The first days with a newborn are full of new sights, sounds and worries, and much of what looks strange is perfectly normal. This guide covers what’s common, the checks your baby will have, and the signs that mean you should call for help.
What’s common in the early days
- Sleepy, and feeding often. Newborns sleep a lot in short stretches and feed frequently, day and night.
- First poos. Your baby’s first poos (meconium) are dark and sticky, and the colour and texture change over the first few days. Your midwife will tell you what to look for.
- Skin changes. Peeling skin, small spots, birthmarks and a blotchy look are all common.
- Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice). Common in the first days. Tell your midwife quickly if you notice it, or if your baby is very sleepy and not feeding well.
- The umbilical cord stump. Keep it clean and dry, and it will fall off by itself.
- Noisy breathing and hiccups. Often normal, but if your baby is struggling to breathe, that’s an emergency.
Sleep
Safe sleep guidance matters from day one, and it can change over time. Ask your midwife or health visitor for the current advice, and check the NHS baby pages.
Checks and visits
Your baby will have a physical check soon after birth, and the NHS offers newborn screening, including a hearing check and a heel-prick blood test in the first week or so. Your midwife will visit you at home in the early days, followed by your health visitor. You and your baby will also have a check with your GP at around 6 to 8 weeks.
Looking after yourself
You’re recovering too. Rest when you can, eat and drink regularly, and accept practical help. “Baby blues” (feeling tearful, anxious or overwhelmed in the first week or two) are very common. If those feelings last or get worse, speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP.
When to get help
Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby is struggling to breathe, is floppy or unresponsive, has blue or grey lips or skin, or has a seizure.
Contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 the same day if your baby:
- is feeding poorly or refusing feeds
- has fewer wet nappies than usual
- is very sleepy and hard to wake
- has yellow skin or eyes
- has a temperature of 38°C or above, and is under 3 months old
If you’re worried about your baby for any reason, trust your instincts and ask.
Read more
In our classes, Meg talks you through the early days at home, including feeding, newborn care and your own recovery, so you know what to expect.
Baby Steps GP provides antenatal education. This guide is general information, not medical advice, and doesn’t replace advice from your midwife, GP, health visitor or maternity unit.