Feeding: little and often
Newborns feed a lot — usually 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. That is normal, not a sign of low milk. Feed on demand, day and night, and let the baby finish one breast before offering the other.
You know feeding is going well when the baby has 6 or more wet nappies a day after the first week, and is gaining weight at check-ups. If latching hurts or you are worried about supply, ask for lactation support early — most problems are fixable in one session.
Warmth and sleep
- Keep the baby warm but not bundled to sweating — one layer more than you are wearing is a good guide.
- The safest sleep position is on the back, on a firm surface, with no loose pillows or heavy blankets near the face.
- Newborns sleep 14–17 hours in scraps around the clock. Sleeping "through the night" comes much later — plan rest in shifts if you can.
- Skin-to-skin contact calms babies, steadies their temperature and helps feeding — fathers included.
The everyday things
- The umbilical cord stump dries and falls off in one to three weeks. Keep it clean and dry; nothing needs to be applied unless your doctor says so.
- A sponge bath is enough until the cord falls; after that, a short warm bath every day or two is plenty.
- Mild yellowing of the skin (jaundice) in the first week is common — but it must be checked. Never ignore deepening yellow colour.
Call the doctor now if…
- The baby is feeding poorly or refusing feeds
- Fever, or the baby feels unusually cold
- Fast or laboured breathing
- Deep yellow skin or eyes, especially in the first days
- Unusual drowsiness — hard to wake for feeds
- Fewer wet nappies than usual
This article is general information, not personal medical advice — see our medical disclaimer. For advice about your own health or your child's, talk to a doctor.