First thing to do when the child is born is to glorify Allah Azawajal for a safe delivery because many have died through the process and many are still remain barren.
In Islam, there are several Sunnah practices associated with newborns, which are traditions based on the actions and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). Here are some Sunnah practices for newborns:
1. Calling Adhan In The ear Of Newborn:
When a child is born, firstly the Adhaan should be said in his/her ear. Adhaan should be recited in the right ear, and the left hear Iqama. Our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) has done the same. Narrated by Abu Raafi who said: "I saw the Prophet (peace be upon him) call the Adhaan in the ear of Al Hassan ibn Ali when his mother Fatimah gave birth to him." (Tirmidhi)
2. Tahneek:
Tahneek means to softening or chewing a date and then rubbing the palate of the new born with it just after the birth or soon after. If the date is not available, you also put honey in the mouth of baby. Aisha (RA) reported that: "Newborn children used to be brought to the Messenger of Allah and he would supplicate for blessings for them, and rub a chewed date upon their palate." (Muslim)
3. Naming The Newborn Child:
An honourable name for your child has the importance in Islam. Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)has always chosen the names with beautiful meanings. You can also name your child after the companions of Muhammad (peace be upon him). In holy Qur'an Allah Almighty says about the naming of child in this words: "Call them by the names of their fathers; it is more just in the sight of Allah." (Qur'an 33:5)
4. Aqeeqoh:
Aqeeqoh is a form of Sadaqah which safeguards your child from all the evil. It is done after seventh day of the arrival of the new born, as a form of welcome for it and to give thanks to the one who gave blessings, it is prescribed to slaughter a sheep. The messenger (peace be upon him) said: "Every child is in pledge for its Aqeeqoh which is sacrificed for it on its seventh day, and it is named on its head is shaved." (Abu Dawood). If the new born is a boy then two sheep are to be sacrificed, and if it's a girl then one sheep.
5. Shaving The Newborn Head:
It is compulsory to shave newborn's head on the seventh day, along with Aqeeqoh as it is desirable. When Hassan (RA) was born, the prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him) told his daughter Fatimah (RA): "Shave his head and give the weight of his hair in silver to the poor." (Ahmad)
6. Circumcision:
It is recommended that the baby boy be circumcised. The circumcision should take place on the seventh day,but it is obligatory to circumcise before the boy reaches maturity.
These were some Sunnahs of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) related to the newborn that every Muslim parent should perform. Observance of these Sunnahs guarantee the health, as well as the proper upbringing of the child. May Allah Azawajal give guidance to every parents to perform these actions and also to do justice to their children! Ameen.