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A parents’ guide to recognising Jaundice in Black and Brown babies 

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A parents’ guide to recognising Jaundice in Black and Brown babies 

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A coproduced parents' guide to recognising jaundice in Black and Brown babies, including where and how to seek help.

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At the start of 2025, the NHS Race and Health Observatory sponsored an infographic, explaining how healthcare professionals can spot the signs of jaundice in babies with dark skin tones. The infographic, designed by Dr Helen Gbinigie and Dr Oghenetega Edokpolor, in collaboration with FiveXMore and Bliss, serves as a guide to recognising jaundice in Black and Brown babies, including where and how to seek help. You can download the infographic here.

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Here one of the AA patrols, runs through some of the do's and don'ts, and explains how best to fit child car seats, including how to fasten your baby in correctly.

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What do I need to know about my childs car seat?

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What do I need to know about my childs car seat?

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These short films will help you select a seat that matches your child weight and height.

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Everything you need to know about Child Car Seats and restraints

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The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child car seat that is suitable for their weight and size, and is correctly fitted in the car.

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Carrying Children Safely

The safest way for children to travel in cars is in a child car seat that is suitable for their weight and size, and is correctly fitted in the car.

A properly fitted child car seat will help to prevent your child from being thrown about inside the vehicle, or ejected from it, if there is a crash. It will also absorb some of the impact force, and provide some protection from objects intruding into the passenger compartment.

A seat belt on its own will not properly fit your child, until they are at least 135 cm (4'6") tall, although it's better to wait until they are 150 cm (5ft) or taller before moving them to the seat belt on its own.

Child Car Seat Safety Recalls
Puggle I-size safe max 360 car seat
Puggle have recalled seats sold between 23/07/2022 and 10/07/2023 with the following affected serial numbers: 052022, 102022 & 022023.

Puggle have discovered a small internal component issue in batches of the car seats, which may result in the harness not locking properly when pulled. This could potentially compromise the safety of the user.

Please discontinue use of the car seat and contact Online 4 Baby to arrange a refund or an exchange for an alternative item: https://www.online4baby.com/product-recall-notice
Britax BABY-SAFE IZ
In July 2023, Britax Römer issued a voluntary recall of the BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier.

There is a potential safety issue with a gap that can form between the handle and seat-shell of the BABY-SAFE 5Z. The gap does not impact the performance of the car seat in the vehicle or in a crash, however there is a safety risk when carrying the infant carrier outside of a vehicle. In rare cases there can be an unexpected detachment of the handle causing sudden movements of the shell and/or surprise of the person carrying the BABY-SAFE 5Z. This may lead to the infant carrier falling down or colliding with other items and in unfortunate circumstances to an injury of the infant.

All BABY-SAFE 5Zs will be replaced free-of-charge with a newer version of the product, the BABY-SAFE 5Z2, which does not have this potential issue. Parents who purchased a BABY-SAFE 5Z infant carrier should:

Stop using the BABY-SAFE 5Z effective immediately, specifically outside of the vehicle by carrying the infant carrier using the handle.

Go to www.baby-safe-check.com to replace their car seat.

i-Size Revolve Seat
In December 2021, Halfords issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve seat due to safety concerns about the rotating locking mechanism.

If you have this seat, it is advised that you stop using it immediately.

Halfords has requested that you take your i-Size Revolve seat to your local store (visit Halfords.com to find your nearest), where the retailer will give you a full refund and offer a 15% discount on the purchase of a replacement seat.

If you have any difficulties getting to your local store, you can call their support team on 03301 359779 or email them here: customer.services@halfords.co.uk.
Cosatto
Cosatto has recently identified a potential safety concern relating to the buckle used in the production of a small batch of car seats manufactured between September 2019 and June 2020.

The following range of batches are affected:
From 37/2019
to 24/2020 (inclusive)
Cosatto is offering a replacement buckle to all customers who have purchased a product from any of the affected batches.

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Halfords has issued a recall of their i-Size Revolve car seat due to a safety concern that has been found with the rotating locking mechanism.

Read more: https://www.which.co.uk/news/2021/11/product-recall-halfords-i-size-revolve-car-seat/ - Which?

Photos courtesy of Britax and RECARO Child Safety Ltd

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child safe seating in carschild car seat

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Child car seat safety advice and information to keep your children safe when they travel.

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Information about Chester register office

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It is a legal requirement to register your baby's birth within 42 days. You must make an appointment to do this online (see link below) or by calling Chester registry office on 0300 123 7037

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All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.

You should do this at the local register office for the area where the baby was born or at the hospital before the mother leaves. The hospital will tell you if you can register the birth there.

If you cannot register the birth in the area where the baby was born, you can go to another register office and they will send your details to the correct office.

Information you need when registering a birth

When registering the birth, you should know:

place and date of the birth

name, surname and sex of the baby

parents' names, surnames and address

places and dates of parents' birth

date of parents' marriage or civil partnership

parents' jobs

mother's maiden surname

You might not need to give all of this information, depending on who is registering the birth.

What you should take

You should take at least one form of identification when you go to the register office. You can use:

passport

birth certificate

deed poll

driving licence

proof of address (for example, a utility bill)

Council Tax bill

marriage or civil partnership certificate

You should also take your child's personal child health record or 'red book' as some registrars may ask to see it.

If you're going to the register office on your own, you may need proof of paternity from the other parent before you give their details.

After the birth is registered

Once you've registered the birth, you may be able to claim:

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Find out how to register a birth - who can register, birth certificates

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Useful information about caring for your baby or toddler, including common concerns about their health, development and feeding. We’re here with information and support as your baby grows.

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Read about baby reviews, teething, potty training, learning and behaviour.

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Baby Primary Survey - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

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Jaundice in newborn babies is common and usually harmless. It causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for jaundice in babies is neonatal jaundice.
Yellowing of the skin can be more difficult to see in brown or black skin. It might be easier to see on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet.

Other symptoms of newborn jaundice can include:

dark, yellow urine (a newborn baby's urine should be colourless)

pale-coloured poo (it should be yellow or orange)

The symptoms of newborn jaundice usually develop 2 days after the birth and tend to get better without treatment by the time the baby is about 2 weeks old.
Find out more about the symptoms of jaundice in babies

Your baby will be examined for signs of jaundice within 72 hours of being born as part of the newborn physical examination.

If your baby develops signs of jaundice after this time, speak to your midwife, health visitor or a GP as soon as possible for advice.

While jaundice is not usually a cause for concern, it's important to determine whether your baby needs treatment.

If you're monitoring your baby's jaundice at home, it's also important to contact your midwife straight away if your baby's symptoms quickly get worse or they become very reluctant to feed.
Find out more about diagnosing jaundice in babies

Why does my baby have jaundice?

Jaundice is caused by the build-up of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin is a yellow substance produced when red blood cells, which carry oxygen around the body, are broken down.

Jaundice is common in newborn babies because babies have a high number of red blood cells in their blood, which are broken down and replaced frequently.

Also, a newborn baby's liver is not fully developed, so it's less effective at removing the bilirubin from the blood.

By the time a baby is about 2 weeks old, their liver is more effective at processing bilirubin, so jaundice often corrects itself by this age without causing any harm.

In a small number of cases, jaundice can be the sign of an underlying health condition. This is often the case if jaundice develops shortly after birth (within the first 24 hours).

How common is newborn jaundice?

Jaundice is one of the most common conditions that can affect newborn babies.

It's estimated 6 out of every 10 babies develop jaundice, including 8 out of 10 babies born prematurely before the 37th week of pregnancy.

But only around 1 in 20 babies has a blood bilirubin level high enough to need treatment.

For reasons that are unclear, breastfeeding increases a baby's risk of developing jaundice, which can often persist for a month or longer.

But in most cases, the benefits of breastfeeding far outweigh any risks associated with jaundice.

Treating newborn jaundice

Treatment for newborn jaundice is not usually needed because the symptoms normally pass within 10 to 14 days, although they can occasionally last longer.

Treatment is usually only recommended if tests show very high levels of bilirubin in a baby's blood.

This is because there's a small risk the bilirubin could pass into the brain and cause brain damage.

There are 2 main treatments that can be carried out in hospital to quickly reduce your baby's bilirubin levels.

These are:

phototherapy - a special type of light shines on the skin, which alters the bilirubin into a form that can be more easily broken down by the liver

an exchange transfusion - where your baby's blood is removed using a thin tube (catheter) placed in their blood vessels and replaced with blood from a matching donor; most babies respond well to treatment and can leave hospital after a few days

Complications

If a baby with very high levels of bilirubin is not treated, there's a risk they could develop permanent brain damage. This is known as kernicterus.

Kernicterus is very rare in the UK.
Find out more about kernicterus in babies
You can also read the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance about jaundice in newborn babies under 28 days.

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Jaundice in newborn babies is common and usually harmless. It causes yellowing of the skin and the whites of the eyes. The medical term for jaundice in babies is neonatal jaundice. Yellowing of the skin can be more difficult to see in brown or black skin.

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Important symptoms to know for your baby

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Important symptoms to know for your baby

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Illness in newborn babies can develop quickly and your baby can become seriously ill. Do not wait if you are worried. The following symptoms checklist can help you to decide whether to seek medical attention for your baby.

SEEK URGENT MEDICAL ATTENTION BY CALLING 999 IF YOUR BABY:

Stops breathing

is unresponsive

cyanosed (blue colour)

has glazed eyes and doesn't focus on anything

cannot be woken

has a fit

has a rash that does not disappear under pressure

CONTACT YOUR GP OR MIDWIFE IF YOUR BABY:

reduced urine output

vomits green fluid

is dehydrated

has a high temperature or is sweating

has blood in stools

has high pitched or weak cry

much less responsive or floppy

pale all over

has fast or noisy breathing

Chest is sucking in when breathing

not interesting in feeding / not waking for feeds

looks jaundiced (yellow skin and / or eyes)

This list is not exhaustive. If you have any worries - SEEK SUPPORT

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Find out what causes nappy rash and how you can treat it yourself and prevent it from coming back.

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Topping and tailing your baby involves using bowls of warm water to wash them. It's a good way to make sure your baby is clean and dry without having to worry about putting them in a bath.

Step by step guide - how to top and tail your baby

1. Make sure the room is warm and you have everything you need. You will need: two bowls of warm water with no products in them, cotton wool, towel, a clean nappy and clothes for your baby.

2. It's a good idea to top and tail your baby on a changing mat that is on the floor - if you can cope with kneeling. This means you won't need to worry about your baby rolling off anything as they get bigger and more mobile.

3. Wash your baby's face using cotton wool. Wet each piece in a bowl of warm water, and then squeeze it out so it's just damp when you use it. Reassure your baby as you go along.

4. Start by wiping each of your little one's eyes with a separate piece of cotton wool, working from the inner corner out. Use another piece to wipe around their mouth and nose.

5. Never put anything like a cotton bud in your baby's ears or nose. Just wipe what you can see.

6. Take another piece of cotton wool and use it to clean your baby's ears, neck and face. Pay attention to their neck creases - where milk and fluff can get trapped.

7. Now wash your little one's hands and feet, looking out for sharp fingernails. Babies often scratch themselves with their nails, so they need trimming regularly. You can use special baby nail clippers or small round-ended baby scissors. If you don't want to cut them, you could file them with a fine emery board.

8. Keep talking to your baby as you're topping and tailing them and explain what you are doing. This will help them relax and they will begin to understand you.

9. Take off your baby's nappy and gently wash their bottom and genital area with fresh cotton wool and water. This is the tailing. Make sure you dry your little one carefully - in particular their skin folds.

10. Until it drops off at around one week, you need to check your baby's umbilical cord stump is clean and dry. You don't need to put anything on the umbilical cord stump routinely. If you're worried about bleeding or discharge from the stump, it's best to talk to your midwife or GP about it (NHS, 2021). You can find an NHS video on cord care here.

11. Now put a clean nappy on and dress your baby in some clean clothes. Give them a cuddle and some more reassurance. Your little one might not like being washed to begin with, but as it becomes more familiar they will hopefully start to enjoy it.

As you become more familiar with washing your baby, it can also be a lovely bonding experience.
This page was last reviewed in November 2021
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

NHS Choices Birth to Five section.

Public Health England (PHE) provides guidelines about bathing children under two safely.

NHS. (2021) Your newborn baby. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/after-the-birth/getting-t... [Accessed 22nd November 2021]

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You may feel nervous about giving your baby a bath to begin with so you could try washing them by topping and tailing them. Here's a guide on how to do it.

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Link to ICON leaflet

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It is normal for babies to wake frequently in the early weeks.

For the first 6 months babies should sleep in your room so you can respond to their cues for feeding and comfort.

For safe sleeping your baby should always sleep on their back in a clear cot or sleep space in the feet to foot position.

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Preparing for baby: safer sleep advice summary

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-building close and loving relationships with your baby

-Feeding your baby

-Screening test for you and your baby

-safe sleep

-Nappies

-Crying

-cleaning and bathing

-unwell baby

-registering your baby's birth

-car seat safety

-Your baby's development

-First aid

-useful apps

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Click the link below to return to the welcome page

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COCH Neonatal Jaundice Parent Information leaflet

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COCH Neonatal Jaundice Parent Information leaflet

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Neonatal Jaundice Parent Information Factsheet

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Trust your instincts

It can be difficult to tell when a baby or toddler is seriously ill, but the main thing is to trust your instincts.

You know better than anyone else what your child is usually like, so you'll know when something is seriously wrong.

Signs of serious illness in a baby or toddler

Here's a checklist of warning signs that might indicate your baby or toddler is seriously ill and requires medical help.

Temperature

a high temperature, but cold feet and hands

a high temperature that does not come down with paracetamol or ibuprofen (do not give paracetamol to a baby under 2 months and do not give ibuprofen to a baby under 3 months or under 5kg, unless prescribed by a doctor)

a very high or low temperature

your child feels hot or cold to touch, or is shivering

your child is quiet and listless, even when their temperature is not high

a high temperature in a baby less than 2 months old

Find out more about high temperature (fever) in children and what to do
Breathing

rapid breathing or panting

a throaty noise while breathing

your child is finding it hard to get their breath and is sucking their stomach in under their ribs

Other signs

blue, pale, blotchy, or ashen (grey) skin - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

your child is hard to wake up, or appears disoriented or confused

your child is crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry

green vomit

your child is not feeding normally and you're worried

nappies that are drier than usual - this is a sign of dehydration

Where to get help for a seriously ill child

If your child has any of signs of serious illness, get medical help as soon as possible:

during the day from Monday to Friday - it's best to call your GP surgery

evenings and weekends - call NHS 111

if your baby is under 6 months old it's hard for a doctor or nurse to assess them over the phone - you can go to an urgent treatment centre or, if you're very worried, take them to A&E

When to visit urgent treatment centres (urgent care services) Find your nearest A&E

When to call an ambulance

Call 999 for an ambulance if your child:

stops breathing

will not wake up

has a spotty, purple or red rash anywhere on their body that does not fade when you press a glass against it, as this could be a sign of sepsis - on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet

is under 8 weeks old and you're very worried about them

has a febrile seizure (fit) for the first time, even if they seem to recover

has a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis)

may have been seriously injured by you or someone else

Trust your instincts. You know what's different or worrying behaviour in your child.

More information about serious illness that can affect babies and toddlers

Learn the signs of serious illnesses that can affect children, including:

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How to recognise warning signs of serious illness in children under 5, such as cold hands and feet, rapid breathing, or mottled skin. Plus, advice on when to call an ambulance or take your child to A&E.

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Link to the Countess of Chester's getting to know your baby leaflet.

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Children must normally use a child car seat until they're 12 years old or 135 centimetres tall, whichever comes first.

Children over 12 or more than 135cm tall must wear a seat belt.

You can choose a child car seat based on your child's height or weight.

Height-based seats

Height-based seats are known as 'i-Size' seats. They must be rear-facing until your child is over 15 months old. Your child can use a forward-facing child car seat when they're over 15 months old.

You must check the seat to make sure it's suitable for the height of your child.

Only EU-approved height-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'R129'.

Weight-based seats

The seat your child can use (and the way they must be restrained in it) depends on their weight.

Only EU-approved weight-based child car seats can be used in the UK. These have a label showing a capital 'E' in a circle and 'ECE R44'.

You may be able to choose from more than one type of seat in the group for your child's weight.

0kg to 10kg

0

Lie-flat or 'lateral' baby carrier, rear-facing baby carrier, or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

0kg to 13kg

0+

Rear-facing baby carrier or rear-facing baby seat using a harness

9kg to 18kg

1

Rear- or forward-facing baby seat using a harness or safety shield

15kg to 25kg

2

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

22kg to 36kg

3

Rear- or forward-facing child car seat (high-backed booster seat or booster cushion) using a seat belt, harness or safety shield

Manufacturers can now only make booster cushions approved as group 3. This won't affect any existing booster cushions in group 2 and you'll still be able to use them.

Fitting a child car seat

You must only use a child car seat if your car's seat belt has a diagonal strap, unless the seat is either:

specifically designed for use with a lap seat belt

fitted using ISOFIX anchor points

You must also:

deactivate any front airbags before fitting a rear-facing baby seat in a front seat

not fit a child car seat in side-facing seats

Children with disabilities or medical conditions

The same rules apply for children with disabilities or medical conditions, but they can use a disabled person's seat belt or a child restraint designed for their needs.

A doctor can issue an exemption certificate if a child is unable to use a restraint or seat belt because of their condition.

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The rules for child car seats and booster seats - height, weight, age, type of vehicle, car, minibus, licensed taxi

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It is a handy reminder for new parents when their baby’s brain is changing, or “leaping,” she is making a significant advance in mental development, and with each step forward comes a drastic change in the way your baby sees the world around him. Because these leaps come so quickly, the “new world” and new abilities can sometimes be scary, and the development can initially manifest in poor sleep, bad appetite, crying, clinging and crankiness – exhausting and frustrating mom and dad.

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The Wonder Weeks® App helps (new) parents
"For parents of newborns and young babies, The Wonder Weeks® app can be a lifesaver during those times of wondering what on earth is going on. Babies change drastically and quickly, often resulting in fussy phases, poor sleep and poor appetite. The Wonder Weeks® app helps parents track developmental progress week by week as young babies develop." SheKnows.com, made our App the:Coolest app for moms 2012!

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The 'original' Wonder Weeks app! Picking up on the international bestselling book, The Wonder Weeks, and more than 35 years of international scientific research, this app will keep you informed about the (mental) leaps and bounds of your baby - any time of day or night.

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A free NHS health app for parents and carers of children from pregnancy to age 5.

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CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children's health. With the number of resources available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. CATCH provides local NHS-approved information with your best interests at heart, so you won't need to look elsewhere.

All of the information provided by CATCH comes from NHS-approved sources and has been reviewed by health professionals from your area.

You will regularly receive health advice tailored to your child's age as they grow.

We only ask for the first part of your postcode to identify your local health authority. We never store any of your personal data in the cloud.

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CATCH - Common Approach To Children's Health

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CATCH eases the sense of information overload, particularly regarding pregnancy and children's health. With the number of resources available, it can be difficult to know who to trust. CATCH provides local NHS-approved information with your best interests at heart, so you won't need to look elsewhere.

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Baby Check App

Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store.

Buy posters, business cards and other materials to help promote Baby Check to your clients and patients

Shop

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The Baby Check App helps parents decide if their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional

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The Infant Sleep Info website is full of helpful sleep info for parents and health practitioners, but it can be hard to read on a mobile device, especially a smart phone.

The *NEW 2017* Infant Sleep Info App provides key information from the Basis website in a handy format for mobile devices. Covering normal sleep development, sleep location and sleep safety the familiar info from the website is delivered in smaller chunks. Two features are exclusive to the app

A bed-sharing decision tool guides parents through the key considerations for safe bed-sharing, and explains when bed-sharing may be inadvisable and why.

A sleep log tool helps parents track their baby's sleep, displaying this info on a chart depicting the range of normal sleep for infants of different ages to provide reassurance!

Download here from the Apple App Store Download here from the Google Play store
Or search for 'Infant Sleep Info' or 'Infant Sleep Info Durham Uni' and locate the baby icon.

Key Features of Infant Sleep App

* Bed-sharing decision tool.

* Where will my baby sleep?

* How will my baby sleep?

* Sleep log to track baby's sleep

* Links to Basis info sheets.

* Links to Basis partner organisations

Frequently asked questions about the app

1. How much does the Basis app cost? Nothing! It is free :)

2. Is this a new app? Yes the previous version required updating for the new iOS update, so we redesigned the app, refreshed the look and the content, and added several new info sections. The old app has now been withdrawn.

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The Infant Sleep Info website is full of helpful sleep info for parents and health practitioners, but it can be hard to read on a mobile device, especially a smart phone. The *NEW 2017* Infant Sleep Info App provides key information from the Basis website in a handy format for mobile devices.

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What to do if Your Baby is Choking - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

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How to Give Baby CPR - First Aid Training - St John Ambulance

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What do babies see ?

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Video on How Much Babies Can See Within First Year

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Do you ever wonder what the world looks like through a newborn's eyes? We simulate how an infant's vision evolves from 2 weeks to 12 months.

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What should my baby wear for sleep

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Baby carriers and slings can be useful for holding a baby hands free but it is important to use them safely. Here we explain more.  

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To reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) the safest place for a baby to sleep is in their own clear, flat, separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. However, we know that many parents find themselves co-sleeping whether they mean to or not. Wherever you're planning for your baby to sleep we recommend making your bed a safer place for baby. Our advice on co-sleeping with your baby will tell you how.

When not to co-sleep

Whether you choose to co-sleep or it is unplanned, there are some key risks you should avoid.
Co-sleeping with your baby is very dangerous if:
In these scenarios, it is always best to put baby in their own safe sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. Keeping the cot or Moses basket next to your bed might make this easier.
Never fall asleep on a sofa or armchair with your baby. The risk of SIDS is 50 times higher for babies when they sleep on a sofa or armchair with an adult. They are also at risk of accidental death as they can easily slip into a position where they are trapped and can't breathe.
Co-sleeping more safely

Keep pillows and adult bedding away from your baby or any other items that could cover their head or cause them to overheat. A high proportion of babies who die as a result of SIDS are found with their head covered by loose bedding.

Follow all The Lullaby Trust's other safer sleep advice to reduce the risk of SIDS such as sleeping baby on their back

To reduce the risk of accidents, do not bring other children or pets into bed with you.

Try to make sure or check that baby cannot be trapped, wedged or fall out of bed or get trapped between the mattress and the wall

Never leave your baby unattended in an adult bed

For more info on co-sleeping and safer sleep read our guide for parents
If you are bedsharing with your baby you should consider any risks before every sleep. It is easy for your situation to change if you are unwell or have drunk any alcohol, which means your baby will be safest in a separate sleep space such as a cot or Moses basket on that occasion.

Co-sleeping with your baby: FAQs

I am worried I might fall asleep while I breastfeed my baby at night, is this ok?

Click here to open this question

Breastfeeding reduces the chance of SIDS. If you feel you might fall asleep we would recommend you prepare the bed as described above so it is safer for baby if this happens.

Make sure you know the advice on when never to co-sleep so you know when to take particular care. It is really important that you do not accidentally fall asleep with your baby on a sofa or armchair. If you think you might fall asleep on a sofa or armchair, put the baby down in a safe place to sleep.

Should I co-sleep with my baby?

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The safest place for a baby is their own separate sleep space, such as a cot or Moses basket. We would just advise you to read all the information on co-sleeping and how to reduce the risks, so you can make an informed decision for you and your baby.

However, there are some circumstances where we would strongly recommend against co-sleeping such as on a sofa or armchair, if anyone in the bed smokes or has drunk alcohol or your baby was premature or a low birth weight.

Can I co-sleep with twins or multiples?

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If you choose to bedshare with twins or multiples we would advise not to bedshare with more than one baby at a time due to risk of accidents associated with bedsharing with more than one baby or child.

Is it safer to co-sleep using a nest or pod than with a baby just lying on the adult bed?

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No. We do not recommend that babies sleep on soft surfaces such as pods or nests. If you choose to co-sleep with your baby the safest place is a clear space on a firm flat mattress the same as we would advise with a cot.

Why do you advise against co-sleeping in certain scenarios?

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It is estimated that around half of SIDS deaths occur whilst co-sleeping, and that most of these are in high risk situations. We do not know the cause of SIDS and why these deaths happen but we do know what some of the risk factors are and that removing those risks greatly lowers the chance of SIDS occurring.

For that reason we strongly advise against co-sleeping when there are risk factors such as a baby being premature or a parent having drunk alcohol.

What bedding should I use for my baby when we co-sleep?
The Lullaby Trust has worked with Public Heath England, Unicef UK Baby Friendly and Basis on two publications to support families with safer sleep advice and advice on co-sleeping more safely. We have also collaborated on a guide for health professionals to have more open and productive discussions with families about safer sleep and co-sleeping. These can be downloaded below.

Click here to open this question

Adult bedding should be kept well away from your baby along with any belts or cords from clothing. Keep adult bedding at your waist height and add an extra layer of clothing if you are cold

A baby sleeping bag is a good way of giving your baby their own bedding when bedsharing.

Baby sleeping bags should be well fitted, so the baby can't wriggle down inside. Most sleeping bags are fitted according to a baby's weight, rather than age.

You might also be interested in reading the two Unicef Baby Friendly publications, which are both endorsed by The Lullaby Trust:

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Some parents choose to share a bed (known as co-sleeping) with their babies. Read our advice on how to co-sleep more safely.

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Reducing the Risk of SIDS

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Lullaby Trust Safest Place to Sleep Video

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What your baby really needs

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You won't need to bath your baby in the early days because you will probably be giving them a top and tail wash. But when you do start to bath your newborn baby, it can be a lovely experience although it may feel stressful at first. Some babies take to baths well and others don't seem to like them.

"Your little one may really enjoy their first bath. But don't worry if they don't like it straight away."

Most babies grow to enjoy bath time as they get more familiar with the experience.

You might find it helpful to watch this video from the NHS about how to bath your baby.

Safety tips for bath time

It's important to keep safety in mind at bath time. Babies and young children should never be left unattended in a bath, not even for a second (NHS, 2021). Here are some bath time tips:

Get everything ready ahead of your baby's bath, so you have everything you need to hand.

Make sure you always use the hot and cold taps at the same time when you run the bath.

Check the bath water temperature first before putting your baby in. The standard way to check is to put your elbow in the water because your hand can cope with high temperatures. The water should feel neither warmer or colder than your elbow.

Don't be distracted away by another child, a phone call or doorbell. What feels like a couple of seconds can turn into a minute or two. Leaving your little one even for a few moments could be enough time for them to seriously hurt themselves or drown.

If you forget anything - ask your partner or another family member to grab it for you. Or take your baby with you to get what you need. (NHS, 2021)

"Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second (NHS, 2021)."

When should I give my baby a bath?

There is no set age when you should give your baby a bath. Babies get cold quickly, and that's more risky for them than being a bit dirty.

If you're anxious about bathing your little one, you don't need to put them into a bath until you feel confident about it.

You may prefer to just wash your little one's face and bottom to begin with. This is sometimes called 'topping and tailing'.

If you're feeling confident about bathing your baby you can do so when you wish.

Choose a bath time when your little one is content and awake. It's better not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired.

Some babies love bath time to begin with, others don't. You may need to try different ways of bathing your baby and at different times of day, to find out what suits you both. Choose a time of day when your baby is happy and awake (NHS, 2021).

How often can I give my baby a bath?

Your little one won't need a bath every day but if they enjoy it, there's no reason why you can't.

If you'd prefer to top and tail your newborn, you can do this every day or every few days or as needed.

Every baby is different - you will soon find out what works best for you and your little one.

How do I wash my baby?

If you want to top and tail your newborn, you can do this by washing them using cotton wool or a soft cloth and bowls of warm water. Warm tap water is probably fine but if you want to be particularly careful, use cooled boiled water to reduce the chance of infections in the first week or until your baby's cord drops off.

You can wash your newborn in a small baby bath.

If you'd prefer to share a bath with your little one, see below for more details.

It can help to have an extra pair of hands at bath time, if available, until you feel confident about bathing your baby on your own.

You don't need any special products to bathe your baby; only mild, non-perfumed soap can be used where needed. Plain water is best for your baby's skin during in the first month (NHS, 2021).

To find out more about caring for your newborn baby's umbilical cord, see our article on topping and tailing .

Can I take a bath with my baby?

Babies love to lie on a parent's chest in the bath.

Having a bath with your baby can help you both relax and encourage breastfeeding.

Remember, your baby might have a wee or poo while in the bath with you!

Baths are slippery, so it's not a good idea to get into or out of a bath carrying your baby. It's better to bath with your baby when there's someone else to hand them to you and take them from you. This could be your partner, your parent or a friend.

Tips for co-bathing

Get yourself settled and relaxed in the bath. Check the temperature is not too hot with your elbow.

Ask your partner, parent or friend to pass you your baby and lay them on your legs facing you.

Now you can lower as much of them into the water as you and they want by straightening your legs.

You might want to chat or sing to your baby to help soothe them.

Remember that your baby will get cold more quickly than you.

When you want to get out, make sure you pass your baby back to your helper before getting out yourself.

As your little one gets more used to bath time and you become more confident handling them, bathing with your baby becomes lots more fun.
This page was last reviewed in November 2021.
Further information

Our support line offers practical and emotional support with feeding your baby and general enquiries for parents, members and volunteers: 0300 330 0700.

You might find attending one of our NCT New Baby courses helpful as they give you the opportunity to explore different approaches to important parenting issues with a qualified group leader and other new parents in your area.

Make friends with other parents-to-be and new parents in your local area for support and friendship by seeing what NCT activities are happening nearby.

NHS Choices Birth to Five section.

Public Health England (PHE) provides guidelines about bathing children under two safely.

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We discuss when to give your baby a bath, ways you can wash your little one and tips to help keep them safe at bath time.

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A guide to understanding what's in a nappy !

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Click the link below to access all our information about screening tests for you and your baby. These resources are available in;

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The Lullaby Trust raises awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), provides expert advice on safer sleep for babies and offers emotional support for bereaved families

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From Chelsea & Westminster hospital

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Baby Check App

Baby Check features 19 simple checks that parents can do if their baby is showing signs of illness. Each check tests for a different symptom and when completed, a score is calculated that tells parents or carers how ill their baby is. The app then lets parents know whether their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional.

Download for FREE from Google Play or the App Store.

Buy posters, business cards and other materials to help promote Baby Check to your clients and patients

Shop

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The Baby Check App helps parents decide if their baby needs to see a doctor or health professional

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Use your languages - The more of your language(s) your baby hears, the more they will speak and understand. Give them the chance to listen to the languages that are important to you as often as possible.

Children can learn more than one language - Children can develop good language skills in any and every language that they hear - no matter what those languages are!

Speak in the languages you're most comfortable with - This will give your child the best chance at learning language. They will learn English from the community later.

Multilingualism is a positive - There are advantages for well-being, learning and thinking.

There is no one right way - Every family is unique. Do what works best for you!

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Use your languages - The more of your language(s) your baby hears, the more they will speak and understand. Give them the chance to listen to the languages that are important to you as often as possible.

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Should my baby be sleeping through the night?

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Should my baby be sleeping through the night?

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College of Human and Health Sciences, Swansea University

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Evidenced based research regarding infant sleep

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Research-based information on baby sleep for parents and practitioners, covering normal infant sleep, sleep safety, where and how babies sleep, SIDS and SUDI, parental sleep and free resources.

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You don't need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called "topping and tailing".
Choose a time when your baby is awake and content. Make sure the room is warm. Get everything ready beforehand. You'll need a bowl of warm water, a towel, cotton wool, a fresh nappy and, if necessary, clean clothes.

Topping and tailing tips

Hold your baby on your knee or lay them on a changing mat. Take off all their clothes, apart from their vest and nappy, and wrap them in a towel.

Dip the cotton wool in the water (make sure it doesn't get too wet) and wipe gently around your baby's eyes from the nose outward, using a fresh piece of cotton wool for each eye. This is so that you don't transfer any stickiness or infection from one eye to another.

Use a fresh piece of cotton wool to clean around your baby's ears, but not inside them. Never use cotton buds to clean inside your baby's ears. Wash the rest of your baby's face, neck and hands in the same way and dry them gently with the towel.

Take off the nappy and wash your baby's bottom and genital area with fresh cotton wool and warm water. Dry very carefully, including between the skin folds, and put on a clean nappy.

It will help your baby to relax if you keep talking while you wash them. The more they hear your voice, the more they'll get used to listening to you and start to understand what you're saying.

Bathing your baby safely

You don't need to bathe your baby every day, but if they really enjoy it, there's no reason why you shouldn't.

It's best not to bathe your baby straight after a feed or when they're hungry or tired. Make sure the room you're bathing them in is warm.

Have everything you need at hand: a baby bath or clean washing-up bowl filled with warm water, 2 towels, a clean nappy, clean clothes and cotton wool.

The water should be warm, not hot. Check it with your wrist or elbow and mix it well so there are no hot patches.

Don't add any liquid cleansers to the bath water. Plain water is best for your baby's skin in the first month.

Hold your baby on your knee and clean their face.

Next, wash their hair with plain water, supporting them over the bowl.

Once you've dried their hair gently, you can take off their nappy, wiping away any mess.

Lower your baby gently into the bowl or bath using one hand to hold their upper arm and support their head and shoulders. Then use the other hand to gently swish the water over your baby without splashing.

Keep your baby's head clear of the water.

Never leave your baby alone in the bath, not even for a second.

Lift your baby out and pat them dry, paying special attention to the creases in their skin.

This is a good time to massage your baby. Massage can help them relax and sleep. Avoid using any oils or lotions until your baby is at least a month old.

If your baby seems frightened of bathing and cries, try bathing together. Make sure the water isn't too hot. It's easier if someone else holds your baby while you get in and out of the bath.

Video: how do I bath my baby?

In this video, a midwife shows you how to bath your baby properly.

Cutting your baby's nails

Some babies are born with long nails and it's important to cut them in case they scratch themselves. You can buy special baby nail clippers or small, round-ended safety scissors. Or you could try filing them down with a fine emery board instead

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You don't need to bathe your baby every day. You may prefer to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom instead. This is often called "topping and tailing". Choose a time when your baby is awake and content. Make sure the room is warm. Get everything ready beforehand.

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All babies cry, and some more than others. Crying is your baby's way of telling you they need comfort and care.
Sometimes it's easy to work out what they want, and sometimes it's not.

The most common reasons for crying are:

hunger

a dirty or wet nappy

tiredness

wanting a cuddle

wind

being too hot or too cold

boredom

overstimulation

There may be times of the day when your baby tends to cry a lot and cannot be comforted. Early evening is the most common time for this to happen.

This can be hard for you, as it's often the time when you're most tired and least able to cope.

The amount babies cry tends to peak at about 7 weeks, then gradually tail off.

How to calm a crying baby

Try some of the following ways to comfort your baby. Some may work better than others:

If you're breastfeeding, let your baby suckle at your breast.

Having some gentle noise in the background may help distract your baby.

Some older babies like to use a bit of cloth or a blanket as a comforter.

Hold your baby or put them in a sling so they're close to you. Move about gently, sway and dance, talk to them and sing.

Rock your baby backwards and forwards in the pram, or go out for a walk or a drive. Lots of babies like to sleep in cars. Even if they wake up again when you stop, at least you'll have had a break.

Find something for them to listen to or look at. This could be music on the radio, a CD, a rattle, or a mobile above the cot.

Try stroking your baby's back firmly and rhythmically, holding them against you or lying face downwards on your lap.

Undress your baby and massage them gently and firmly. Avoid using any oils or lotions until your baby's at least a month old. Talk soothingly as you do it and keep the room warm enough. Some health centres and clinics run baby massage courses. For information, ask your midwife or health visitor.

Try a warm bath. This calms some babies instantly, but makes others cry even more.

Sometimes too much rocking and singing can keep your baby awake. You might find lying them down after a feed will help.

Ask your health visitor for advice.

Crying during feeds

Some babies cry and seem unsettled around the time of a feed. If you're breastfeeding, you may find that improving your baby's positioning and attachment helps them settle.

You can go to a breastfeeding drop-in group and ask for help if there's one available in your local area.

The Breastfeeding Network's website can provide information on the nearest group to you.

You can also ask your health visitor for advice.

Crying during feeds can sometimes be a symptom of reflux, a common condition where babies bring back milk after feeds.

Speak to your health visitor or GP for more information and advice.

If your baby cries constantly

There are several reasons that can cause a baby to cry excessively.

It can be exhausting if you have tried everything and nothing seems to comfort your baby.

Colic

Excessive crying could be a sign that your baby has colic. Everyone agrees that colic exists, but nobody knows what causes it.

Some doctors think it's a kind of stomach cramp. The crying sounds miserable and distressed, and stops for a moment or two, then starts up again, which suggests it could be caused by waves of stomach pain.

The crying can go on for some hours. There may be little you can do except try to comfort your baby and wait for the crying to pass.
Get tips for coping with colic
Crying and illness

If your baby's crying constantly and you cannot console or distract them, or the cry does not sound like their normal cry, it can be a sign they're ill.

Or they may be ill if they're crying and have other symptoms, such as a high temperature. If this is the case, contact your health visitor or GP.

During the day, Monday to Friday, contact your GP surgery. At evenings and weekends you can call NHS 111 or your GP's out-of-hours number.

Call 999 and ask for an ambulance if your baby:

has a fit (seizure or convulsion)

has blue, mottled, ashen (grey) or very pale skin

breathes rapidly or makes a throaty noise while breathing, or seems to be working hard to breathe, perhaps sucking in their stomach under their ribcage

has a high temperature, but their hands and feet feel cold

has a spotty purple-red rash anywhere on the body - this could be a sign of meningitis

Find out the signs of serious illness in your baby
Trust your instincts. You know what's different or worrying behaviour in your baby.

Getting help with a crying baby

You can talk to a friend, your health visitor or GP, or contact the Cry-sis helpline on 08451 228 669, open 9am to 10pm, 7 days a week. You'll be charged for your call.

Cry-sis can put you in touch with other parents who have been in the same situation.

You can also visit the Cry-sis website for information on coping with crying babies.

If you decide to talk to your health visitor or GP, it can help to keep a record of how often and when your baby cries.

For example, this might be after every feed or during the evening. This can help your health visitor or GP to work out if there's a particular cause for the crying.

Keeping a record can also help you identify the times when you need extra support. You could think about possible changes to your routine.

There may be times when you're so tired and angry you feel like you cannot take any more. This happens to a lot of parents, so do not be ashamed to ask for help.

If you do not have anyone who can take care of your baby for a short time and the crying is making you stressed, put your baby in their cot or pram, make sure they're safe, close the door, go into another room and try to calm yourself down.

Set a time limit - for example, 10 minutes - then go back.

Never shake your baby

No matter how frustrated you feel, you must never shake your baby. Shaking moves their head violently and can cause brain damage.

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All babies cry, and some more than others. Crying is your baby's way of telling you they need comfort and care. Sometimes it's easy to work out what they want, and sometimes it's not.

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Video from BFI discussing the importance of relationship building.

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In this video, we look at the importance of developing close, loving relationships with babies in their early days and weeks.

Responding to babies' needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. Parents should be supported in breastfeeding responsively and keeping their babies close to help them become happy, healthy and secure children and adults.

For more information:

Find more relationship building resources

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The Importance of relationship building video - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Responding to babies' needs for comfort and food is hugely beneficial for brain development and makes for more confident toddlers. Parents should be supported in breastfeeding responsively and keeping their babies close to help them become happy, healthy and secure children and adults.

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When to change a nappy

Babies need frequent nappy changes.

Babies have very delicate skin so their nappy needs to be changed as soon as they wet or poo themselves, otherwise their skin becomes sore and red.

Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent  nappy rash.

Young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, while older babies need to be changed around 6 to 8 times.

What you need for nappy changing

Before you change your baby's nappy, wash your hands and get everything you need in 1 place, including:

a changing mat or towel

cotton wool and a bowl of warm water, or fragrance and alcohol-free baby wipes

a plastic bag or bucket for the dirty nappy and dirty cotton wool or wipes

barrier cream to protect your baby's skin

a clean nappy (and liner and cover if you're using cloth nappies)

clean clothes

Where to change a nappy

The best place to change a nappy is on a changing mat or towel on the floor, particularly if you have more than one baby.

That way, if you need to see to another child for a moment, your baby can't fall. It's best done sitting down so you don't hurt your back.

If you're using a changing table, keep an eye on your baby at all times. You shouldn't rely on the straps to keep your baby secure. Never walk away or turn your back.

Older babies may try to wriggle away when you're changing them. You could give them a toy or use a mobile to distract them.

How to change a nappy

It's just as important to clean your baby fully whether they have wet themselves or done a poo.

If your baby's nappy is dirty, use the nappy to clean off most of the poo from their bottom.

Then use the cotton wool and plain warm water (or baby wipes) to remove the rest and get your baby really clean.

Clean the whole nappy area gently but thoroughly and make sure you clean inside the folds of skin.

Girls should be cleaned from front to back to avoid getting germs into their vagina.

Boys should be cleaned around the testicles (balls) and penis, but there's no need to pull back their foreskin.

If it's warm enough, let your baby lie on the changing mat without a nappy on for a while. Wearing a nappy all the time makes nappy rash more likely.

If you're using disposable nappies, take care not to get water or cream on the sticky tabs as they won't stick if you do.

If you're using cloth nappies, put in a nappy liner and then fasten the nappy. Adjust it to fit snugly round the waist and legs.

Chat to your baby while you're changing them. Pulling faces, smiling and laughing with your baby will help you bond and help their development.

Try not to show any disgust at what's in their nappy. You don't want your baby to learn that doing a poo is something unpleasant or negative.

Nappy hygiene

Disposable nappies can be rolled up and resealed using the tabs. Put them in a plastic bag kept only for nappies, then tie it up and put it in an outside bin.

Washable cloth nappies don't have to be soaked before they're washed, but you may choose to soak them to help get the stains off. Check the washing instructions first.

Cloth nappies can be machine washed at 60C, or you could use a local nappy laundry service.

There's no evidence that using washing powders with enzymes (bio powders) or fabric conditioners will irritate your baby's skin.

Wash nappies that are dirty with poo separately from your other washing.

To avoid infection, wash your hands after changing a nappy before you do anything else.

If your baby's old enough, they can wash their hands with you as it's a good habit to get into.
Learn how to wash your hands properly

What baby poo looks like

Your baby's first poo is called meconium. This is sticky and greenish-black.

Some babies may do this kind of poo during or after birth, or some time in the first 48 hours.

After a few days the poo will change to a yellow or mustard colour. Breastfed babies' poo is runny and doesn't smell. Formula-fed babies' poo is firmer, darker brown and more smelly.

Some infant formulas can also make your baby's poo dark green. If you change from breast to formula feeding, you'll find your baby's poos become darker and more paste-like.

If you have a girl, you may see a white discharge on her nappy for a few days after birth.

It's caused by hormones that have crossed the placenta to your baby, but these will soon disappear from her system.

These hormones can occasionally cause slight bleeding like a mini period, but in both cases it's nothing to worry about.

Read the NCT guide to newborn baby poo.

How often should my baby do a poo?

Babies do an average of 4 poos a day in the first week of life. This goes down to an average of 2 a day by the time they're 1 year old.

Newborn babies who are breastfed may poo at each feed in the early weeks, then, after about 6 weeks, not have a poo for several days.

Formula-fed babies may poo up to 5 times a day when newborn, but after a few months this can go down to once a day.

It's also normal for babies to strain or even cry when doing a poo.

Your baby isn't constipated as long as their poos are soft, even if they haven't done one for a few days.

Is it normal for my baby's poos to change?

From day to day or week to week, your baby's poos will probably vary.

If you notice a definite change of any kind, such as the poos becoming very smelly, very watery or harder (particularly if there's blood in them), you should talk to your doctor or health visitor.

If your baby's poos look pale, this can be a sign of liver disease.

Speak to your health visitor or GP if you notice this.

Disposable and washable cloth (reusable) nappies

Disposable and cloth nappies come in a range of shapes and sizes. The choice might be confusing at first, but with trial and error you'll be able to work out which nappies suit your baby best as they grow.

Disposable and cloth nappies have different pros and cons, so you'll need to consider things like cost, convenience and the impact on the environment when you choose what to buy.

For example, disposable nappies are very handy, but washable cloth nappies work out cheaper if you add up the costs over the years your baby's in nappies.

Some cloth nappy brands and local councils offer free samples for you to try out.

If you use cloth nappies, you may want to sign up to a nappy laundry service that'll take away the dirty nappies and deliver a fresh batch each week.

The 'Which?' consumer information website has more information and advice to help you decide which type of nappy is best for your baby, budget and lifestyle.

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Babies need frequent nappy changes. Babies have very delicate skin so their nappy needs to be changed as soon as they wet or poo themselves, otherwise their skin becomes sore and red. Changing your baby's nappy as soon as possible after they've done a wee or poo will help prevent  nappy rash.

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A guide to what your baby's nappies should look like, and when to seek support.

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The contents of your baby’s nappies change day by day at first. Read about how often your baby will wee and poo and what it’ll look like, so you know what to expect. 