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Newborn baby (0–6 weeks): sleep, feeding and nappy size
Stage: 0–6 weeks · newborn
Sleep
14–17 hoursper 24 hours
45–60 minawake between naps
30 min–2 hours, variableper nap
no fixed rhythm yet — naps are spread across the day
Feeding
Breastfeed on demand — no schedule needed. If formula feeding, start small and build up gradually per feed.
Formula: 8–12 feeds a day, 30–90 ml, building up. A newborn tummy is tiny — small, frequent feeds are normal. Around day 7–10 many babies cluster-feed during a growth spurt.
Nappy size
Size 1 (newborn), 2–5 kg. Some small babies start in size 0 (up to 3 kg).
Development at this stage
- Startles at loud noises (Moro reflex)
- Briefly fixes on faces 20–30 cm away
- Rooting and sucking reflexes active
- Recognises parents' voices
Care & things to watch
- Bathing: 2–3 times a week is plenty (even once is fine) — more often dries out delicate skin. Top-and-tail with a washcloth on other days. Water around 37°C, never leave your baby unattended
- Vitamin K: offered at birth (usually a single injection, or an oral course if you decline the injection)
- Vitamin D: breastfed babies need a daily supplement of 8.5–10 micrograms from birth; formula-fed babies having more than 500 ml a day don't need it (formula is fortified)
- Newborn blood spot (heel prick) test around day 5, plus the newborn hearing screen in the first weeks
- RSV protection in the UK is offered through maternal vaccination during pregnancy (from 28 weeks). If mum wasn't vaccinated, ask your midwife or health visitor what protection applies to your baby
- Always sleep baby on the back, in a clear cot: no pillows, duvets, bumpers or soft toys. Feet-to-foot position, and dress for the room temperature to avoid overheating — a risk factor for SIDS (Lullaby Trust)
- Keep the umbilical cord stump clean and dry; stick to short baths until it has come off
- Watch for jaundice — if in doubt, contact your midwife, health visitor or GP
- Extra feeding, fussier behaviour and shorter naps around a growth spurt (often around day 7–10) are normal and settle within a few days
- Health visitor new-baby review around day 10–14
Want this matched to your own baby?
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