If you’re awaiting the arrival of your first baby you may be feeling a mixture of emotions. Excitement, love, anxiety, and possibly even overwhelm are all completely normal. The first week can feel intense and unfamiliar. You might find yourself questioning whether your baby’s behaviour is normal, overthinking every little movement, and feeling overly cautious about their wellbeing.
You’re not alone. We’re here to help make things a little easier.
In this post, we’ll guide you through what to expect from your newborn in the first week. From sleep and feeding to nappies and crying, we’ll explain what’s considered normal so you can feel a little more confident in those early days.
Newborn Sleep Patterns
Newborns sleep a lot, but not always when you’d like them to. In the first week, expect short, frequent naps spread throughout the day and night rather than long stretches of sleep. On average, newborns can sleep up to 18 hours in a 24-hour period. This is completely normal and necessary as their body and brain begin to adjust to life outside the womb.
Don’t be alarmed if your baby sleeps most of the day and is wide awake at night. Newborns do not follow a set sleep schedule during the first week, and their internal body clocks take time to develop. It’s also normal for them to wake frequently for feeds and comfort, sometimes every couple of hours.
These unpredictable patterns can feel exhausting, especially after the demands of pregnancy and birth. To help cope with broken sleep, try to rest whenever your baby sleeps, even if that means napping during the day. If possible, share nighttime duties with your partner or a support person so you’re not carrying it all on your own.
Feeding Your Newborn
During the first week, your baby may feed between 8 and 12 times in a 24-hour period. This is completely normal, so there’s no need to worry about feeding too often. Newborns have small stomachs and grow quickly, which is why they need regular nourishment.
If you’re breastfeeding, try to feed your baby on demand. This could be when they show hunger cues, when your breasts feel full, or simply when they need comfort. Breastfeeding provides important nutrition and can also be a chance to bond. It may take time to feel confident, and getting a proper latch is important to avoid discomfort and ensure your baby is feeding effectively.
If you’re struggling, it’s always okay to ask for help. Speak to a midwife, health visitor, or lactation consultant if you need support.
Formula feeding is also a safe and healthy option. In the first week, formula-fed babies often take between 1.5 and 3 ounces per feed. Like breastfed babies, they should be fed when they’re hungry rather than on a strict schedule. Brands like Kendamil Organic and HiPP offer high-quality formulas made to resemble breast milk as closely as possible.
However you feed your baby, the most important thing is that they’re nourished, cared for, and thriving.
Newborn Poop
In the first couple of days, your newborn will pass a type of stool known as meconium. This can take parents by surprise, as it’s thick, sticky, and very dark in colour, usually black or deep green. It’s completely normal and is made up of substances your baby swallowed in the womb, such as amniotic fluid and skin cells.
As your baby starts feeding, their stools will change in colour and texture. They become looser and transition to a more yellow or greenish colour. Breastfed babies often have mustard-yellow stools with a seedy appearance, while formula-fed babies tend to have slightly firmer, darker stools.
Frequent nappy changes are part of the newborn stage, and poop will vary as your baby’s digestive system develops. If you ever notice very pale stools, blood, or your baby isn’t passing stool at all in the first day or two, it’s best to speak with a healthcare professional.
Newborn Skin
Your newborn’s skin is incredibly sensitive and still adjusting to life outside the womb. In the first week, it’s completely normal to notice some peeling, especially on the hands and feet. You might also see tiny white spots (known as milia) or small red bumps. These are harmless and usually disappear on their own within a few weeks.
To care for your baby’s skin, avoid bathing too often. A couple of sponge baths per week is plenty during this stage. Use warm water and gentle, fragrance-free products that are suitable for newborns. It’s also important to keep the nappy area clean and dry to prevent irritation or nappy rash.
If you’re unsure about a rash or skin change, speak with your midwife, health visitor or GP. Most skin changes in the first week are completely normal and part of your baby’s natural adjustment to life outside the womb.
Your Baby’s umbilical cord
Your baby’s umbilical cord stump will naturally dry out and fall off within the first few weeks. Until then, it’s important to keep the area clean and dry. Try not to cover the stump with nappies or tight clothing, as this can block airflow and slow the healing process.
Always wash your hands before touching the cord. You can gently clean around the base with a soft, damp cloth if needed. Avoid using alcohol unless specifically advised by your doctor. Stick to sponge baths rather than full baths until the stump has completely fallen off.
Watch for signs of infection such as redness, swelling, a bad smell or ongoing bleeding. If you notice anything unusual, contact your midwife, health visitor or GP for advice.
Postpartum care
Giving birth brings huge physical and emotional changes, and it’s important to take care of your own recovery while you care for your newborn. Many mothers experience vaginal bleeding, abdominal cramps as the uterus contracts, and general soreness or exhaustion. These symptoms are normal in the first week, but they can still be overwhelming.
Make time to rest whenever possible, stay hydrated and nourish your body with balanced meals. Ask for support from your partner, family or friends where you can. Partners also play an important role in looking after mum during this time, offering emotional support, helping with baby care and encouraging rest.
If anything feels unusual or if you’re struggling mentally or physically, speak to your midwife or GP. Your wellbeing matters just as much as your baby’s.
Conclusion
The first week with your newborn can feel intense, emotional and full of unknowns. But most of what you’ll experience, from unpredictable sleep to strange nappies and frequent feeding, is completely normal. It’s a time of adjustment for your baby and for you.
Try not to put pressure on yourself to get everything perfect. Follow your instincts, ask for help when you need it, and remember that looking after yourself is part of looking after your baby. Each day, you’ll learn more about your little one and grow more confident in your role.
