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Try putting the back of your hand on the baby’s tummy or back. This will tell you if they are hot or cold. It is common for babies to have cold hands and feet. Too help prevent over heating, avoid over wrapping with too many layers.
Fever in babies less than 90 days of age is much more likely to be due to a serious infection requiring urgent treatment compared to fever in an older child. For this reason, all children under 90 days of age with a temperature above 38°C / 100.4°F should be urgently reviewed by a healthcare professional. The only exception is if they have a fever in the 48 hours following their first set of vaccines (given at 8 weeks of age) – in this situation, it is OK to give them paracetamol without seeking medical advice if your baby is otherwise well.
Please click here for more information.
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*The midwifery team will transfer care to the health visiting team within the first month of your baby being born.
It is common for newborn babies to make all sorts of sounds, from occasional snorts to grunts, gurgles to whistling.
It is common for newborn babies to make all sorts of sounds, from occasional snorts or grunts, gurgles and whistles. Babies normally breathe at a faster rate than adults and older children. It is normal for a newborn baby to take slight pauses in their breathing for a few seconds, or to breathe rapidly for a short period. By 6 weeks of age they should have a more regular breathing pattern.
Sometimes a baby’s breathing rate may increase for a longer period of time if they are unwell and you may also notice they are working harder to breath. For babies, the most tiring thing they do is feeding, so this can be the first time you notice them struggling to breathe. If they are too breathless to feed, they need to be seen urgently by a healthcare professional.
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In the early days your baby might have some involuntary movements and may appear very jumpy – this is normal. It is common for them to sneeze, stretch and hiccup.
* The midwifery team will transfer care to the health visiting team within the first month of your baby being born.
Over 50% of newborn babies will develop a condition called neonatal jaundice. This is where their skin appears yellow. Regular feeding and exposure to daylight (being careful to avoid direct sunlight) will help to natually reduce the bilirubin levels causing your baby's skin to look yellow. Most commonly jaundice will not cause your baby any problems, however, if you have concerns that your baby is reluctant to feed, sleepy and difficult to wake please the information in the link provided below.
Your baby should be a normal skin tone. Babies may have hands and feet that are blue for about 24 to 48 hours after birth.
It is normal for babies to have poor control over their eyes and appear cross eyed at times. Eyes look grey - blue, or brown in colour. They will develop their eye colour from six to 12 months.
Sticky eyes are common in newborn babies while their tear ducts are developing. You may see a sticky white or yellow discharge in the corner of one or both of your baby’s eyes, which may cause the eyelashes to stick together. This is caused by a narrow or blocked tear ducts, which generally open up and begin draining normally within the first few months of life.
Sticky eyes are not the same as conjunctivitis; conjunctivitis affects the outer coating layer of the eye and inner surface of eyelids, which in babies may be caused by bacterial or viral infections that they may have picked up during or after birth. The signs of conjunctivitis include a yellow/green discharge and redness and swelling of the eye(s). If you notice this contact your GP as your baby may need antibiotic eye drops. Infection can be passed on easily, so wash your hands and use a separate towel for your baby.
If your baby’s mouth is moist it means he/she is feeding well. You might even notice a blister on their top lip, which may even be present from birth. This is due to sucking and is normal.
If you see white spots in your baby’s mouth which do not disappear in between feeds, contact your midwife or health visitor*.
It may feel that you are feeding your baby all the time. However, the frequency with which your baby feeds changes as they get older, please discuss this with your midwife or health visitor*.
Click here for advice on breast feeding
Click here for advice on bottle feeding
Click here for advice on colic
Not Sure
The contents of your baby’s nappy changes from day to day in the beginning. Breast fed babies often poo after every feed. You should expect:
Wet nappies
The number of wet nappies you will expect to find changes in the amount of urine (wee) that you see over the first 7 days. Below is a guide to help you decide if your baby is passing enough urine (wee).
1-2 or more per day - may be pink in colour because of urates*
1 or more dark green/black ttar like' called meconium
At least 2, changing in colour and consistency -brown/green/yellow, becoming looser (‘changing stool’)
At least 2, at least the size of a £2 coin yellow and watery, ‘seedy’ appearance
*Urates are a dark pink/red substance that many babies pass in the first couple of days. If they are still pink in colour beyond the first couple of days you should tell your midwife as it may be a sign your baby is not getting enough milk.
** With new disposable nappies it's often hard to tell if they're wet, so to get an idea if how much is enough urine, take a nappy and add 2-4 tablespoons of water. This will give you an idea of what to look and feel for.
Urates
Urates, sometimes known as brick dust because that’s what it looks like: tiny orange or pinkish crystals. They are harmless: they are salts in the urine, and tend to show up in the very early days. Most babies will pass them once only. They can be a sign your baby needs a little help to feed more often or more effectively. Ask your midwife.
Pseudo Menses or False Periods
False menstruation or pseudo menstruation is harmless. It is a very light bleed from the vagina in some baby girls. It comes from the effects of your own hormones on her system, and it soon stops.
Nappy Wetness Indicator
Some nappies include a line which indicates when the baby has passed urine. This can help parents to know how many wet nappies the baby has had. Click here if you are worried about how much your baby is peeing.
Exclusively breast fed baby. The poo will turn very yellow with small 'seedy' bits in it. It can be very watery which is normal. Some baby’s poo at every feed and some may go a few days without a dirty nappy. If your baby is feeding well and gaining weight then there is no cause for concern.
Formula milk fed babies: Some baby’s poo more often but usually once a day as a minimum. If your aby is feeding well and gaining weight then there is no cause for concern.
If your baby is struggling to have a poo and is constipated, please phone your Health Visitor for advice.
Click here for more information if you are worried about your baby's poos.
Click here for more information on Nappy Rash
Babies will normally have several wet nappies a day.
Some baby girls can have a small bleed or a discharge from their vagina. This is because of maternal hormones and usually only lasts a few days.
You may even notice a yellow or dark orange urine stain in the nappy. This is normal.
If you are worried that your baby has not passed much urine (wee) you should feed them frequently.
The umbilical cord will start to dry out and will usually fall off by the time your baby is two weeks old. The cord needs cleaning with cool boiled water and drying afterwards.
Click here for more info including pictures of what your baby's cord should look like.
The cord can be sticky underneath, this is normal.
It is normal for your baby to have dry skin. Flaking is common and usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Babies under 4 weeks should be bathed in water only. This does not need to be every day, every 2-3 days is enough.
Not sure? If your baby's skin is very dry, speak to your health visitor or pharmacist.
Unhappy? If the skin is itchy, sore, uncomfortable or broken contact your health visitor, pharmacist or GP.
HEALTHIER TOGETHER App
It can be extremely stressful when your child is unwell. We know that there is a huge amount of information available at your fingertips, but finding something that provides clear and accurate information is not always easy!
The resources on the Healthier Together have been developed in partnership between parents and NHS healthcare professionals. You'll find clear information on common childhood illnesses, including advice on what 'red-flag' signs to look out for, where to seek help if required, what you should do to keep your child comfortable and how long your child's symptoms are likely to last.
Download here on IOS and Android.
BABY BUDDY
Baby Buddy is your personal baby expert who will guide you through your pregnancy and the first six months of your baby’s life. It has been designed to help you give your baby the best start in life and support your health and wellbeing.
For more information and to download the app - click here
THE DAD PAD
Thames Valley & Wessex Neonatal Operational Delivery Network of hospitals
This app includes information for families of premature and sick babies, with key information about each hospital and unit available.
Download app for iOS
Download app for android
