Caring for a newborn
Advice about newborns
Raising a newborn can be one of life’s most joyful experiences and as a new parent, you will probably have lots of questions from feeding to changing nappies, first smiles to bedtime tears.
There is a lot to think about and newborns can be very demanding requiring lots of adaptation for you as new parents. Here we provide some advice, helping you manage those first few days and weeks at home.
NEWBORNS: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The days, weeks and months after your baby arrives are a time of adaptation – for you, your baby and the whole family. From baby feeding and sleep to taking time for yourself. Boots has advice and support to help families during the first few weeks.
Your postnatal check or sometimes known as a 6-week check-up, as it takes place when your baby is around six weeks old, is when both your health and your baby’s health will be checked by your GP. Where possible, it’s helpful for both parents to attend as it gives you both a chance to ask questions or talk about any concerns you may have.
During your baby’s review, your GP will ask your consent to give them a physical examination, looking at their eyes, heart, hips and testicles (if they have them). They’ll usually measure their weight, length and head circumference. At this point, they may also discuss vaccinations with you. They’ll also ask how you’ve been feeling, both emotionally and physically, since your baby was born.
Head over to our post-birth page to find out more about how Boots can support you with post-partum advice.
Raising a newborn can be one of life’s most joyful experiences and as a new parent, you will probably have lots of questions from feeding to changing nappies, first smiles to bedtime tears. There is a lot to think about and newborns can be very demanding requiring lots of adaptation for you as new parents.
Here we provide some advice, helping you manage those first few days and weeks at home from baby feeding and sleep to taking time for yourself. A healthy and nutritious diet is a great way to improve your overall health and well-being. Boots nutritionist Vicky Pennington has outlined the recommended nutrition guidelines to support keeping you healthy.
Eating healthily
Although you may be feeling tired and overwhelmed, where possible choose a balanced diet rich in fruit and vegetables, pulses and wholegrains, with lean meat, fish, eggs, nuts, and seeds for protein, and dairy foods or dairy alternatives.
Regular meals
Eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day sustains energy, keeps blood sugar levels stable and helps avoid diet-related mood swings. Skipping breakfast can mean you get over-hungry, so start your day with a healthy breakfast such as porridge, low-fat yoghurt and fresh fruit or a slice of wholemeal toast with poached egg or sliced avocado.
Snacks
Nutritious snacks are handy to top up your energy levels when you are on the go or in-between meals, you could try:
- fresh fruit and vegetables or a bowl of fruit in the kitchen, and fresh veggies like carrots, cucumber and sugar snap peas
- dried apricots, figs, mango and prunes for a sweet snack
- hard boiling a few eggs and keeping them in the fridge for an easy-to-grab, and filling snack
- unsweetened live yoghurt for calcium, protein and good bacteria
- a bowl of breakfast cereal, granola or muesli for an energy boost any time of day
Drinks & caffeine
Drink plenty of water – aim for six to eight glasses a day of water to keep hydrated. Be mindful of too much caffeine, it’s a good idea to limit your caffeine intake to less than 400mg per day and 200mg a day if breastfeeding (the same as in pregnancy). 200 mg is around two mugs of tea or instant coffee a day.
Key nutrients or supplements to consider
You may wish to support your nutritional needs with a good quality supplement. Food supplements are intended to supplement a healthy diet and should not be regarded as a substitute for a balanced and varied diet or a healthy lifestyle.
Calcium
Calcium is important for healthy bones and teeth. It’s readily found in milk, yoghurt, cheese, and fish such as sardines where you eat the bones, tofu, green leafy vegetables, nuts and fortified foods.
Vitamin D
Exposure to sunlight provides our main source of vitamin D, as it’s difficult to get enough vitamin D from foods. However, our climate and indoor lifestyles mean that many people in the UK don’t get enough sunshine to make all the vitamin D they need, especially in the autumn and winter months. The Department of Health recommends that pregnant and breastfeeding mothers take a daily supplement containing 10 micrograms of vitamin D. The government also recommends that all breastfed babies are given 8.5-10 micrograms of vitamin D daily. Formula-fed babies should also receive daily Vitamin D drops until they are having more than 500ml (approx. a pint) of infant formula a day – this is because formula milk is fortified with vitamin D, as well as vitamins A and C. Abidec Multivitamin Drops for Babies & Children contain 7 essential vitamins and are suitable from birth to 12 years old.
Omega 3
A good source of omega-3 is fish, particularly oily fish which is important for heart, eye and brain health. You should try to include two portions of fish a week, making at least one of those portions an oily fish such as wild - or organic - salmon, mackerel, trout or sardines.
It is important to bear in mind that breastfeeding women are advised not to exceed 2 portions (1 portion = around 140g/4oz) of fish per week. If you do not eat fish or follow a plant-based diet, Omega-3 fatty acids are readily available in a wide variety of plant foods. Sources include walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, hemp seeds, edamame, seaweed, and algae. Alternatively, you may wish to take a supplement such as Boots Omega 3 tablets which are suitable for a vegan diet.
Iron
Top up your iron levels by including iron-rich foods such as lean red meat, fish, poultry, beans, lentils, dried fruit (particularly dried apricots), dark green leafy vegetables, nuts and seeds, and fortified breakfast cereals, in your diet. You may also want to consider the use of daily supplement with added iron such as Vitabiotics Feroglobin Gentle Iron tablets or Floradix Liquid Iron, if you struggle taking tablets.
Iodine
Iodine is essential for thyroid function and adequate iodine levels are believed to decrease the likelihood of postpartum hyperthyroidism. It’s a mineral known for its role in baby development too and breastfed babies depend on good concentrations of iodine in breast milk. Optimal levels of iodine may be hard to obtain if you don’t regularly consume white fish (such as haddock and cod – the richest in iodine), cow’s milk and dairy products, eggs, or scampi. And although plant-based foods may not be a reliable source of iodine, as the iodine content of the soil may be low, some plant-based drinks are fortified with iodine – so read the label and favour those that are. You could also consider taking a supplement containing iodine if you follow a strict vegan diet.
If you need further advice or have any concerns about taking a supplement, speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Always seek advice before taking a supplement if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking any medication.
As babies have delicate skin, they need to be changed as soon as they have a wet or soiled nappy to help stop their skin from becoming sore and red. For young babies, this can be between 10 and 12 times a day, whereas slightly older babies will need to be changed around six to eight times. Frequent changing will also help prevent nappy rash.
You will usually need a few items for changing your baby, including:
• a changing mat like Boots Baby Changing Mat or towel
• cotton wool and a bowl of warm water (or some fragrance-free baby wipes)
• a barrier cream or oil to help protect the skin
• a clean nappy
• clean clothes
Packing a changing bag you can carry around when you leave the house is also recommended. There are also a few options for nappy disposal to choose from.
Nappy rash is common and can usually be treated at home. Symptoms include red or raw patches of skin that look sore and feel hot to the touch. You can help prevent nappy rash by changing nappies frequently and keeping the skin clean and dry. It’s also important to make sure their nappies fit properly and that you are only cleaning their skin with water or fragrance-free baby wipes.
Find out more about common baby skin conditions. Speak to your GP if your baby's nappy rash doesn't get better, your baby has a high temperature, the rash gets worse or spreads to other areas of their body or they seem very uncomfortable.
Multiple births are becoming more common – in fact, one in every 65 births in the UK is now twins, triplets or more.
It's normal to feel anxious and maybe even shocked at the thought of caring for twins, triplets or more. There's help available if you're feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of coping with more than one newborn at once. Ask your midwife about attending antenatal classes, especially for multiples. This will prepare you for life as a parent, and you'll meet other parents-to-be in the same situation as you, giving you a vital support network.
In the days and weeks after birth, it’s likely mother and babies will need some extra care, as twins and triplets often come before their due date and are smaller. Babies may be lighter in weight and not ready to feed straight away.
For more information about life with twins, triplets or more, you can register to receive free resources from Twins Trust.
Babies cry for many different reasons. It is an automatic reaction by reflex. The most common reasons for crying are:
- hunger
- tiredness
- wind
- a dirty or wet nappy
- wanting a cuddle
- being too hot or too cold
- boredom
- overstimulation
There are many ways to soothe a crying baby. Some of the ways to soothe your baby include, holding your baby close or try putting the baby in a sling so they’re close to you. Singing, talking and moving around gently with baby in your arms or try rocking your baby backwards and forwards in the pram, or you could go out for a walk or a short drive.
If you’re breastfeeding you could let your baby suckle at your breast. Having some gentle noise in the background may also help distract them.
Some older babies like to use a bit of cloth or a blanket as a comforter. Or you could try a baby massage, undress your baby and massage them gently and firmly. It can be exhausting if you have tried everything and nothing seems to comfort your baby. It is recommended to wait till your baby's six-week check before starting a baby massage.
If your baby's crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it could be a sign they're ill or have a condition like colic
If they're crying and have other symptoms, such as a high temperature. Contact your health visitor, GP or call NHS 111
We have more information about how to recognise baby illness.
Babies don’t need to be bathed every day; two to three times a week is fine. On the days you don’t bathe them you can use the ‘topping and tailing’ technique – gently cleaning their face, neck, hands and bottom.
When it’s time to take a bath, pick a time when baby is content and alert (not hungry, full or tired) to make it the most relaxing experience possible for both of you. The bath only needs to be 12-15cm deep and the temperature should be around 36-37 ̊C. Check the temperature of the water with your wrist or elbow, and make sure to mix the water well to make sure there are no hot patches. You could also use a thermometer like the Nuby Penguin Bathroom Thermometer to ensure it’s at the right temperature.
Plain water is best for your baby’s skin in their first month, and after that, you can use a small amount of mild baby bath wash using Boots Baby 2 Ultra Soft Ramer Sponges or cotton wool. Start with their head and finish with their bottom, and make sure to extend their arms to get at their elbow creases or unfurl their fists to remove any fluff that can gather. Never leave your baby unattended when they are in the bath, not even for a second.
As you lift your baby out, keep a firm grip on their neck and head with one hand and their bottom with your other hand. Place your baby in your lap in their towel and pat them dry.
Read more about how to bathe your baby.
Breastfeeding provides all the energy and nutrients that your baby needs, as well as protection against diseases and infections, closeness, comfort and bonding, and natural benefits.
Breastfeeding can feel unfamiliar. If you want to try to breastfeed, one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself and your baby is to prepare for breastfeeding before your baby is born. You can do this by reading books, blogs and articles on breastfeeding, watching videos, attending breastfeeding cafes/support groups in your area, harvesting your colostrum, and joining classes and webinars led by breastfeeding specialists.
Difficulties such as pain during breastfeeding, baby not gaining weight quickly enough, or feeding very frequently, are often due to issues with latch and attachment. Rather than problems, these are just short periods of ‘adjustment’, and engaging support is key. The input, advice and support from a breastfeeding specialist, such as your midwife or a breastfeeding consultant, will prove invaluable in the early weeks.
Using nipple cream can offer relief and protection from sore and cracked nipples. However, if you experience pain throughout feeds, your nipples are misshapen after feeding, or they begin to crack or bleed, you will need to seek support from a breastfeeding specialist as soon as possible.
When finding the best position for you, consider the following points:
• are you comfortable? Make sure your neck and shoulders are relaxed, and use pillows or cushions if necessary to support your back and arms.
• is your baby’s head in line with their spine? If their head and neck are twisted your baby will struggle to maintain a good latch and this could lead to sore nipples and poor milk transfer – meaning your baby will want to feed more often
• hold your baby close to you, facing your breast, and supporting their neck, back and shoulders
• whenever possible, allow your baby to latch themselves and avoid leaning your breast forward into their mouth - always bring ‘baby to breast’
• ensure your baby’s nose, and not their mouth, is at the level of your nipple. This will encourage them to open their mouth wide and get an optimal latch
• hold your baby by the nape, rather than the back of their head – this allows their head to tip back so the nipple can reach the back of their mouth
The NHS has more information on breastfeeding positions, challenges and support.
Giving your baby expressed breast milk via a bottle may be a personal choice, or a decision based on different factors - for example, your baby may be premature or have problems after the birth, you may need to return to work or study, or you simply may not want to breastfeed.
Hand expressing is a great way of expressing breast milk and can be done in conjunction with using a breast pump. Breast pumps can be manual or electric and are designed to mimic your baby’s suckling action.
Expressed breast milk can be given to your baby straight away, or stored in the fridge or freezer using breastmilk storage bags.
The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of life. Whether you decide to breastfeed or bottle feed using expressed milk or infant formula, we have advice and tips to support you.
Paced or responsive bottle feeding allows your baby more control over feeding and is the preferred method for feeding your baby when using a bottle. By slowing down the flow of milk into the bottle’s teat and baby’s mouth, it gives them extra control over the pace of their feed and how much they feed. This technique mimics the stop-start motion and closeness of breastfeeding.
- Watch out for signs of hunger or feeding cues. These include stirring, sucking on their fists or blanket, opening their mouths and rooting, or making noises to alert you that they want food. Crying mostly happens when your baby’s cues have not been responded to – they become very upset and this can result in your baby struggling to feed correctly.
- Sit comfortably with your baby close to you in a semi-upright position, supporting their head so they can swallow easily.
- Closeness, looking into their eyes and talking to them as they feed will help them feel reassured and connected to you, and eye contact helps with their brain development. You may like to do some feeds skin-to-skin with your baby to encourage bonding and the development of their skin microbiome.
- Let the teat of the bottle brush against your baby’s lips and wait for their mouth to open wide before gently inserting it into their mouth.
- Keeping the bottle in a horizontal position (do not tip it up) will prevent the milk from flowing too fast. As your baby feeds, you can very slowly and gradually tip the bottle just enough to ensure there's enough milk covering the end of the teat – this will prevent your baby from swallowing air and becoming windy.
- Allow your baby to suckle and pause – pausing is normal behaviour. Simply tilt the bottle down to stem the flow of milk. When your baby starts to suckle again, bring the bottle back to a horizontal position and continue to feed them.
- Signs that your baby has had enough or needs a break include splaying their fingers and/or toes, spilling milk from out of their mouth, spitting the teat, pushing the bottle away, turning their head to the side, or becoming sleepy or very relaxed.
- Your baby knows how much milk they need, so do not expect them to finish the bottle. Forcing them to do so can cause them distress, lead to overfeeding, and cause problems such as colic, wind, or worsening of reflux symptoms
- Once they’ve finished feeding, keep your baby upright and gently bring them up for a cuddle and gentle winding.
Newborn babies only need small amounts of milk to start with and the amount they want to drink will vary from baby to baby, and from feed to feed. Remember to throw away any unused milk after you finish bottle-feeding your baby. After the first year, you can move on to full-fat cow’s milk, if it suits your baby. There is a wide variety of bottles to choose from to assist you in bottle feeding, as well as equipment such as steriliser sets and bottle prep machines.
Your sleeping habits are very likely to change with a new baby, it is normal newborn behaviour to wake several times during the night, whether it is for a feed or for reassurance. Because sleep is essential for your physical and emotional well-being, it is important to find ways of getting some sleep or, at least, some deep rest.
Although it is often easier said than done, sleeping whilst baby sleeps can offer you some much-needed rest. Try to take a nap or spend time relaxing whilst your partner, family or friend takes your baby out for a walk, or bring your bedtime to 1 or 2 hours earlier than usual can also help you get a few extra hours of sleep.
Relaxation exercises, like simple breathing exercises or meditation, can help you wind down for sleep or can be used throughout the day to help refresh you.
Maintaining good sleep hygiene is as important as ever. Limit your caffeine intake, have a warm shower or bath, and turn off any technology an hour or two before you go to sleep. You may also like to incorporate some products into your daily sleep routine, like Westlab Sleep Epsom Bath Salts, pillow mist or balms with relaxing scents. If you're breastfeeding remember to check whether a product or oil is ok to use.
Every baby is different, and your baby will have their own waking and sleeping pattern. You can help encourage your baby to get used to daytime and nighttime by changing the mood and the level of activity. For example, during the day, make sure to open curtains, play games, and talk at a normal volume but, at night, dim the lights, read them gentle bedtime stories, and use soft voices.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Newborn babies need small amounts of formula to start with. On average 150 to 200ml per kilo of their weight a day over several feeds until they are 6 months old.
Babies tend to feed little and often, most babies eventually settle into a feeding routine and they will vary in how often they want to feed. Health professionals recommend "on-demand" feeding. Follow your baby's cues and feed them when they are hungry.
The best way to relieve wind is to rub or gently pat baby's back, there are a few different ways you can position baby to do this:
1. Sitting on your lap
2. Over your shoulder
3. Lying across your lap
The NHS have further information on the best burping positions to try.
The water should be warm and not hot. You can check this with your wrist or elbow and make sure that you have mixed it well so there aren't any hot patches. You don't need to add any liquid cleansers to the bath water. Plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month.
Lower baby gently into the bowl or bath. You can use one hand to hold their upper arm and support their head and shoulders and use the other hand to gently swish the water over your baby without splashing them and keeping their head clear of the water.
Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second. Babies of any age should never be left unattended by an adult while in the bath.
Burping your baby can help with getting rid of excess gas that may be causing the hiccups. Rub or gently pat your baby's back when they have hiccups.
Newborn babies on average do around 4 poos a day in the first week of life. This tends to reduce down to an average of 2 poos a day by the time they're 1 year old. Breastfed babies tend to poo more often and may poo at each feed in the early weeks, then, after about 6 weeks, not have a poo for several days at a time. Formula-fed babies may poo up to 5 times a day as newborns, but after a few months, this can go down to once a day.
Content written by Midwives from My Expert Midwife
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