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As a new or first time parent, you may not have had a lot of experience with babies. Having a baby is an amazing experience but it's also natural to feel overwhelmed, anxious, nervous or even a bit scared. Understanding what babies are like and why they behave in certain ways makes it easier to care for them.
The articles below were created to help new parents build their understanding. They include great tips about caring for babies and also contact details for organisations that offer parents support if they need it.
Understanding some of the physical things about babies can make responding to their needs and less scary.
Download the What are babies like? (PDF, 386.7 KB) resource.
Babies learn and respond right from the time they are born. In fact, a baby’s brain grows more in the early months of life than at any other time.
Download the Right from the start (PDF, 311.4 KB) resource.
Many mums say, ‘I'm just keeping my head above water’ most of the time. To care for your baby, you need to take care of yourself too.
Download the Caring for yourself (PDF, 137.4 KB) resource.
Find out about feeding, sleeping, bathing, teething, games and more.
Download the Living with babies (PDF, 211.4 KB) resource.
This poster shows you the safest way for your baby to sleep. Also available for Aboriginal parents (PDF, 1.2 MB).
Download the Safe sleeping (PDF, 1.0 MB) resource.
Why babies cry and how you can help settle your baby.
Download the Crying (PDF, 61.3 KB) resource.
The bond between you and your baby is called ‘attachment’. Attachment happens in the first few months of your baby’s life and helps them feel safe and secure so they grow up strong and confident.
Download the Attachment (PDF, 109.3 KB) resource.
Learn about some of the fundamental safety practices to keep your baby safe.
The articles provided on this page are based on the Parenting SA, Parent Easy Guides - see disclaimer and copyright.
Download the Your baby's safety (PDF, 164.5 KB) resource.
Parent Line NSW provides free support, information, referral and counselling for parents and carers of children aged 0-18 years in New South Wales. Call Parent Line NSW on 1300 1300 52. Available on weekdays 9.00 am to 9.00 pm, weekends 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm (cost of a local call from any landline in NSW).
20 Jun 2024