The First Weeks with a Newborn

Talk about the baby briefly and concretely, in words that suit your child's development, and be honest that a newborn cries and needs a lot of attention. The American Academy of Pediatrics suggests involving older children in simple ways (helping with the room or choosing clothes), reading books about new babies and siblings, and keeping some time each day just for them. Plan changes such as toilet training or moving beds around the child's readiness, rather than rushing them for the birth; the AAP advises allowing time before the arrival or waiting until the baby has settled at home. If your child regresses, offer reassurance and attention, and praise progress without scolding.

For routine care after birth, the World Health Organization recommends delaying the first bath for at least 24 hours. Have everything ready before you start, keep the room warm and never leave the baby alone in the water, even for a moment. The NHS describes topping and tailing (washing the face, neck, hands and bottom) as an option in the first weeks, and the American Academy of Pediatrics advises sponge baths until the cord stump has fallen off, and trying a full bath once the umbilical area has healed. Follow your baby's clinical team's advice. Test the water with your elbow or a bath thermometer, use only a little warm water (the NHS suggests 8 to 10 cm), support the head and neck throughout and dry the skin creases gently. Plain water is enough for a newborn at first. See the NHS guidance on bathing your baby.

Either material can be suitable when the bottle is designed for infant feeding and used as instructed. Glass is heavier and can chip, crack or break; plastic is lighter but can also become scratched or worn. Inspect both bottles and teats, replace damaged components and follow the maker's cleaning and sterilising instructions. In the European Union, bisphenol A has been banned from baby bottles since 2011; in 2012, the FDA removed the authorisation for BPA-based polycarbonate resins in baby bottles and sippy cups after those uses had been abandoned. See the answer on luxury baby bottles.

Family and friends can support new parents with practical, specific help rather than general offers: bring a meal, do the shopping or laundry, look after older children, or hold the baby so the parents can rest or shower. Ask before visiting, keep visits short, wash your hands and stay away if you are unwell. Listen without judging, and encourage either parent to seek support if they are struggling, without waiting for a set number of days. Persistent low mood, worsening feelings or difficulty coping deserve professional help. See the answer on congratulating first-time parents.

For many, it is a mixture of love, wonder, tiredness and doubt, sometimes all in one day. Bonding can begin in pregnancy, at birth or grow over time. Feeling tearful in the first days is common; feelings that persist or make it hard to cope deserve support, for mothers and for fathers and partners alike. If feeling disconnected from the baby worries you or makes caring harder, talk to your midwife, health visitor or doctor. See the answer on what a first-time father should know.

Keep things simple: sleep when you can, accept help with meals and housework, and focus on feeding, safe sleep and rest. Limit visitors if you need to, keep the contacts for your midwife or health visitor at hand and find out who to call if you are worried about the baby. Needs and rhythms will keep changing, and you can adapt with support. See the answer on what first-time parents should know and how family and friends can help.

Yes, lead has been found in the exterior markings of some glass baby bottles, leading to an official US recall. That does not mean every glass bottle contains lead, but appearance alone cannot establish compliance. Check the exact model, its documentation and recall information; follow an official recall's instructions if it applies. See the answer on glass or plastic bottles and whether glass bottles are safe.

Clean them first in hot, soapy water with a bottle brush, then sterilise by boiling, with a steam steriliser or with a cold-water sterilising solution, following the instructions for the method and for the bottle. The NHS advises sterilising feeding equipment until the baby is at least 12 months old. Wash your hands before handling sterilised equipment. See the answer on glass or plastic bottles.

For regular bottle feeding, nidirect suggests that about six bottles and teats can be useful, leaving time to clean and sterilise them. The number depends on how often bottles are used and your cleaning routine. Exclusively breastfeeding does not in itself require bottles; occasional expressed-milk feeding has different equipment needs. See the answer on sterilising bottles.

Glass feeding bottles can be a suitable choice when made for infant feeding and when they meet the applicable requirements; clean and sterilise them following the instructions for the bottle and the method. Check them for chips or cracks, use only a compatible protective sleeve that still lets you inspect the glass, replace any damaged bottle and check recall notices for your model. See the answer on glass or plastic bottles and lead in glass bottles.

Challenges differ between families. Interrupted sleep, recovering from the birth, learning the baby's care and finding support can all feel demanding. The NHS also describes how tiredness and reduced time can affect relationships. Asking for help is part of preparing for parenthood, not evidence of failure. See the answer on what first-time parents should know and the first weeks.

At SUOMMO

Our experience as parents has taught us to understand not only what a baby needs, but also the anticipation with which a family prepares to welcome a new life. That anticipation finds expression in forms shaped by hand and textiles made in the SUOMMO Atelier, conceived to become part of the family's story.

Our furniture arrives fully assembled, with instructions for positioning and preparing it for use. Our Concierge coordinates the order and delivery with you.

To come home from hospital, dress the baby in simple, comfortable layers suited to the weather: a vest or bodysuit, a sleepsuit and, outdoors, a hat if the weather calls for one and a blanket or pram suit as needed. In the car seat, avoid bulky coats or snowsuits under the harness, which can stop it fitting closely; add a blanket over the fastened harness instead. See the answer on when to buy the pram.

At SUOMMO

In the SUOMMO Atelier, natural silk and selected cotton become the dress of each crib, with embroidery and finishing entrusted to skilled hands. These textiles arrive already fitted, together with instructions for use. Our Concierge can explain their care and the way each creation is prepared.

Keep it calm and simple: have the sleep space ready in your room, feed and rest, accept help, and limit visitors at first if that suits you. Keep the contacts of your maternity or child-health team at hand and be clear about who to call if you are worried. The rest can wait. See the answer on the first weeks.

How much and how often a baby feeds varies, and your midwife, health visitor or paediatrician is the right guide. Official sources such as the NHS explain breastfeeding, bottle feeding and how to make up formula safely. See the answer on sterilising bottles.

Every baby develops at their own pace, within broad ranges. Official guides such as the NHS describe typical milestones, and your health visitor or paediatrician can advise; if you are concerned, ask rather than waiting for the next routine review.

Newborns sleep, feed and cry in irregular patterns that change as they develop. Your midwife, health visitor or paediatrician will check feeding and growth; ask them about anything that worries you, and seek urgent help if the baby seems unwell. See the answer on the first weeks.

Vaccination schedules vary by country. Follow the schedule of your national health service and ask your doctor or midwife about vaccines recommended during pregnancy and for those around the baby.

Yes. Many new fathers feel unsure, anxious or overwhelmed, especially at first, and confidence grows with hands-on care. You can ask for support whenever you need it; do not wait if worry or low mood is making daily life hard. Postnatal depression can affect fathers and partners too. See the answer on what a first-time father should know.

The first year can bring broken sleep, constant care, recovery from birth and changes in relationships and responsibilities. How difficult it feels varies, and practical support matters. There may be joyful moments alongside exhaustion or worry. Ask for help early if you are struggling; you do not have to wait for things to become unmanageable. See the answer on what first-time parents struggle with.

New parents sleep less and in shorter stretches, especially in the early months, as newborns wake to feed day and night. Resting when you can, including while the baby sleeps if that works for you, sharing night care where possible and accepting help make a difference. Never fall asleep with the baby on a sofa or armchair. See the answer on the first weeks.

Let the parents choose when they are ready for visits. Ask first, keep visits manageable and wash your hands before touching the baby. Stay away if you are unwell. Anyone with a current cold sore or a recent history of cold sores should not kiss the baby; ask the family's healthcare team about any additional precautions or vaccination advice. See the answer on supporting new parents.