The first weeks with your baby – checklist and advice
The first weeks are mostly about the basics: feeding, sleep, closeness – and rest for you. Tick off the practical things and lean on the advice along the way. You do not need to have it all figured out from day one.
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ticked off
The first days at home
Feeding
Nappies and hygiene
- Clean the umbilical area as you have been advised
- Wash your hands before nappy changes and handling your baby
- Bath your baby as needed – a daily bath is not necessary
- Trim or file nails gently when needed
Sleep
- Always put your baby to sleep on their back
- Keep the sleeping place safe, with no loose items around your baby
- Avoid overheating your baby
- Accept that sleep can be very unpredictable at first
- Take turns when you can, so you both get breaks
- Sleep or rest when the chance comes – not only when the house is tidy
Clothes
Your baby’s wellbeing
- Notice whether your baby feeds well and seems content after feeds
- Keep an eye on wet and dirty nappies
- Keep the appointments you have with the health visitor, midwife or doctor
- Contact health professionals if you are worried about your baby
- Have the relevant phone numbers saved on your phone
The birthing parent
- Remember to eat and drink regularly
- Prioritise rest and sleep
- Have comfortable clothes and pads as needed
- Accept help from family and friends if you want it
- Pay attention to your own body and contact health professionals about worrying symptoms
- Make room for feelings, tears, uncertainty and the need for breaks
The parents
- Talk about how each of you is doing
- Remember that the home does not need to be perfect
- Accept practical help: food, shopping, laundry or cleaning
- Make room for small breaks every day if you can
- Remember to be partners too – even small moments together count
Going out
Practical things
Remember
- Trust your concern if something feels wrong
- Get professional help if your baby seems unwell or you are worried
- Also get help if one of you is struggling mentally after the birth
- You do not need to have it all figured out from day one
What matters most
- Your baby is fed
- Your baby gets sleep and closeness
- Your baby is changed and kept warm
- You as parents get food, drink and rest
- You ask for help when you need it