The first weeks at home are a blur of feeds, naps and new sounds. Here is what genuinely matters.
Feeding: newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Whether you breastfeed, express or use formula, watch your baby, not the clock — steady weight gain and 6 or more wet nappies a day mean things are going well. Our lactation support is a phone call away if feeding hurts or you are unsure.
Sleep: babies sleep 14–17 hours in short stretches. Always place your baby on their back, in their own cot, on a firm flat mattress, with no pillows or loose blankets. Keep the room smoke-free.
The cord and skin: keep the cord stump clean and dry; it falls off within two weeks. Mild peeling skin is normal. Bathe two or three times a week — daily baths are not needed.
When to call us: fever in a baby under three months is always urgent. Also call for poor feeding, fewer wet nappies, yellowing skin that deepens, breathing that looks laboured, or a baby who is unusually sleepy or hard to settle. Trust your instinct — you know your baby best, and our paediatric team is here 24/7.
Reviewed by the specialists at Medlyn Hospital. This guide is general information, not a diagnosis — if you are worried about your health or your child's, please speak to a doctor.