18 August 2026 · Veronica Chi
Business & Product Director · Mum of two
Taking Care of Your Newborn Baby
Newborn care sounds like it should require a manual and mostly requires a very short list done repeatedly. What follows is that list — the things that genuinely have to happen in the first six weeks, and the small number of signs that change the day.
Feeding comes first, and takes longer than you expect
- Expect eight to twelve feeds in 24 hours, often more, and not evenly spaced. Cluster feeding in the evening is normal.
- Feed responsively — on cues rather than a clock. Rooting, hands to mouth and stirring all come before crying, which is a late signal.
- In the first weeks, wake a very sleepy newborn to feed at least every three to four hours until birth weight is regained.
- Expect the initial weight dip. Up to about 7 to 10 per cent of birth weight is normal, usually back by two weeks.
- Wind them if they seem uncomfortable, but do not make a project of it. Some babies need it, some barely do.
Nappies tell you more than anything else
In the absence of a scale, output is the best evidence you have that enough is going in. By about a week old, expect six or more heavy wet nappies a day and at least two yellow, loose stools. Stool moves from black and sticky, through dark green, to yellow and seedy over the first week.
Sleep, and where it happens
- Newborns sleep 14 to 17 hours in 24, in short stretches, with no day-night rhythm for the first several weeks.
- On the back, every sleep, on a firm flat separate surface, with a clear cot. In your room for the first six months.
- Never fall asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair.
- Do not expect a routine yet. Before about six to eight weeks there is very little to build one on.
The cord stump
It falls off on its own, usually somewhere between five and fifteen days. Keep it clean and dry, fold the nappy down below it so it is not covered, and leave it alone otherwise — no alcohol, no pulling. Call a doctor if the skin around it becomes red and swollen, if there is pus or a bad smell, or if the baby has a fever.
Bathing, less often than you think
- Two or three baths a week is plenty. Newborn skin is still developing its barrier, and daily washing with products works against that.
- Top and tail in between — face, neck folds, hands and nappy area with cotton wool and warm water.
- Plain water only for at least the first month. No bubble bath, no fragranced products.
- Water at about 37°C, tested with your elbow or the inside of your wrist rather than your hand.
- Never leave a baby alone in water for any length of time, at any depth.
Skin things that are normal
- Peeling in the first fortnight, particularly on hands and feet.
- Milia — tiny white spots on the nose and cheeks — which need nothing.
- Neonatal acne at two to four weeks, which also needs nothing.
- Cradle cap, which is harmless and usually resolves without treatment.
- Mild jaundice appearing after day two and fading. Jaundice in the first 24 hours, or deepening jaundice, needs same-day assessment.
Handling and soothing
- Support the head and neck for the first months — the neck muscles are not there yet.
- Never shake a baby, and never let anyone else. If crying has pushed you to the edge, put the baby down somewhere safe and step away for a few minutes. That is the correct thing to do, not a failure.
- Skin-to-skin contact settles babies, supports feeding and regulates temperature. It is the most useful non-technique available.
- Crying peaks at around six to eight weeks and then eases. Knowing that in advance makes the peak survivable.
When to get help urgently
Contact emergency services or go to an emergency department if your baby shows any of these.
- A temperature of 38°C or above in a baby under three months.
- Difficulty breathing: fast breathing, grunting, skin sucking in under the ribs, or pauses in breathing.
- Blue, grey, very pale or mottled skin.
- Very difficult to wake, unusually floppy, or a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry.
- Not feeding, or taking well under half the usual amount.
- No wet nappy for 12 hours.
- A bulging or sunken fontanelle, or a rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass.
And check in on yourself. Persistent low mood, anxiety, numbness or frightening thoughts in the weeks after birth are common and treatable, and telling someone early is the whole intervention.
Questions parents ask
How often should a newborn feed?
Eight to twelve times in 24 hours, and often more, following the baby's cues rather than a clock. Evening cluster feeding is normal. Very sleepy newborns should be woken for feeds at least every three to four hours until birth weight is regained.
How often should you bathe a newborn?
Two or three times a week is enough, with topping and tailing in between. Plain water for at least the first month — newborn skin is still developing its barrier and daily washing with products works against it.
When does the umbilical cord stump fall off?
Usually between five and fifteen days. Keep it clean and dry, fold the nappy below it, and do not pull it. Redness and swelling around the base, pus, a bad smell or a fever all need a doctor.
What newborn symptoms are emergencies?
A temperature of 38°C or above under three months, any difficulty breathing or pauses in breathing, blue or mottled skin, being very hard to wake or unusually floppy, not feeding, no wet nappy for 12 hours, or a rash that does not fade under pressure.
Sources
This guide is general information, written to help you understand a topic and ask better questions — it is not medical advice and does not replace your own doctor, midwife or paediatrician. Anything that worries you about your baby belongs with them.