby needs for about the first 6 months, and then solid foods can begin gradually.
- Honey: do not give it to babies under 12 months, because of the risk of infant botulism.
- Fever: a temperature of 38 degrees C or higher in a baby under 3 months needs urgent medical advice.
- Bathing: 2 to 3 baths a week are enough, and you must never leave a baby alone in the bath, even for a moment.
- Crying: never shake a baby. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down safely and take a short break.
- Cord care: keep the stump clean and dry, and let it fall off on its own.
- Dehydration: very few wet diapers, a dry mouth, or unusual sleepiness need a medical check.
- Medicines: do not give cough and cold medicines or herbal drinks to a baby without advice.
When to get medical help
Contact your doctor, nurse, or emergency services straight away if your baby has a fever (38 degrees C or higher under 3 months), is very sleepy or hard to wake, is feeding poorly, has trouble breathing, vomits green fluid, has blood in the stool, or has fewer wet diapers than usual. Trust your instincts. If you are worried, ask for help.
Sources and further reading
- NHS, Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS)
- NHS Start for Life, Safe sleep advice for babies
- Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, Caring for a newborn baby
This quiz and article are for general education and do not replace advice from your doctor, midwife, or health visitor. See our Disclaimer.
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