The first few weeks of your baby's life

On this page

Your new baby

If you think something is wrong

Your baby’s head

Your baby’s umbilical cord

Your baby’s skin

Rashes

When to be concerned about rashes

Cradle cap

Swollen nipples and genitals

Sucking blisters

Thrush

Vomiting 

Sticky eyes

Conjunctivitis

Jaundice

Your new baby

As your new baby gets used to life in the outside world, it’s normal for them to develop minor physical conditions. Most of these won’t need treatment but speak to your midwife, health visitor or GP if you are concerned.  

Your baby will have a thorough newborn physical examination and other check-ups after they are born to make sure they are healthy and well. 

Here, we list some of the common things you may notice about your baby’s health and wellbeing in the first few days and weeks, and what you can do to make sure you baby is well.

If you think something is wrong

Most new parents feel a little insecure in their new role at first. It’s natural to be unsure about whether your concerns are valid or if you are being overprotective. But it’s important to try and trust your instincts if you think something is wrong.  

If you notice anything about your baby that worries you, don’t hesitate to contact your midwife, health visitor or GP. You can also see your local pharmacist, or call NHS 111 for advice at any time. Life – threatening illnesses in babies are very rare, but if you think your baby is seriously ill you can call 999 for emergency support.  

Your baby’s head

Babies' heads come in all shapes and sizes. It's normal for their head to be a slightly unusual shape. It will often sort itself out as they grow. 

A flattened head 

A young baby's skull is still relatively soft, and some babies develop a flattened head when they're a few months old.

This is usually because babies spend a lot of time lying on their back, which reduces the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. Find out more about safe sleep for babies.

A slightly flattened head isn't usually anything to worry about, and shouldn’t harm your baby. But it's a good idea to get advice early on so you can take steps to stop it getting worse.

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you're concerned about the shape of your baby's head, or think they may have problems turning their head. Your health visitor may refer your baby to be seen by a physiotherapist if they think this is necessary. They can examine your baby, use their hands to encourage better movement and suggest things you can do to help.  

Some people may suggest using helmets or headbands to help improve the shape of your baby’s skull. But these helmets and headbands generally are not recommended by doctors or midwives because there is not clear evidence to suggest they work.

To take pressure off the flattened part of your baby's head:

• Give your baby ‘tummy time’ during the day (time where they lie on their tummy). This can start from birth with lying your baby on your chest.  When they’re older you can lay them on their tummy on the floor. Just make sure you are watching them carefully.
• Change the position of toys and mobiles near their cot – this will encourage your baby to turn their head on to the non-flattened side.
• Alternate the side you hold your baby when feeding and carrying.
• Try using a sling, carrier or sloping chair at times, to vary the pressure on your baby’s head.

Fontanelles (soft spots) 

There will be soft spots - called fontanelles - on your baby’s head. One larger one at the top, and one smaller one towards the back.

This is where your baby’s skull bones haven’t closed over yet after the birth. You can gently touch or wash the fontanelles, which are covered by a tough protective membrane.

Your baby’s umbilical cord

Shortly after your baby is born, and if it is what you want, the midwife will clamp your baby’s umbilical cord with a plastic clip, close to the belly button. They will then cut the cord, leaving a small part and the plastic clip attached.

Your baby’s cord will usually dry and fall off within about 2 weeks. The cord doesn’t have any nerves, so this won’t hurt your baby. The area should then heal completely within a further week to 10 days.

To care for the cord and reduce the chance of infection, try to:

• wash your hands before and after baby care (for example, when your change their nappy)
• keep the cord clean and dry
• leave the cord open to the air and ensure the cord is outside of the nappy  
• if your baby’s wee or poo gets on to the cord, you can clean it with plain boiled water that you have let cool down.

When you’re feeding your baby at home, try stripping them down to their nappy. This is a great opportunity to air the cord and have some skin-to-skin time with your baby. You can put a loose blanket over your baby if they’re cold.

Tell your midwife, health visitor or GP if you notice any signs of infection. These include:

• bleeding
• discharge
• redness
• an unpleasant smell.

Umbilical granuloma 

An umbilical granuloma is an overgrowth of tissue during the healing process of the belly button (umbilicus). It usually looks like a soft pink or red lump. It may also be wet or leak small amounts of clear or yellow fluid. It’s most common in the first few weeks of a baby’s life.

If you think your baby might have an umbilical granuloma, speak to your midwife or health visitor. They can advise you how to treat it at home.  

Your baby’s skin

Your baby’s skin may still be covered in vernix. This is a white sticky substance that covers your their skin while in the womb. Leave this alone to absorb naturally. It's a natural moisturiser that also protects against infection in the first few days.

To look after your baby’s skin, try to:

• Bathe your baby with plain water only for at least the first month.
• Avoid skin lotions, medicated wipes or adding cleansers to your baby's bath water.
• Use cotton wool and plain warm water for cleaning your baby after nappy changes.
• If you do use baby wipes, make sure they’re fragrance- and alcohol-free.

If your baby was premature, their skin will be even more delicate. Find out about caring for your premature baby’s skin at home.  

Some babies may have may dry and cracked skin, especially if they were overdue. This is because all the protective vernix has been absorbed before they were born. Don’t use any creams or lotions as these can do more harm than good. Instead, let it improve by itself.

Rashes

It’s common for newborn babies to have spots and rashes after birth.  

Milk spots (milia) 

These tiny white or yellow spots often appear when a baby’s a few days old, particularly around the nose. They’re harmless and will disappear naturally within a few weeks.

Erythema toxicum 

This is a blotchy red, yellow or white rash with raised, solid bumps. It most commonly appears on a baby’s face, but can also show on their stomach, arms and legs. Your baby may have erythema toxicum from birth, or it may come and go. It usually gets better without treatment within a few weeks.

Heat rash 

This shows as small red spots on the skin when your baby gets too warm. It can be harder to spot on Black or Brown skin.

Heat rash may be itchy and uncomfortable for your baby, but should disappear when they cool down.

Nappy rash 

Nappy rash is red or raw patches on your baby’s bum or genitals. It can happen when the skin is in contact with a wet or soiled nappy for a long time. Try to:

• Change your baby’s nappy frequently.
• Clean the whole nappy area gently but thoroughly, wiping from front to back.
• Use water or fragrance-free and alcohol-free baby wipes.
• Dry your baby gently after washing them.  
• Lie your baby on a towel and leave their nappy off for as long and as often as you can to let fresh air get to their skin.
• Do not use soap, bubble bath, or lotions.
• Do not use talcum powder as this can irritate your baby's skin.

If the rash is causing your baby discomfort, your health visitor or pharmacist can recommend a nappy rash cream to treat it. They may suggest using barrier cream at every nappy change to help prevent it coming back.

Speak to your GP or health visitor if you have any worries or:  

• if the rash is severe
• if the rash doesn't go away or spreads to other areas
• your baby has a high temperature or seems very uncomfortable.

Birthmarks 

The most common type of birthmarks are stork marks. These are small, flat, pinkish-red areas, usually found on the forehead, eyelids and nape of the neck. They usually fade by themselves within a few months.

Strawberry marks are dark red and slightly raised. They sometimes appear a few days after the birth. Strawberry marks may get bigger at first, but usually disappear eventually.

The NHS website has more information about birthmarks.  

When to be concerned about rashes

Rashes or spots may come and go. But if your baby has a high temperature and/or you also notice a change in your baby's behaviour (for example, if your baby isn't feeding well, or is very sleepy or irritable) tell your midwife, health visitor or GP immediately.

If a rash does not fade when you press the side of a clear glass firmly against the skin, it can be a sign of meningitis and sepsis (sometimes called septicaemia or blood poisoning). This can be life-threatening for your baby. Call 999 straight away if this happens. 

The NHS website has a useful page about rashes with useful images of what they look like.

Cradle cap

Cradle cap is a common, harmless skin condition that can last until baby is 1 year old. It looks like patches of greasy, flaky, white or yellow scales on the head and face. It can also affect the nappy area.

It's not clear what causes cradle cap. It cannot be caught from another baby.

Cradle cap is not itchy or painful and does not bother your baby. It usually clears up on its own, but there are things you can try to make it better including:

• Rub on a mild moisturiser or cradle cap ointment to soften the scales.
• Gently loosen any flakes with a soft brush.
• Wash your baby's hair regularly with baby shampoo.  

Don’t use olive oil, soap, adult shampoos or peanut oil (in case your baby is allergic to peanuts). Try to avoid picking the crusts too, as this can cause an infection.

Swollen nipples and genitals

You may notice that your baby has slightly swollen nipples which may leak a little milk, regardless of their sex. Their genitals may also look swollen, but this will calm down after a few weeks.

Baby girls may have a small amount of blood in their nappies or have a white, cloudy discharge from their vagina. 

This is all caused by hormones passing from you to your baby before birth and isn’t anything to worry about.

Sucking blisters

Sucking blisters on the lips are caused by your baby sucking on them. These are harmless and don’t need any treatment.

Thrush

Oral thrush is a common fungal infection that develops in the baby’s mouth, which is usually harmless. It can happen to breastfed and bottle fed babies. Babies can pass oral thrush on through breastfeeding. 

Symptoms in babies can include:

• a white coating on the tongue, like cottage cheese, that can’t be wiped off easily
• white spots in their mouth
• if your baby does not want to feed.

If oral thrush isn’t treated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body. Thrush can also appear on babies’ bottoms, which can cause nappy rash.  

Your pharmacist may be able to give you advice, but some treatments are only suitable for babies over 4 months old. If your baby is younger it’s best to see your GP or your health visitor,

If you don’t see any improvement after 1 week of treatment, you may need to see the GP again.

Your GP, midwife or health visitor can also give you advice about hygiene for you and your baby, such as:

• changing your baby’s nappy regularly and cleaning the area with water
• washing your hands after changing your baby’s nappy
• washing your hands before feeding your baby
• washing and sterilising bottles and dummies properly – read more about this on our formula feeding page.

Vomiting

It’s normal for babies to bring up some milk after feeding. Your newborn’s tummy is still tiny, and their digestive system is still developing. If they seem otherwise well, there’s usually no reason to worry about vomiting.

However, seek medical advice if:

• your baby is vomiting forcefully
• their vomit is green or has blood in it
• they’re struggling to keep down any milk
• they seem dehydrated (with a dry mouth, fewer wet nappies or a sunken fontanelle/ soft spot)
• they have any other symptoms (such as a rash, fever, trouble breathing or being unusually sleepy or fussy)
• you have any concerns at all.

Contact your midwife, health visitor or GP, or call 111 for immediate medical advice. See this information from the NHS on when to take your baby to A&E for vomiting.

Sticky eyes

Many babies have sticky eyes from time to time. To clean their eyes, you can use cotton wool with cooled boiled water. Wipe from the inside corner of the eye to the outside corner.

If the whites of your baby’s eyes aren’t red but there is a discharge, sticky eyes may be from blocked tear ducts. About 1 in 5 babies are born with tear ducts that have not fully developed, affecting one or both eyes. This can last for several months.

Your health visitor may advise you to wait and see if the sticky eye improves over time. If the tear duct is still blocked and continuing to cause a sticky eye by about 12 months of age, your GP may refer your baby to an eye specialist.

Conjunctivitis

This is inflammation of the thin layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye. It can be caused by a blocked tear duct or an infection.  

Symptoms of conjunctivitis include:

• red, itchy and sticky eyelids
• eyes watering more than usual
• yellow or green discharge from the eye that is more noticeable in the morning and when they wake up
• discharge usually starts in one eye and can spread to the other eye.

See your GP if you think your baby has conjunctivitis. If they’re less than 28 days old and they have sticky and red eyes, try to get an urgent appointment with your GP or you can also contact your midwife / health visitor. This is because younger babies have lower immunity, and so may get a worse infection more quickly.

Jaundice

Jaundice is a common newborn condition that’s caused by raised levels of a chemical called bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, are broken down. It affects about 3 in 5 new babies, including 4 in 5 premature babies. Only about 1 in 20 of these babies will need treatment.

If your baby has jaundice, it causes yellowing of their skin. This can be more difficult to spot if your baby has Black or Brown skin, but you can also look for yellowing:

• in the whites of their eyes
• inside their mouth
• on the soles of their feet
• on the palms of their hands. 

A newborn baby with jaundice may also:

• be sleepy
• not want to feed or not feed as well or as usual
• have dark yellow wee (it should be colourless)
• have pale poo (it should be yellow or orange)  
• if your baby’s poo is pale and chalky you should go to the hospital as soon as possible so that they can get treatment from a healthcare professional.

In most cases, jaundice is harmless and is not a sign of an underlying condition. It usually clears up on its own by the time a baby is 2 weeks old.

It’s important to let your midwife, health visitor or the hospital where you gave birth know if you think your baby has jaundice. You should contact your midwife or doctor urgently if you notice jaundice in the first 24 hours of your baby’s life.

The NHS website has more information about newborn jaundice.  

Remember, if you notice anything about your baby that worries you, don’t hesitate to contact your midwife, health visitor or GP. Never worry about bothering them. The most important thing is that your baby is well and that you have peace of mind.  

Learn what to expect from your own body after the birth and get tips on bonding with your new baby.