The first week at home is beautiful and exhausting. Here’s what matters most.
Feeding
Newborns feed 8–12 times a day. Look for six or more wet nappies a day from day five — a sign the baby is getting enough milk.
Sleep
Always place the baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows or loose blankets.
Umbilical cord care
Keep the stump clean and dry and let it fall off naturally, usually within two weeks. Call a doctor if you see redness spreading around it, pus or a bad smell.
Care for the mother
- Rest whenever the baby sleeps.
- Eat well and drink plenty of water, especially when breastfeeding.
- Accept help — a trained baby care nanny can handle bathing, changing and night feeds so the mother recovers.
When to call a doctor
Fever above 38°C, poor feeding, yellow skin spreading to the tummy, or a baby who is unusually sleepy all need prompt medical advice.
