Newborn care - the first days at home

Your long-awaited baby is here. Those first hospital days can feel supported yet confusing if advice clashes with what you learned. As you look ahead to being home on your own, it is normal to wonder: “Will I do this right?”
Good news: for almost every newborn challenge there is professional help, practical techniques, suitable products and emotional support.

Below is a simple, no-drama overview of daily routine and the most common questions for the first days at home.

Feed on demand

If breastfeeding does not work right away and you need formula, remember this: the love and calm you offer while feeding matters too, and your baby feels it.

Breastmilk is the ideal food and gives long term immune protection. Health bodies worldwide recommend exclusive breastfeeding to 6 months. With on demand feeding, timing and length follow your baby’s needs and milk supply adapts.

If you struggle, contact a lactation consultant who can visit you at home.
If you pump and freeze milk, sterilise pump parts and containers daily. You can use microwave sterilisers, electric units or a simple boiling method.

Skincare to nail trimming

Newborn skin is sensitive and dries easily. Keep products gentle and free of harsh chemicals so the natural barrier stays healthy.

Bathing and hair wash

A short daily rinse keeps skin clean from potential irritants.
Choose hypoallergenic products with simple ingredients. Many parents use only a little olive oil or a mild baby bath oil or cream in the water at first.

Bath tips

Water at 37 to 37.5 °C. Use a bath thermometer or the elbow test.
Wash gently, then pat dry with a soft towel.
Keep the cord stump dry. Clean behind ears and under the chin folds.
Do not retract the foreskin in baby boys.
Some babies like a wash mitt, others prefer your hand for the close touch.

From birth, babies need prescribed vitamin D and K according to your paediatrician.

Newborn baby being bathed in a baby tub.

Cord care

The 3 to 4 cm stump usually falls off in 5 to 10 days. Keep it clean and dry.
If the area turns red, swollen or oozy, or your baby has a fever, contact your paediatrician.
Guidance has changed over the years. Follow your current nurse or doctor’s advice for cleaning, and only use alcohol if stool accidentally gets on the stump.

Nappy changes and products

Wipe front to back. Apply cream only to the bottom and groin creases. Fold the nappy edge down so it does not rub the cord stump.
Cloth nappies reduce waste and chemicals. If disposables are easier, look for low additive options. Reusable wipes with warm water also work well.

Close-up of a newborn’s umbilical stump.

Nails and ears

Do not cut nails for the first two weeks. Later, trim when baby is in a deep sleep using baby scissors or a fine file. Do not round corners too much.
Ears self-clean. Wipe only what you see at the opening. Never insert a cotton bud.

Sleep in brief

Newborn sleep cycles are short and include active REM and deeper non REM sleep with micro arousals. Hunger drives frequent waking, sometimes every 2 hours, and day-night may be mixed up. This usually settles within a few weeks. Help by keeping nights dark and quiet.
Soft, breathable outfits make sleep more comfortable. Bamboo layers can help with temperature balance.

A hand gently strokes a newborn’s head at bedtime.

Fresh air

For a full term baby, start airing after one week in warm seasons. Open the window briefly before going out.
Use a thin hat even in summer, avoid drafts and shade the pram.
Avoid outings in freezing, rainy, foggy or very windy weather, and avoid heatwaves. Choose quiet, greener routes away from heavy traffic.

Dressing

Newborns have immature temperature control and little insulating fat. If baby is cold, you may see marbled skin or bluish lips and nails.
Choose breathable natural layers and adjust to the room or outdoor temperature. See our detailed newborn dressing guide if you want specifics.

Everyone gives advice. Who should you follow

Listen kindly, then act based on your judgement and the professionals you trust.

Home visits and support

Your community nurse will visit regularly, checking on baby and on you. Ask anything about feeding, sleep, your mood or how recovery feels.

Possible early health hiccups

Colic

Crying more than 3 hours a day, 3 days a week, for over 3 weeks, often at similar times, with straining and gas. Your paediatrician can advise soothing methods and safe products until it passes naturally.

Oral thrush

White patches in the mouth from candida. Do not use old style paints that are no longer recommended. Ask your paediatrician for safe treatment.

Heat rash

Tiny blisters in warm, humid conditions. Loose, breathable clothing helps. If it persists, see the doctor to rule out other causes.

Peeling skin

Common in post term babies on wrists, hands, ankles and feet, usually settles by 2 weeks.

Nappy dermatitis

Red, spotty skin from urine and stool contact in a warm, damp area. Change often, rinse with lukewarm water and use a rich barrier cream.

Eczema

Dry, itchy patches, often on the face. Atopic eczema is common in infancy. Moisturising bath oils and, if needed, prescribed treatments help. Discuss with your paediatrician.

BCG site

A small red nodule on the upper arm appears after 3 to 4 weeks. A tiny blister may form then crust and heal with a small scar. Keep dry and protect from friction. If it looks unusually inflamed, get it checked.

Preparing for the postpartum period

Beyond reading, consider classes. Lean on your nurse and on trusted family.
If your baby is premature or has special medical needs, follow specialist guidance first.

You have got this. With love, patience and the right support, you will find your rhythm.

Sources:

NHS - Gateshead Health

NHS - Top tip on spending time at home with a baby

NHS - Early days