newborn behaviour

Sleep

Newborns sleep a LOT in the first few weeks, this is totally normal. Some babies have long 2 hour naps, and some babies have lots of shorter cat naps throughout the day - both are normal.

Newborns are born nocturnal so don't worry if they seem wide awake at 3am! This improves with time and lots of daylight exposure helps.

Contact naps are a lovely way to bond with your baby and don't worry, it doesn't mean you are making a "rod for your own back". Newborns love being comforted by being held, and it makes for a more gentle transition from womb to world.

Newborns awake window is 45mins-1 hour max, this includes feeding and burping.

Swaddling, sucking, swaying, shhhh (white noise) and holding them in a side lying position are all thing that will help settle newborns to sleep.

Feeding

Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle feed, newborns feed frequently - day and night.

Their tummies are so small and they digest and get hungry fairly quickly.

Normal feeding patterns for a newborn are feeding every 1.5-3 hours. In the first 2 weeks, to help your baby regain their birth weight, it's best to wake and feed them at least every 3 hours day and night.

Normal weight loss post birth for a breastfed baby is 10%, and a formula fed baby is 7%. We would hope this was regained by 2 weeks of age.

It's good practice to burp your baby but don't worry if you don't get many burps up - especially when they are so tiny. It gets easier as they get bigger and stronger.

Behaviour

It is normal for newborns to cry, this is how they communicate. Crying usually peaks around 6 weeks. Your once possibly quiet and sleepy baby will start to really wake up and test their little lungs! You will get to know the difference between their tired, hungry and bored cries.

Their umbilical cord has normally fallen off by day 14. Until then, fold their nappy down and under the umbilical cord to prevent their nappy from rubbing on it, and making it uncomfortable.

It's also best to hold off giving them their first bath until then. In the meantime, a top and tail with warm water and a cotton pad works perfectly. Focus on their face, creases and nappy area.

When they are ready for their first bath, keep it short (a few mins is perfect) because it can be an overwhelming experience. Ideal bath water temp is 37-38 degrees.