Bringing your baby home is very exciting but can also be daunting.
Call PLUNKET LINE to speak to a nurse if you are concerned about your baby 0800 933 922. It is a 24 hour help line for care of under 5 year olds.
Call PLUNKET LINE to speak to a nurse if you are concerned about your baby 0800 933 922. It is a 24 hour help line for care of under 5 year olds.
Registering your baby and getting a birth certificate
Once you have decided on a name for your baby you need to register them here. You can also order a birth certificate (there will be a charge) and request an IRD number. You will find more information about applying for best start payments as well.
Baby Checks and screening
Shortly after birth (within a couple of hours), your baby will have a full physical check. There are other specific checks that are offered to all babies as well. A hearing screen is often performed prior to leaving hospital. If you have your baby at home or leave before this check is done, an appointment will be offered within the first month.
Newborn metabolic screening is a blood test done after 24 hours of age and before day 5. This tests for rare but serious conditions and is often taken at home. The card is sent off to the lab for processing and results take about a week or two to be returned to your midwife. If you would like to have your baby's blood spot card returned use this link.
At approximately one week and one month of age full checks will be repeated.
Newborn metabolic screening is a blood test done after 24 hours of age and before day 5. This tests for rare but serious conditions and is often taken at home. The card is sent off to the lab for processing and results take about a week or two to be returned to your midwife. If you would like to have your baby's blood spot card returned use this link.
At approximately one week and one month of age full checks will be repeated.
Signs of an unwell baby
Know the signs of an unwell baby. Call PLUNKET LINE to speak to a nurse if you are ever unsure. 0800 933 922. Never hesitate to seek medical attention if your baby is unwell. They can become ill very quickly but with the right care they often recover very quickly as well. I advise having a baby appropriate thermometer at home.
Vaccinations
Find the National Immunisation Schedule here, it tells you the recommended vaccinations and the timing of them in New Zealand. For more information you can go here. When your baby is born they are automatically added to the National Immunisation Register. This means you will get reminders about vaccinations but you will still need to book an appointment for your baby at your GP. The first appointment should be made when your baby is 6 weeks old.
Feeding
Generally, if feeding your baby is going well then most other aspects of baby care are easier. Do all that you can, to learn as much as you can, about feeding your baby before they are born. There are many resources available and it can be overwhelming to know what to focus on. The most important aspect initially is 'the latch" which is helped by "positioning". Read and watch everything available to help you understand a good latch. A poor latch can result in pain and damaged/bleeding nipples (yes! it IS as painful as it sounds). I strongly recommend getting some knowledge about how to avoid a poor latch. Good positioning of your baby in relation to your body is helpful. Browse through the breastfed NZ app as well.
In the early few days your baby is getting colostrum which is important for their tummy. The volumes are small - like your baby's tummy. When your baby is 3 or 4 days old, your milk comes in and volumes begin to increase. Cluster feeding is what increases your milk supply. It involves VERY frequent feeding, often hourly. As a young baby will feed for up to 50 mins at a time it can feel like these feeds are continuous. Baby will naturally do this at various times, most commonly at night on day 2, the end of week one, the end of month one and around three months. Cluster feeding is often a 24 hour period of frequent feeds or sometimes 2 lots of 12 hours overnight. If cluster feeding continues for longer than this discuss it with your midwife. At each visit we will ask you about your baby's feeding pattern - how often and how long each feed is. It can be helpful to write this down or use an app if you prefer.
If you notice a thick white coating on baby’s tongue that does not wipe away it could be thrush. It may look like milky curds but curds will wipe away. If your baby has oral thrush, they will need treatment with drops your midwife can prescribe. You will also need treatment for your nipples to stop cross-infection.
If you have decided to feed your baby formula or need to supplement breastfeeding it is important to know how to do so safely, read this pamphlet for advice. It can be hard to find good information about formula feeding your baby, you will find NZ based advice here.
In the early few days your baby is getting colostrum which is important for their tummy. The volumes are small - like your baby's tummy. When your baby is 3 or 4 days old, your milk comes in and volumes begin to increase. Cluster feeding is what increases your milk supply. It involves VERY frequent feeding, often hourly. As a young baby will feed for up to 50 mins at a time it can feel like these feeds are continuous. Baby will naturally do this at various times, most commonly at night on day 2, the end of week one, the end of month one and around three months. Cluster feeding is often a 24 hour period of frequent feeds or sometimes 2 lots of 12 hours overnight. If cluster feeding continues for longer than this discuss it with your midwife. At each visit we will ask you about your baby's feeding pattern - how often and how long each feed is. It can be helpful to write this down or use an app if you prefer.
If you notice a thick white coating on baby’s tongue that does not wipe away it could be thrush. It may look like milky curds but curds will wipe away. If your baby has oral thrush, they will need treatment with drops your midwife can prescribe. You will also need treatment for your nipples to stop cross-infection.
If you have decided to feed your baby formula or need to supplement breastfeeding it is important to know how to do so safely, read this pamphlet for advice. It can be hard to find good information about formula feeding your baby, you will find NZ based advice here.
Nappies
Babies normally pass small amounts of urine in the first day. This gradually changes over the week to at least five to six really wet nappies a day. If your baby hasn't passed urine for a while, they may leave an orange/pink powdery deposit on the nappy. Though these urates are quite common, they are an indication to make sure the baby has regular feeds
Babies usually have meconium poos for the first three to five days following birth. This colour gradually changes from black/green to brown, then becomes a bright mustard yellow.
Breastfed babies
Breastfed babies usually poo at least once a day. It is normal for the baby to pass yellow watery poos (with pieces that look like sesame seeds) that have very little smell. Most breastfed babies’ poo at each feed; this is normal.
As baby grows, breastfed babies can go as long as seven to 10 days without having a bowel motion. Again, this is normal as baby produces very little waste when digesting breast milk.
Formula fed babies
Babies that drink formula usually poo every day or every second day. Poos tend to be more solid than breastfed babies, and there is a slightly more noticeable smell. Poos are yellowish in colour.
Constipation
A baby's motions should always be soft. When a baby gets constipated, it has difficulties passing stools. Your midwife or Well Child provider will give you the appropriate advice.
Baby girls
You may notice vaginal mucos with some blood in your baby girl’s nappy. This is called pseudo-menses and is nothing to be alarmed about. Have your midwife check if you are concerned
Nappy rash
Keep baby’s nappy area clean and dry. A bit of time with the nappy area uncovered can be nice if the room is warm enough
Barrier creams are not usually needed unless a rash develops. If the rash becomes very raw or wet looking very quickly, or doesn’t improve with barrier cream alone, it may be a thrush rash. Continue using the barrier cream – it will not improve the rash but it will be more comfortable for baby. If the rash is thrush baby may need a cream prescribed by your midwife or GP to help clear rash
Babies usually have meconium poos for the first three to five days following birth. This colour gradually changes from black/green to brown, then becomes a bright mustard yellow.
Breastfed babies
Breastfed babies usually poo at least once a day. It is normal for the baby to pass yellow watery poos (with pieces that look like sesame seeds) that have very little smell. Most breastfed babies’ poo at each feed; this is normal.
As baby grows, breastfed babies can go as long as seven to 10 days without having a bowel motion. Again, this is normal as baby produces very little waste when digesting breast milk.
Formula fed babies
Babies that drink formula usually poo every day or every second day. Poos tend to be more solid than breastfed babies, and there is a slightly more noticeable smell. Poos are yellowish in colour.
Constipation
A baby's motions should always be soft. When a baby gets constipated, it has difficulties passing stools. Your midwife or Well Child provider will give you the appropriate advice.
Baby girls
You may notice vaginal mucos with some blood in your baby girl’s nappy. This is called pseudo-menses and is nothing to be alarmed about. Have your midwife check if you are concerned
Nappy rash
Keep baby’s nappy area clean and dry. A bit of time with the nappy area uncovered can be nice if the room is warm enough
Barrier creams are not usually needed unless a rash develops. If the rash becomes very raw or wet looking very quickly, or doesn’t improve with barrier cream alone, it may be a thrush rash. Continue using the barrier cream – it will not improve the rash but it will be more comfortable for baby. If the rash is thrush baby may need a cream prescribed by your midwife or GP to help clear rash
Sleeping, soothing and safety
Making sure your baby is safe will be a priority and this is no different when they are sleeping. You will need to arrange a safe place for your baby to sleep. Read about safe sleeping for your baby here and get more information here. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby read about how to do so safely here.
Learn more about normal newborn sleeping patterns and settling tips. Understand more about your baby's cries and how to help here.
You also need to arrange a car seat for your baby. A capsule is generally preferred for newborns. You will be asked to bring your car seat into the hospital before you can be discharged.
Learn more about normal newborn sleeping patterns and settling tips. Understand more about your baby's cries and how to help here.
You also need to arrange a car seat for your baby. A capsule is generally preferred for newborns. You will be asked to bring your car seat into the hospital before you can be discharged.
Your baby's skin
Dry skin
Very common in the first few weeks, it is normal for your baby to have dry, flaky skin, this is normal and does not require treatment. Massaging baby's skin with a non-complex oil, such as coconut, olive or almond oil, is a nice way to bond with your baby and care for his/her skin.
Spots
Hormone spots may range from a few spots to an acne-type rash on the face, head and upper body. These are generally caused by hormones from the mother and will resolve by themselves without treatment. If they become crusty or infected, see your doctor.
Septic spots
Commonly caused by bacteria that are normally present on the skin and may present as blisters or pus filled spots, especially in the neck and arm creases or nappy area. Contact your doctor if these appear infected.
Chafing rash
Chafing happens when skin rubs together and the friction causes redness, irritation, and discomfort. Sometimes, chafed skin can be so irritated that doctors call it friction burn. Check the armpits and groin creases on your baby regularly (at least daily) as they can develop areas of chafing. These sometime occur under neck rolls too. It is important for baby’s comfort to keep these areas as clean and as dry as possible. Weleda nappy cream is especially soothing and helps heal these areas quickly and comfortably. Avoid baby powder in this type of rash, it tends to create a paste and makes the rubbing worse.
Very common in the first few weeks, it is normal for your baby to have dry, flaky skin, this is normal and does not require treatment. Massaging baby's skin with a non-complex oil, such as coconut, olive or almond oil, is a nice way to bond with your baby and care for his/her skin.
Spots
Hormone spots may range from a few spots to an acne-type rash on the face, head and upper body. These are generally caused by hormones from the mother and will resolve by themselves without treatment. If they become crusty or infected, see your doctor.
Septic spots
Commonly caused by bacteria that are normally present on the skin and may present as blisters or pus filled spots, especially in the neck and arm creases or nappy area. Contact your doctor if these appear infected.
Chafing rash
Chafing happens when skin rubs together and the friction causes redness, irritation, and discomfort. Sometimes, chafed skin can be so irritated that doctors call it friction burn. Check the armpits and groin creases on your baby regularly (at least daily) as they can develop areas of chafing. These sometime occur under neck rolls too. It is important for baby’s comfort to keep these areas as clean and as dry as possible. Weleda nappy cream is especially soothing and helps heal these areas quickly and comfortably. Avoid baby powder in this type of rash, it tends to create a paste and makes the rubbing worse.
Jaundice
Jaundice is the medical term for the yellowing of the skin and the whites of baby’s eyes. The yellow colour is caused by bilirubin, a normal product from the breakdown of red blood cells.
For most babies jaundice is completely harmless, no treatment is required and it fades after a week or so. If your baby has jaundice, it is important that your baby breastfeeds regularly. A good supply of breast milk is all the baby needs. Advice will be given to expose baby to natural light, but you must not leave baby in the direct sun as this can cause skin damage.
If the baby becomes very yellow or lethargic/not interested feeding, a simple blood test maybe required to measure how much bilirubin is present in the baby's blood. If the test shows levels are too high, your baby might need to return to the hospital for treatment. Read more here. If jaundice continues to be evident beyond 2 weeks a blood and urine test is advised.
For most babies jaundice is completely harmless, no treatment is required and it fades after a week or so. If your baby has jaundice, it is important that your baby breastfeeds regularly. A good supply of breast milk is all the baby needs. Advice will be given to expose baby to natural light, but you must not leave baby in the direct sun as this can cause skin damage.
If the baby becomes very yellow or lethargic/not interested feeding, a simple blood test maybe required to measure how much bilirubin is present in the baby's blood. If the test shows levels are too high, your baby might need to return to the hospital for treatment. Read more here. If jaundice continues to be evident beyond 2 weeks a blood and urine test is advised.
Your baby's cord/umbilicus
No special care is required for the cord, apart from keeping it clean and dry. Separation of the cord from the belly button usually occurs within seven to 10 days. A small blood loss or ooze from this area is normal, as is an unpleasant odour. Once separated, the smell will be gone but further ooze is still normal. As the area dries complete this oozing will stop.
Bathing and drying the base of the belly button and the umbilical cord will not cause your baby any pain - this area has no nerve endings
Cord infections are rare but serious. They present as an area of redness around the cord/belly button that spreads out across the tummy. It requires immediate attention from your GP.
Bathing and drying the base of the belly button and the umbilical cord will not cause your baby any pain - this area has no nerve endings
Cord infections are rare but serious. They present as an area of redness around the cord/belly button that spreads out across the tummy. It requires immediate attention from your GP.
Your baby's eyes
As baby's tear ducts are often narrow, it is not unusual that you see sticky eyes with a white or yellow discharge. You can gently clean the eyes with a clean cloth or cotton wool and pre-boiled warm water. Carefully wipe the eye from the inside to the outer corner, using a clean corner of the cloth or a new cotton ball for each wipe.
Breast milk has antibiotic properties - you can squeeze a few drops into the eyes after feeding. A few drops in the eye after every feed for 24 hrs should show some improvement. You midwife may prescribed drops if this does not improve the sticky discharge. Your LMC, midwife, Plunket nurse or GP might need to order a swab to check for infection if it seems to persist.
Breast milk has antibiotic properties - you can squeeze a few drops into the eyes after feeding. A few drops in the eye after every feed for 24 hrs should show some improvement. You midwife may prescribed drops if this does not improve the sticky discharge. Your LMC, midwife, Plunket nurse or GP might need to order a swab to check for infection if it seems to persist.