Your baby in the first few days
The first few days of your baby's life are both exciting and stressful. A lot happens. Your newborn will need to sleep about four hours a day, feed and sleep even more. They should be kept dry and clean and bathed every other day. The delivery staff will perform medical checkups for your baby and administer immunizations.
This page outlines what you can expect when welcoming your healthy, full-term baby.
Eating and sleeping patterns
Most babies sleep less than 4 hours at a time and then wake up to be fed. Most newborns sleep about 16 hours every 24 hours.
Every baby is different, so you shouldn't impose strict schedules in the first few months. This helps your baby get what they need. It also helps you establish your milk supply by feeding whenever your baby wants to and for as long as they want. A "feed, play, sleep" cycle is better for both you and your baby than following a strict schedule.
Make sure your baby always sleeps on his or her back with his or her head and face uncovered. The safest place for him or her to sleep is in a secure crib next to your bed. Do not let your baby come into contact with cigarette smoke.
shower
Bathing your baby can be a real joy, even if it can be nerve-wracking at first. Bathing your baby in the evening can help soothe and calm your baby.
But you don't need to bathe your baby every day if you don't want to. A bath every few days is sufficient. Just be sure to keep the diaper area clean and dry. You'll soon find what you and your baby prefer.
Part of your baby's umbilical cord will still be attached. Keep it clean and dry and allow it to heal naturally.
If you've never bathed a baby before, the Raising Children Network has some helpful illustrations to guide you.
Hearing and blood tests
Your baby will be offered some tests in the first week. You will be asked for permission before these tests are performed. Your baby will have a non-invasive hearing screening test and a heel prick blood test—a newborn screening test (NST).
Weight, Measurement and Child Health Checkup
Your baby will be checked and weighed by the midwife shortly after birth and a few days later. This is to ensure your baby is healthy and hasn't lost too much weight. Babies usually lose some weight during the first few days, then begin to gain weight again. They should return to their birth weight within about two weeks.
If your baby loses a lot of weight in the first few days, you may be offered extra help.
Your baby will undergo a complete examination to check the shape of his or her head, eyes, ears, roof of mouth, tongue, genitals, skin, hands, feet, spine, and hips. In the rare cases where problems are detected, the doctor or midwife may order further tests.
Infant health record
All children in Australia are issued with an Infant Health Record (IHR) at birth. Each state has a different colored cover for the IHR. For example, the "Blue Book" in New South Wales and the "Green Book" in Victoria will be your child's primary health record until they start school.
Your baby's first wellness checkup is usually between 1 and 4 weeks old, with a follow-up at 6 and 8 weeks old. At these appointments, your doctor or maternal and child health nurse will check your baby's growth, including their height, weight, head circumference, and a physical exam.
Vaccinations
Your child will receive the first dose of hepatitis B vaccine in the hospital. The hepatitis B vaccine is given as an injection in the child's thigh. Your local child health nurse will help you schedule the next round of vaccinations, which is scheduled between 6 weeks and 2 months of age.
What's in a diaper?
Your baby's stool changes slightly during the first week. Monitoring these changes is one way to know if your baby is healthy and feeding well. Your baby's stool gradually changes from black and sticky on the day of birth to mustard yellow by the time your breast milk comes in on days three to five.
Your midwife will check to see if your baby has had a bowel movement and at least one wet diaper on the first day. You can then expect two wet diapers on the second day, three wet diapers on the third day, four wet diapers on the fourth day, five wet diapers on the fifth day, and six wet diapers on the following day. Frequent bowel movements are common in the first week.
You can change your baby's diaper every time you feed him unless you notice the diaper is very wet or dirty between feedings.
What to prepare to take your child home
To take your baby home, you'll usually need some diapers, a change of clothes (one T-shirt, one big onesie, and maybe a warm hat), a warm wrap, and infant car seat belts. Ask your hospital for a list of items your baby will need for the hospital and for the trip home.
Young babies don't need a lot of supplies. Basically, they just want to be fed, kept warm, changed, and spend lots of time with you. A simple crib or bassinet, set up safely with diapers, six changes of clothes, and some blankets is a great start.