Newborn Care: Your Complete First 6 Weeks Guide
Feeding, nappies, the umbilical cord, bathing, soothing a crying baby, and the health checks and red flags every new parent needs in the fourth trimester.
In a nutshell
- The first six weeks are about three things on repeat: feeding, sleeping and nappies — plus a lot of holding. Survival mode is normal.
- Feed on demand (8-12+ times/day), expect frequent night waking, and count nappies as your best 'is baby okay?' signal.
- Cord stump: keep it clean and dry; it drops off in ~1-3 weeks. Top-and-tail rather than full baths at first.
- Crying peaks around 6 weeks and is normal — work through a soothing checklist; never shake a baby, and put them down safely if you need a break.
- Know the newborn red flags (fever, poor feeding, floppiness, breathing trouble, a bulging soft spot) and act fast — newborns can deteriorate quickly.
Feeding basics
Whether you breastfeed, bottle-feed or combine, newborns feed little and often around the clock. Feed responsively to early hunger cues (rooting, hands to mouth) rather than waiting for crying.
- Breastfeeding: 8-12+ feeds in 24 hours; watch for a good latch, swallowing and contentment. See our Complete Breastfeeding Guide.
- Bottle/formula: follow safe preparation (fresh boiled water cooled appropriately, correct ratio), pace the feed, and never prop the bottle. The formula calculator helps with amounts.
- Winding: hold upright and gently rub/pat after feeds; some babies need it more than others.
- Posseting (small milky bring-ups) is normal; forceful or projectile vomiting is not — get it checked.
Nappies, the cord + bathing
Nappies
Change frequently to prevent nappy rash. Wipe front to back, let the skin air-dry when you can, and use a barrier cream if redness appears. Meconium (sticky black-green first poos) gives way to soft yellow (breastfed) or firmer tan (formula) stools.
Umbilical cord
Keep the stump clean and dry and fold the nappy below it. It usually dries and drops off within 1-3 weeks. A little dried blood is normal; redness spreading on the surrounding skin, pus, swelling or a bad smell needs medical review.
Bathing
No need for daily baths. 'Top and tail' (face, neck, hands and bottom with cotton wool and warm water) is plenty at first. When you do bath, use plain water for the first weeks, support the head, test the temperature, and never leave a baby unattended in water.
Soothing a crying baby
Crying is how newborns communicate, and it tends to increase to a peak around 6 weeks before easing. Work through a calm checklist — and remember an unsettled-but-safe baby is okay for a few minutes while you regroup.
- Hungry? Offer a feed. Wet/dirty? Change them. Too hot/cold? Adjust layers.
- Tired or overstimulated? A dark, quiet space and gentle motion or holding.
- Comfort techniques: skin-to-skin, swaddling (safely, hips free), white noise, rhythmic rocking, a walk in the pram or sling.
- Wind or discomfort? Hold upright, try tummy-down across your forearm, gentle bicycle legs.
Health checks + jaundice
- Newborn physical exam (within 72 hours) and the 6-8 week check with your GP.
- Newborn blood spot ('heel prick') test around day 5, and a hearing screen.
- Health-visitor visits and regular weight checks — your baby's growth is plotted on a centile chart.
- Vaccinations begin at 8 weeks — keep the schedule handy.
Looking after you
You're recovering from birth while learning a new human. Caring for yourself is part of caring for your baby.
- Sleep when you can, eat regularly, and accept all offers of help.
- Limit visitors if they're exhausting; protect feeding and rest.
- Share night duties; tag-team so each of you gets a longer stretch when possible.
- Watch your own mood — see our Postpartum Recovery guide for baby blues vs postnatal depression, and reach out early if you're struggling.
Newborn red flags — act fast
Frequently asked questions
How often should I feed a newborn?
On demand — usually 8-12 or more times in 24 hours, including overnight. Watch for early hunger cues rather than waiting for crying, and count nappies to check they're getting enough.
How do I care for the umbilical cord?
Keep it clean and dry, fold the nappy below it, and let it come off on its own (usually 1-3 weeks). Get it checked if the surrounding skin is red and spreading, or there's pus, swelling or a bad smell.
How often should I bath my newborn?
Not daily — 'top and tail' with cotton wool and warm water is enough at first. A couple of baths a week with plain water is plenty in the early weeks.
Why does my baby cry so much?
Crying is normal communication and peaks around 6 weeks. Work through hunger, nappy, temperature, tiredness and comfort. If it's relentless and you're overwhelmed, put the baby down safely and take a break — never shake a baby.
Is newborn jaundice dangerous?
Usually not — mild jaundice from day 2-3 is common and fades within ~2 weeks. But jaundice in the first 24 hours, deepening colour, poor feeding, or lasting beyond 2 weeks needs prompt medical assessment.
When are the newborn health checks?
A newborn exam within 72 hours, the heel-prick blood spot test around day 5, a hearing screen, health-visitor weight checks, the 6-8 week review, and first vaccinations at 8 weeks.
When should I worry about my newborn?
A fever of 38°C+ (under 3 months), floppiness, breathing difficulty, blue/pale skin, very poor feeding, far fewer wet nappies, a bulging/sunken soft spot, or a non-fading rash all need urgent help. Don't wait — newborns can deteriorate fast.
Sources
More guides
The Complete Breastfeeding Guide: Latch, Supply & Problems
How to get a good latch, build and protect your milk supply, solve the common problems (pain, engorgement, mastitis), and know your baby's getting enough.
Read
Baby Sleep: Schedules, Regressions & Gentle Settling
How much sleep babies need by age, realistic schedules, why the 4-month regression happens, safer-sleep rules, and gentle ways to help your baby (and you) sleep better.
Read
Postpartum Recovery: Your Complete First-6-Weeks Guide
What healing really looks like after birth — bleeding, stitches, your pelvic floor, sleep and emotions — plus the warning signs that need urgent help.
Read
Educational only — not medical advice. Always consult your midwife, GP or paediatrician for personalised guidance. Medical disclaimer.