Your Baby’s First Day: What to Expect After Birth

The first day of a baby's life is a time of significant adjustment for both the newborn and the parents. Here’s what you can expect in the first 24 hours after birth.

Immediately After Birth

Skin-to-Skin Contact

Encouraging immediate skin-to-skin contact with the mother helps regulate the baby’s body temperature, heart rate, and breathing. It also soothes the baby and assists in initiating feeding.

Apgar Score

A midwife assesses the baby’s health at 1 and 5 minutes after birth based on five factors: appearance (colour), heart rate, muscle tone, reflex response, and respiration.

First Cry & Breathing

The baby takes their first breaths and starts crying, helping to clear fluid from the lungs. Gagging or vomiting mucus may occur if the baby experienced a rapid vaginal delivery or a cesarean section. This can last up to 48 hours.

Cord Clamping & Cutting

The umbilical cord is clamped and cut after a short delay. Delayed cord clamping benefits the baby by increasing haemoglobin levels at birth and improving iron stores for the first few months.

Initial Cleaning & Weighing

The baby is dried off, weighed, and measured. Identification bands are placed on both legs for security.

First Breastfeeding Attempt

Many newborns show interest in feeding within the first hour. The sucking reflex is active during this period, making it an ideal time to initiate breastfeeding.

Within the First Few Hours

Medical Checks

Doctors or midwives will monitor vital signs, reflexes, and overall health.

Vitamin K & Hepatitis B Injections

These are offered to prevent bleeding disorders and protect against infections. Parental consent is required.

First Meconium (Poop)

The baby will likely pass their first dark, sticky stool within 24 hours.

Temperature Regulation

Newborns can struggle with body temperature regulation. They are usually wrapped in blankets and may wear a hat. It is normal for their hands and feet to appear blue or purple (acrocyanosis) in the first few days.

Feeding & Sleep Patterns

Breastfeeding/Bottle Feeding

Newborns may feed every 2-3 hours but might be sleepy on the first day. Their stomach capacity is small (5-10 mL) and may contain mucus from birth.

Sleep

Newborns sleep around 16-18 hours a day, waking mostly for feeding.

Recovery Sleep

Babies are often very alert for the first couple of hours, making this an ideal time for the first feed. Afterward, they enter a deep recovery sleep for several hours and may not be interested in feeding until they wake naturally.

Physical Appearance

Skin Colour

Some babies appear red, bluish, or blotchy at first. Hands and feet may stay cool and slightly blue for a few days.

Head Shape

If delivered vaginally, the baby’s head may be cone-shaped. Bruising can occur if forceps or vacuum assistance were used.

Lanugo & Vernix

Fine hair (lanugo) and a white, creamy coating (vernix) may still be present but will disappear over time.

Swollen Genitals & Puffy Eyes

Due to maternal hormones, it is normal for babies to have swollen genitals and puffy eyes at birth.

Bonding & Emotional Adjustments

Parents may experience a mix of emotions, from joy to exhaustion.

The first few days can feel overwhelming, especially for first-time parents.

Skin-to-skin contact and cuddling help strengthen bonding.

Lean on midwives, family, and friends for support.

Give yourself time to adjust to your new role as a parent.

Rest whenever possible.

Set boundaries with visitors—having no-visitor days is completely okay.

Accept offers of help with cleaning, shopping, or meal drop-offs.

When to Seek Medical Help

Call for medical assistance if:

Baby isn’t breathing or has a weak cry.

Skin turns bluish or very pale.

Poor feeding or excessive lethargy.

High fever or very low temperature.

Baby hasn’t passed urine within 24 hours.

Baby vomits green (avocado-coloured) fluid.

The first day is both exciting and overwhelming, but with the right guidance and support, parents can feel more confident in caring for their newborn. Check out our full range of postpartum products so that you're best prepared for your big day, and all the days after that. 💛

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How soon can a newborn have their first bath?

Most hospitals recommend delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours to help regulate body temperature and support bonding.

Why does my newborn sneeze so much?

Frequent sneezing is normal as babies clear amniotic fluid and dust from their nasal passages. It doesn’t necessarily indicate illness.

Can newborns see right after birth?

Yes, but their vision is blurry. Newborns can focus on objects about 8-12 inches away, which is perfect for looking at their parent’s face during feeding.

Why is my baby hiccuping so often?

Hiccups are common in newborns and are usually harmless. They occur due to an immature diaphragm and tend to decrease over time.

Is it normal for a newborn to have irregular breathing?

Yes, newborns often have irregular breathing patterns, sometimes pausing for a few seconds before resuming. However, if breathing stops for more than 10 seconds or appears laboured, seek medical advice.