Everything you need to know about your newborn — from the first hours of life through your baby's first year.
The first hours after birth are critical for bonding and your baby's health.
Place baby directly on your chest immediately after birth. This regulates their temperature, heart rate, and breathing, and begins the bonding process.
Try to breastfeed within the first hour. Your colostrum (first milk) is packed with antibodies and nutrients your newborn needs.
The medical team will check APGAR score (1 and 5 minutes), weight, length, temperature, and perform a vitamin K injection.
The umbilical cord is clamped and cut. Delayed clamping (1–3 minutes) transfers more blood and iron to your baby.
Breast milk is the best nutrition for your baby for at least the first 6 months. WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months, then continued breastfeeding with complementary foods up to 2 years or beyond.
Newborns sleep 16–18 hours a day in 2–4 hour stretches. Always place baby on their BACK to sleep. Never on a soft surface or with loose bedding.
Sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off (1–3 weeks). 2–3 baths per week is sufficient. Use plain warm water in the first weeks.
Keep the stump clean and dry. Fold nappy below the stump. It falls off in 1–3 weeks. Contact doctor if it smells or surrounding skin becomes red.
Expect 6–8 wet nappies per day by day 4–5 (a sign of good feeding). Change nappies frequently to prevent nappy rash. Use fragrance-free wipes.
Crying is your baby's only communication. Common reasons: hunger, wind/gas, wet nappy, temperature, overstimulation, or need for closeness.
High temperature (38°C+), difficulty breathing, not feeding for 4–5 hours, yellow/jaundiced skin beyond day 10, or abnormal cry.
The following schedule is based on globally recommended immunisation guidelines. Always check with your local health authority for country-specific schedules.
| Age | Vaccines | Protects Against |
|---|---|---|
| At Birth | BCG, Polio (OPV 0), Hepatitis B (HBV 1) | TB, Polio, Hepatitis B |
| 6 Weeks | Pentavalent 1, Polio (OPV 1), PCV 1, Rotavirus 1 | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Hib, Hep B, Polio, Pneumonia, Rotavirus |
| 10 Weeks | Pentavalent 2, Polio (OPV 2), PCV 2, Rotavirus 2 | Same as 6 weeks (booster) |
| 14 Weeks | Pentavalent 3, Polio (OPV 3), PCV 3, Rotavirus 3, IPV | Same as 6 weeks + Injectable Polio |
| 6 Months | Typhoid Conjugate Vaccine (TCV) | Typhoid fever |
| 9 Months | Measles-Rubella (MR 1), Vitamin A | Measles, Rubella |
| 15 Months | Measles-Rubella (MR 2) | Measles, Rubella (booster) |
| 18 Months | DTP Booster, Polio Booster | Diphtheria, Tetanus, Pertussis, Polio (booster) |
Based on WHO and globally recommended immunisation guidelines. Always consult your paediatrician.
Every baby develops at their own pace. These are general guidelines — talk to your paediatrician if you have concerns.
Your body needs time to heal after birth. Here's what to expect in the weeks after delivery:
Normal vaginal discharge after birth, lasting 4–6 weeks. Starts red, fades to pink, then yellow-white. Contact your doctor if bleeding is heavy or has a foul smell.
Up to 80% of mothers experience "baby blues" in the first 2 weeks. Postpartum depression (lasting longer, more severe) affects 1 in 5 mothers and requires professional support.
Begin gentle pelvic floor exercises (Kegels) as soon as you feel comfortable. See a women's health physiotherapist if you experience leaking or pain.
Continue prenatal vitamins, eat iron-rich foods, and drink plenty of water — especially if breastfeeding. Rest whenever your baby sleeps.
Postpartum depression is common and treatable. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.