What can I expect in my baby’s first week?
The first week is a mix of feeds, rest, nappy changes, newborn checks and recovery. There is no single routine, and appointment timing depends on where you live.
The short answer
The first week often includes feeds, short stretches of sleep, nappy changes, newborn checks and recovery after birth. There is no single routine. The timing and names of checks depend on your local health service. The outline below gives NHS timings for England.
Expect a changing routine
The first week isn’t usually a fixed schedule. Some babies feed soon after birth and others take longer. You will also be getting to know your baby while recovering and adjusting to new routines. Ask your midwife or health visitor what follow up is planned and how to reach them between appointments.
The NHS guide to the early days describes care in the United Kingdom. The details below about screening and visits are specific to England. Other countries use different tests, names and timelines.
Feeding and everyday notes
Feeding patterns vary. NHS guidance says breastfeeding in the early days can be very frequent, sometimes every hour, and advises responsive feeding. Follow any plan your midwife, doctor or breastfeeding specialist gives you. An article can’t check a feed or tell how much milk a baby is taking.
If a care professional asks you to keep a record, ask which details they want and when to share them. Otherwise, a short note can help the next caregiver remember what happened. For a general timing question, read how often a newborn may feed.
Newborn checks in England
In England, the NHS says a newborn physical examination is offered within 72 hours after birth. The blood spot test is offered on day five or sometimes a few days later. Hearing screening should be offered before a baby is four weeks old. The timing of the last two checks may fall outside the first week.
Midwives usually agree a plan for visits during the first days after birth. The NHS says a health visitor sees the baby at around 10 to 14 days. Your own care team will tell you where and when checks will happen, including if your baby is receiving special care.
Questions to ask your care team
Before you leave the birth setting, ask who to contact about feeding, when the next check is planned, which screening is offered where you live and what to do if you’re worried overnight. If a doctor wants you to record feeds or nappies, ask exactly what to note and how long to keep the record.
Follow the plan you were given. An article can’t check a baby’s feeding, weight, jaundice or recovery. Contact your care team if something worries you rather than waiting for a scheduled appointment.
Your recovery matters too
The NHS says some people feel low, tearful or anxious during the first week after giving birth. If difficult feelings begin later, continue beyond two weeks, get worse or make it hard to cope, speak with your midwife, GP or health visitor. You can ask for help sooner if you’re concerned. The NHS postnatal depression guidance explains where to start.
Keep only the record that helps
A shared log can help a caregiver pass on the last feed, nappy change or sleep entry. It can’t replace a newborn check, check health or decide what your baby needs. Keep only useful details and leave the app alone when it adds work.
BabyDays keeps feeds, nappies and sleep in one timeline. For a simple handoff between caregivers, see how two caregivers can share a newborn feed log.
Sources and further reading
Sources checked 12 October 2026. This page doesn’t replace advice from your own doctor.