What to expect in your newborn baby’s first 10 days

Although it’s easy to be caught up in the emotions and excitement of welcoming a newborn into the world, it can also feel like all the pressure of the world is on you. New information, emotions, and routines are going to change your life quickly.  

Understanding what to expect can help you feel less anxious about all the change and slightly more equipped as a new parent. So, here, we’re going to look at everything from their initial appearance to feeding and sleeping patterns, bonding, and health checks. 

Here’s a guide for what you can expect from your newborn’s first 10 days in the world, with practical tips on hygiene and care, an area of expertise that Milton has after supporting parents and families for generations. 

Your baby’s appearance 

It’s common to see newborn babies looking like peaceful sleeping little angels with rosy cheeks and highly photogenic faces. However, newborn babies tend to come out looking a little more like they’ve woken up from a long sleep, often with puffy eyes, slightly misshapen heads, and a coating of vernix (a white, waxy substance that protected their skin in the womb). 

This is all normal, of course, and they tend to “settle” into their expected appearance over a few weeks. You can also expect skin that might look blotchy or peel, as well as fine body hair. 

Feeding your newborn 

Newborns eat a lot; they’re expected to feed 8 to 12 times a day, every 2 to 3 hours. This is true for both breastfeeding and formula feeding. They may lose a little weight initially but typically regain it within two weeks. 

Maintaining your baby’s hygiene is crucial in this early stage, so sterilising milk containers, dummies, and pump parts after they’re used is important. Our cold water sterilising method is popular and easy, working in just about 15 minutes, which can be ideal for tired parents. 

Your baby’s sleep 

Don’t expect a lot of activity out of your newborn as they tend to sleep up to 18 hours a day for the first 10 days. This comes in bursts of 2 to 4 hours, which can be stressful for parents, so expect fragmented sleep. 

Make sure to create a safe sleeping environment while babyproofing your home, ensuring that it’s calm, suited to rest and filled with all the baby essentials. 

Growth and development 

You might be surprised by how rapidly your baby grows in those early weeks. As mentioned, they tend to lose and regain some weight by the second week, but they will grow more and more beyond that. They might start responding to voices and lights, but their vision is still going to be blurry. 

Touch is very important for early development. Invest time in skin-to-skin contact and cuddles to help them foster stronger bonding, as well as helping them regulate their temperature. 

Communication and crying 

Expect plenty of crying because it’s how they communicate, whether they’re hungry, need changing, or just want a little comfort. This is all normal, and you’ll learn how to respond to your baby’s cues with time. 

To relieve any worries, be sure to keep them comfortable and well by keeping their nursery germ-free, especially as their immune system is still developing. If the baby’s crying is constant and you can’t console or distract them, or it sounds different from their normal cry, it might be time to get in touch with their doctor. 

Health check-ups and monitoring 

Your baby will get a physical examination within 72 hours of birth, and usually get a checkup around day 5-10, which may include heel-prick blood tests to check for rare conditions, a hearing test, and weight monitoring. 

Hygiene and sterilising 

We provide plenty of guides on baby hygiene, as well as what baby health essentials you should invest in to maintain your baby’s health in their early days, including the first 10 days. They are vulnerable to germs at this point, so sterilising any equipment used to feed them and entertain is critical. 

With over 70 years of experience in baby hygiene, Milton is a trusted partner for new parents. Our sterilising range is designed to fit around busy routines, giving peace of mind that your baby’s health is protected from day one. 

For more help and expert guidance, visit our parent advice section for lots of useful articles on newborn care, parenting tips, and more.