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Newborns

HSE article for Newborns

Baby weight gain

It is normal for a baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight with a few days of birth. By day five, your baby will begin to gain weight.

Skin-to-skin contact with newborns

For most babies, skin-to-skin contact is what they need to calm and warm them after birth. It can also help your baby stabilise their breathing. Learn more about the benefits of skin-to-skin contact with your baby.

What newborns look like

Your first glimpse of your newborn baby will be an incredible experience. It can also be a little surprising if you have not seen what a newborn looks like. Learn about the normal variations in a newborn baby's appearance.

  • The Beutler test for babies in Travelling community

    Members of the Travelling community are more likely to have galactosaemia. This means babies can't digest breast milk, cow's milk and formula well. You'll be offered a test after your baby's born to see if they have the condition.

  • Umbilical cord stump

    Your baby's umbilical cord will be cut after you give birth. A small stump will remain on your baby. It will fall away after a short period. Learn how to take special care of this area while waiting for the cord to fall away.

  • Newborns and sleep

    Find out how many hours of sleep your baby needs in the first few months and how to help them sleep safely and reduce their risk of cot death.

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