The first few months with a new baby are magical, exhausting, and full of learning. Whether you’re figuring out feeding schedules, soothing techniques, or just trying to sneak in a shower, know that you’re not alone. Our North Austin Family Network community has been there, and we’ve gathered favorite hacks, encouragement, and activity ideas to help you through the newborn stage.

Everyday Parenting Hacks
• Set up a feeding station: Keep water, snacks, burp cloths, and extra diapers in a basket near your nursing or bottle-feeding spot.
• One-handed meals: Prep snacks you can eat with one hand — string cheese, cut fruit, granola bars — for those times when baby is in your arms.
• Middle-of-the-night survival: Use a dim nightlight instead of bright overhead lights to help everyone get back to sleep faster. We love this one.

Developmental Milestones to Watch

Every baby develops at their own pace, but here are common milestones between 0–3 months:
• By 1 month: Tracks objects briefly with eyes, responds to familiar voices.
• By 2 months: Begins social smiles, starts cooing.
• By 3 months: Gains better head control, may bat at toys, shows more alert awake times.

Our best advice? Don’t stress if your little one isn’t hitting these right on schedule — babies grow at different speeds. Your pediatrician is always the best resource for milestone questions. Some resources we love are the American Academy of Pediatrics Milestone information and The Wonder Weeks App.

Age-Appropriate Activities

You don’t need fancy toys to engage a newborn. Simple is best:
• Tummy time: Start with just a few minutes daily to strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
• High-contrast cards or books: Black-and-white patterns are easier for newborns to see and keep their attention.
• Gentle music or singing: Your voice is baby’s favorite sound. Lullabies, silly songs, or even narrating what you’re doing helps with bonding.

Most common issues

Nothing is really a “problem” with a baby, they are just sweet little bundles of joy, but in our group chat, and in person conversations, we consistently see new born parents asking for help in two areas: sleep & feeding.

Unfortunately, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to these complex problems, and we’d each love to chat with you about what works for us but some common resources that could help you are:

For Infant sleep:

• Taking Cara Babies monthly sleep schedules – a free resource that gives you age-specific wake windows, month by month milestones and basic guidelines for setting up a healthy sleep routine
• The sloothing ladder – a gradual series of interventions designed to gently encourage your baby to develop independence and sooth themselves.
• Using a topponchino – an oval, mat-like pillow that allows you to transfer a newborn easily from holding to bed.

For Infant feeding:

• Get comfortable while breastfeeding with a quality pillow – we love the My Breast Friend, and Boppy, don’t get us in a debate about which one is better – it will tear the group apart 🤣
• Talk to your lactation consultant early and often – most insurances cover visits to the lactation consultant and they can be huge in helping you overcome any feeding heralds you might have.

Encouragement from Other Parents

Life with a newborn can feel like survival mode, but remember — the sleepless nights and constant feeds won’t last forever. Lean on your community, ask for help when you need it, and celebrate the little wins (like getting out of the house or finishing a cup of coffee while it’s still hot!).

You’re doing better than you think, and this season — while intense — is laying the foundation for so many joyful moments ahead.