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Newborn: first week at home

Feeding, sleep, nappies, cord and the signs that need a call. For the first days with a new baby.

31 items · 7 sections · family, kids, health, baby

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Before you leave hospital (5)

  • Check the car seat is fitted and the baby fits it (rear-facing)
  • Write down the number for your midwife or health visitor
  • Ask when the next check is and who comes to see you
  • Ask about feeding help and bring any questions about the first feed
  • Have baby clothes, nappies and wipes ready at home

Feeding (5)

  • Feed whenever the baby shows hunger: about 8 to 12 times in 24 hours for a breastfed babyEarly cues: stirring, rooting, hands to mouth. Crying is a late sign.
  • Ask for help with latch early if feeding hurts
  • If formula feeding, follow the tin exactly and make each feed fresh
  • Count wet nappies: at least 1 on day 1, rising to 6 or more a day by day 5
  • Note feeds and nappies for the first week

Safe sleep (5)

  • Put baby on their back to sleep, every sleep
  • Use a firm flat mattress in their own cot or Moses basket, in your room
  • Keep pillows, duvets, bumpers and soft toys out of the cot
  • Do not sleep with baby on a sofa or armchair
  • Never let baby get too hot: no hat indoors, room about 16 to 20 C

Daily care (5)

  • Keep the cord stump clean and dry; let it fall off by itself
  • Fold the nappy below the stump
  • Top and tail with cotton wool and warm water; baths are not needed yet
  • Wash your hands before handling the baby
  • Limit visitors, and ask anyone with a cold or sore throat to stay away

Call the doctor or midwife the same day if (5)

  • Temperature of 38 C (100.4 F) or higher in a baby under 3 monthsDo not wait. Call the doctor or urgent line at once.
  • Yellow skin or eyes (jaundice), especially if it spreads or the baby is sleepyOpen
  • Fewer wet nappies than expected, or very dark urine
  • Not feeding, or very sleepy and hard to wake for feeds
  • The cord stump is red, swollen, smelly or oozing

Call 999 / 911 now if (3)

  • Baby is struggling to breathe, grunting or turning blue or grey
  • Baby is floppy and will not respond
  • Baby has a fit

For you (3)

  • Eat, drink and rest when baby sleeps
  • Tell your midwife if you bleed heavily, have a fever or severe pain
  • Say if you feel very low or anxious: it is common and help is there

Written from www.nhs.uk

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