The first few days with your newborn are a mix of wonder and adjustment. Here's what to expect.
Most newborns sleep 14–17 hours a day in short stretches. Keep the environment calm, warm (18–20°C) and dimly lit for sleep periods.
Your midwife will visit at home for the first few days. A newborn blood spot (heel prick) test and hearing screening are usually offered in the first week.
Most newborns lose up to 10% of birth weight in the first days, then regain it by around 2 weeks. Regular weight checks with your midwife confirm progress.
Keep the cord stump clean and dry. It typically falls off between 7–21 days. Contact your midwife if it becomes red, swollen or smells unpleasant.
Feed on demand — typically 8–12 times in 24 hours in the early weeks. Signs of a good latch include comfortable feeding and audible swallowing. Your midwife or a lactation consultant can help if you have difficulties.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully for water temperature and quantities. Newborns typically take 60–90 ml every 2–3 hours, increasing gradually. Never heat formula in a microwave.
6+ wet nappies per day, regaining birth weight by 2 weeks, and a contented baby after most feeds are all good signs. Use our newborn feeding log to track feeds.
Contact your midwife if your baby loses more than 10% of birth weight, has fewer than 6 wet nappies after day 5, seems very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds, or has persistent yellowing of the skin (jaundice).
Always place your baby on their back to sleep, in a clear, flat, firm sleep space. Keep soft objects, loose bedding and pillows out of the sleep area. Room-sharing (without bed-sharing) is recommended for at least the first 6 months.
Newborns sleep in 2–4 hour stretches and do not have a day/night cycle at first. Gradually, most babies begin to consolidate night sleep between 3–6 months.
Swaddling, gentle rocking, skin-to-skin contact, white noise and a consistent bedtime routine can help your baby settle. What works varies between babies — trust your instincts.
The UK/Ireland childhood vaccination schedule starts at 8 weeks of age. Your GP or health visitor will invite you for these appointments. Use our vaccination tracker to record doses.
Both you and your baby are offered a 6-week check with your GP. Your baby's hips, eyes, heart and development are examined. This is also a good time to discuss your own recovery.
Your health visitor will weigh your baby regularly and plot measurements on a growth chart. Use our newborn weight tracker between appointments.
Call emergency services if your baby has difficulty breathing, a very high or low temperature, is unresponsive, has a fit (convulsion), develops a rash that does not fade under a glass, or you are otherwise very concerned.
Vaginal bleeding after birth (lochia) is normal and gradually decreases over 4–6 weeks, changing from red to pink to yellow-white. Heavy, bright-red bleeding or large clots after the first few days need medical review. See our lochia guide.
Perineal soreness, afterpains, breast engorgement and fatigue are all common. Rest when you can, eat well, and accept help. Most discomfort improves significantly within the first 2–3 weeks.
Feeling tearful, anxious or low in the first week is common ("baby blues") and usually resolves within 2 weeks. Hormonal changes, sleep deprivation and the enormity of a new baby all contribute.
If low mood, anxiety or loss of interest persists beyond 2 weeks, or you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, speak to your GP or midwife promptly. Postnatal depression is common and treatable. Use our EPDS mood tracker and share results with your care team.