Every new parent has a mental list of questions that start with "can I...?" This guide tries to answer them comprehensively, in plain language, in one place. It covers the first eight to twelve weeks specifically — the newborn period when many of these questions are most pressing and when the guidance is most specific.
Three verdicts are used: ✓ Yes (safe and fine to do), ✗ No (avoid — safety or developmental reasons), and ! With care (fine with specific conditions or caveats). Where guidance differs between sources, we note it. Where evidence is evolving, we say so.
This guide covers general healthy, term newborns. If your baby was premature, had a difficult birth, or has any health concerns, always follow the specific guidance from your neonatal team or paediatrician — some of this guidance may not apply.
Never shake your baby
This is the single most important rule in newborn safety. Shaking a baby — even briefly, even in play, even in frustration — can cause severe and permanent brain injury or death. If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down in a safe place (a cot or flat surface) and take five minutes to calm down. Call someone for support. This is always the right choice.
Handling & Physical Care
18 questions
✓
Can I pick up my newborn whenever they cry?
Yes — you cannot spoil a newborn. Responding quickly to a newborn's cries builds attachment and security. The research is consistent: babies whose needs are met promptly in early life are more settled, not less. Responding to cries is the right thing to do.
NHS, UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative
✓
Can I hold my newborn all day?
Yes — skin-to-skin and close holding regulates body temperature, stabilises heart rate and breathing, supports breastfeeding, and aids bonding. You cannot over-cuddle a newborn. Hold them as much as you like.
WHO, NHS
✓
Can I touch my baby's soft spot (fontanelle)?
Yes — gentle touch is fine. The fontanelle is covered by a tough membrane; it is not as fragile as it looks. Do not press down firmly or let anything hit the area, as the skull bones haven't fully fused. Normal touching, washing hair, and gentle stroking are all fine.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Nemours KidsHealth
✗
Can I pick up my baby by or under their arms?
No. A newborn's head and neck muscles are too weak to support the head. Lifting under the arms risks the head dangling and flopping, which can cause injury. Always place one hand behind the head and neck, and the other under the bottom. Gently scoop toward your chest.
UT Southwestern Medical Center
✗
Can I shake my baby to wake them up?
Never. Shaking for any reason — waking, playing, or soothing — can cause Shaken Baby Syndrome, leading to brain injury or death. To wake your baby gently: tickle their feet, blow softly on their cheek, or undress them slightly.
NHS, Nemours KidsHealth, AAP
✗
Can I throw my baby in the air or bounce them on my knee?
No — not in the newborn period. Rough play, jiggling on a knee, or throwing in the air risks injury to the neck, spine, and brain in a baby whose head control is not yet developed. Save this for when they are older and have good head control (typically 3–4 months +).
Nemours KidsHealth, NHS
✓
Can I carry my baby in a sling or baby carrier?
Yes — babywearing is safe and beneficial. Follow the TICKS guidelines: Tight enough, In view at all times, Close enough to kiss, Keeps chin off chest, Supported back. Ensure baby's airway is never curled closed. Avoid carriers with newborns if you are very tired as vigilance is required.
Carrying Matters, NHS
!
Can I hold my baby upright against my shoulder?
Yes, with head support. Upright positioning is excellent for winding after feeds and very soothing. Always support the head and neck — use one hand behind the head until your baby has developed head control (usually around 3–4 months).
UT Southwestern Medical Center
✓
Can I do tummy time with my newborn?
Yes — tummy time is recommended from birth, for short supervised sessions of a few minutes at a time while baby is awake and alert. It strengthens neck, shoulder, and core muscles and helps prevent flat head syndrome. Never leave a newborn unsupervised during tummy time.
NHS, AAP
✓
Can I massage my newborn?
Yes — infant massage is safe from birth and has good evidence behind it. It supports bonding, soothes an unsettled baby, can help with wind and digestion, and promotes body awareness. Use a gentle, unscented oil (coconut or sunflower work well). Choose a warm, calm moment when your baby is awake and alert — not hungry and not immediately after a feed. Follow your baby's cues: if they turn away or show discomfort, stop.
NHS, International Association of Infant Massage
!
Can siblings hold the newborn?
Yes, with close supervision and with the sibling seated on the floor or a sofa. A young sibling should never hold the baby while standing. Ensure the baby's head is supported, keep the interaction brief, and stay within arm's reach at all times.
!
Can I swaddle my baby?
Yes, with correct technique. Use a breathable blanket, wrap snugly around arms but leave room for the hips and legs to move — never swaddle the hips and legs tightly as this increases the risk of hip dysplasia. Stop swaddling as soon as baby shows signs of rolling, typically around 2 months. Don't swaddle for sleep if room temperature is high.
NHS, Lullaby Trust, Nemours KidsHealth
✓
Can I keep my baby upright for a while after feeding?
Yes — holding baby upright for around 20–30 minutes after feeding helps with digestion and wind. This is particularly helpful for babies who suffer with reflux. It does not need to be exact — even 10–15 minutes is useful.
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Mayo Clinic
✗
Can I hold my baby while drinking a hot drink?
No. Never hold hot liquids or food near a baby or while holding them. A baby's sudden movement can cause a spill, and scalding in an infant is a serious injury. Keep hot drinks on a surface away from you when holding your baby.
CDC, HHS
✓
Can I let other people hold my baby?
Yes — sharing your baby with people who love them is healthy and normal. Ensure anyone holding the baby has washed their hands, knows to support the head, and is not unwell. You do not need to refuse all contact — reasonable social interaction is fine and beneficial.
!
Can I use a bouncy chair or swing?
Yes for supervised awake use — many babies love the movement. Never use as a sleep surface. Time in bouncy chairs should be limited as prolonged semi-reclined positioning is not ideal for very young babies' breathing. Always use the harness. Do not place on a raised surface from which it could fall.
NHS, AAP
✗
Can I use a door bouncer or jumperoo with a newborn?
No — not until your baby has full, consistent head control, which typically develops between 4 and 6 months. Door bouncers and jumperoos are designed for babies who can hold their heads steady without support. Using them before this point risks neck strain and injury. Always check the manufacturer's weight and developmental guidelines before use, and ensure the door frame fitting is secure.
NHS, AAP
!
Can I put jewellery on my baby?
Best avoided. Jewellery on newborns poses strangulation and choking risks. Items can catch, tighten, or come apart. This includes amber teething necklaces — no major health body recommends these, and several have issued safety warnings. If you do use any baby jewellery, ensure it is removed before sleep and supervised at all times.
NHS, AAP
Sleep
14 questions
✓
Should I always put my baby to sleep on their back?
Yes — every time, for every sleep, day and night. Back sleeping is the single most important measure to reduce the risk of SIDS. Once a baby can roll independently from back to front, you do not need to reposition them — but always start them on their back.
NHS, Lullaby Trust, AAP
✗
Can my baby sleep in a car seat overnight?
No. Car seats are not designed as sleep surfaces. The semi-reclined position can cause the head to fall forward and obstruct the airway in young babies. Use a car seat for travel only. Always transfer to a flat sleep surface when you arrive home. The same applies to bouncers and swings.
Lullaby Trust, NHS, AAP
✗
Can I put a pillow, duvet, or bumper in my baby's cot?
No. The sleep surface should be clear: no pillows, duvets, bumpers, sleep positioners, soft toys, or loose bedding. All of these are suffocation risks. Use a well-fitted sheet and a baby sleeping bag in the correct tog for the room temperature. No exceptions for the first 12 months.
Lullaby Trust, NHS
✗
Can I use a sleep positioner, wedge, or nest in the cot?
No. Sleep positioners, anti-roll wedges, and nest-style pods are not recommended by any major safety body. They can pose a suffocation risk if a baby's face presses against the sides, and several have been linked to infant deaths. The only safe items in a cot are a firm flat mattress, a fitted sheet, and a baby sleeping bag.
Lullaby Trust, NHS, AAP
!
Can I share a bed with my baby (bedsharing)?
This is a nuanced area. Bedsharing on a sofa or armchair carries a very high SIDS risk and should always be avoided. Bedsharing in a bed carries lower but still elevated risk compared to room-sharing in a separate surface. If you do bedshare, follow the safer bedsharing guidance: firm mattress, no duvet over baby, no alcohol or sedating medication, non-smoking household. The Lullaby Trust provides detailed guidance.
Lullaby Trust, NHS
✗
Can I fall asleep with my baby on a sofa or armchair?
Never. Falling asleep with a baby on a sofa or armchair is the highest-risk sleeping situation for SIDS — the risk is approximately 50 times higher than a baby sleeping alone in a cot. Soft surfaces can mould around a baby's face, and a sleeping adult cannot respond as they would when awake. If there is any risk of falling asleep while feeding, move to a bed and follow the safer bedsharing guidance.
Lullaby Trust, NHS
✓
Should my baby sleep in my room?
Yes, for at least the first 6 months — in your room but in their own sleep space (cot, crib, or moses basket beside your bed). Room-sharing without bedsharing consistently reduces SIDS risk. The NHS and Lullaby Trust both recommend this for the first 6 months.
NHS, Lullaby Trust
!
Can I use a second-hand cot mattress?
Not recommended. The NHS advises buying a new mattress for each baby where possible, as there is some evidence linking second-hand mattresses to increased SIDS risk. If using a second-hand mattress, ensure it is in good condition with no tears or indentations, that it fits the cot without gaps, and clean it thoroughly before use.
NHS, Lullaby Trust
!
Can my baby sleep with a dummy/pacifier?
Yes — there is evidence that dummy use is associated with reduced SIDS risk. If you use a dummy, offer it at the start of every sleep. Do not force it if your baby doesn't want it. Do not dip it in anything sweet. If breastfeeding, wait until feeding is established (usually 3–4 weeks) before introducing. If the dummy falls out during sleep, you do not need to replace it.
Lullaby Trust, NHS
✓
Can I keep the room warm for my sleeping baby?
Yes — but aim for 16–20°C (61–68°F). Overheating is a SIDS risk factor. Keep the room temperature in this range rather than making it warmer than you would find comfortable yourself. Check your baby at the chest or back of neck — they should feel warm but not hot. Hands and feet will always feel cooler and are not a reliable guide.
Lullaby Trust, NHS
✓
Can I use white noise to help my baby sleep?
Yes — white noise can be soothing and may help babies settle to sleep. Keep the volume below 50 decibels (roughly the level of a quiet conversation) and place the device at least a metre from the baby's head. Some research suggests it may also help when used consistently as a sleep cue.
✗
Can I leave a sleeping baby in a pram/pushchair?
Not for extended periods. Transferring a sleeping baby to a flat surface as soon as practical is best. The same airway concerns that apply to car seat sleeping apply to prams in a reclined but non-flat position. Many pram systems have a fully flat bassinet position which is safer for sleep than a seat unit.
Lullaby Trust
!
Can I put my baby to sleep in their own room from birth?
Not recommended for the first 6 months. Room-sharing (but not bedsharing) is associated with lower SIDS risk. After 6 months, moving to a separate room is safe and reasonable if that's your preference. Some evidence suggests continuing room-sharing can help up to 12 months.
NHS, AAP, Lullaby Trust
!
Can I let my baby "cry it out" to sleep?
Not in the newborn period. Sleep training methods (including controlled crying) are not appropriate before 6 months at the earliest, and most guidance recommends waiting until at least that age. Newborns cry to communicate needs — hunger, discomfort, warmth, connection. Responding is always the right approach at this age.
NHS, UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative
Feeding
13 questions
✓
Can I feed my baby whenever they seem hungry?
Yes — feeding on demand (or "responsive feeding") is recommended for both breast and bottle. Newborns have tiny stomachs and typically feed 8–12 times per day. There is no such thing as feeding too often in the newborn period. Frequent feeding supports milk supply and ensures adequate nutrition.
NHS, WHO, UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative
✗
Can I give my newborn water?
No — not before 6 months. Newborns get all the hydration they need from breast milk or formula. Giving water to a very young baby can cause dangerous electrolyte imbalance (hyponatraemia) and can interfere with feeding. This includes hot weather — breastfed babies do not need supplemental water; formula-fed babies can have a few extra feeds.
NHS, WHO, AAP
✗
Can I give my baby honey?
No — not before 12 months. Honey can contain Clostridium botulinum spores which produce botulinum toxin in a baby's immature digestive system, causing infant botulism — a potentially fatal condition. This applies to all forms of honey including pasteurised honey and honey in cooked foods.
NHS, AAP
✗
Can I start solid foods before 6 months?
No — the NHS, WHO, and AAP all recommend exclusive breast or formula feeding for the first 6 months. No solids before 17 weeks under any circumstances. The digestive system is not ready before this point, and early weaning is associated with increased risk of allergies and infections. Despite older advice, there is no benefit to starting early.
NHS, WHO
!
Can I mix breast and formula feeding?
Yes — combination feeding is entirely possible and a valid choice. If breastfeeding, it is generally advised to wait until feeding is established (usually 3–6 weeks) before introducing formula, as too-early supplementation can affect milk supply. Once established, combination feeding can work well for many families. Talk to a lactation consultant or health visitor for support.
NHS
!
Can I add cereal to my baby's bottle to help them sleep longer?
No — this is not recommended. Adding cereal or thickeners to a bottle does not meaningfully improve sleep, carries a choking risk, and adds unnecessary load to an immature digestive system. It was common advice in previous generations but is no longer supported by any major health body.
AAP, NHS
!
Can I breastfeed if I have had a drink of alcohol?
The NHS advises avoiding alcohol while breastfeeding, particularly in the first three months. Small amounts (equivalent to one unit) are generally considered low-risk after three months. The safest approach is to feed or express before drinking, then wait at least two hours per unit before feeding. "Pumping and dumping" does not speed up alcohol clearance from milk.
NHS
✓
Do I need to sterilise bottles and teats?
Yes — sterilise all bottles, teats, and feeding equipment until your baby is 12 months old. Use a steam steriliser, microwave steriliser, cold-water sterilising solution, or boiling. Always wash equipment thoroughly in hot soapy water before sterilising. Sterilising is recommended even if using a dishwasher.
NHS
!
Can I heat a bottle in the microwave?
No — not recommended. Microwaves heat unevenly, creating hot spots that can scald your baby's mouth even if the bottle feels cool on the outside. Use a bottle warmer, stand the bottle in a jug of hot water, or use pre-made formula at room temperature. Always test the temperature on the inside of your wrist before feeding.
NHS, AAP
!
Can I keep made-up formula at room temperature?
No — use immediately or refrigerate. Made-up formula should be used within 2 hours at room temperature, or stored in the back of the fridge for no more than 24 hours. Bacteria can grow rapidly in warm formula. Discard any leftover formula from a feed immediately — do not refrigerate and re-use a partially used bottle.
NHS
✓
Can I breastfeed in public?
Yes — you have a legal right to breastfeed in any public place in the UK. Under the Equality Act 2010, it is discrimination to ask a breastfeeding woman to move, cover up, or stop feeding. You do not need a cover, a nursing room, or anyone's permission.
Equality Act 2010, NHS
✓
Can I give vitamin D drops to my newborn?
Yes — the NHS recommends vitamin D drops (8.5–10 micrograms per day) for all babies from birth to 1 year, including breastfed babies. Formula-fed babies who take 500ml+ per day get sufficient vitamin D from formula. Ask your health visitor or midwife about the Healthy Start scheme which provides free vitamins for eligible families.
NHS
✗
Can I give my baby herbal teas or fruit juices?
No — not before 6 months. Herbal teas are not tested for safety in newborns and can interfere with feeding. Fruit juice is high in sugar and not recommended before 12 months. Breast milk or formula is all your baby needs for the first 6 months.
NHS
Bathing & Hygiene
10 questions
!
How often should I bathe my newborn?
2–3 times per week is sufficient — and in fact bathing every day can dry out newborn skin, which is already adjusting to being outside the womb. Between baths, a "top and tail" wash (face, neck folds, hands, and nappy area with cotton wool and warm water) is all that is needed.
NHS, Mayo Clinic
!
What temperature should the bath water be?
Aim for 37°C — body temperature, or just comfortably warm on your elbow or wrist. Never above 38°C. Use a bath thermometer if unsure. Always run cold water first, then add hot. Test the temperature before placing your baby in. Never leave your baby in the bath unattended — not even for a moment.
NHS, Cleveland Clinic
✗
Can I give my baby a full bath before their umbilical cord stump falls off?
No — the cord stump should be kept dry. Give sponge or "top and tail" baths until the stump has dried and fallen off, usually 1–3 weeks after birth. Keeping it dry helps prevent infection. Fold the nappy below the stump to allow air circulation.
NHS, Nemours KidsHealth
!
Can I use baby lotions, wipes, and products on a newborn?
With care. Plain water is recommended for the first month — a newborn's skin barrier is still maturing. After 4–6 weeks, fragrance-free, pH-neutral baby products can be introduced cautiously. Avoid adult products entirely. If your baby has eczema or sensitive skin, ask your health visitor before introducing any products.
NHS
!
What should I do about the umbilical cord stump?
Leave it alone and keep it clean and dry. Do not apply antiseptic, cream, or bandages. It will change colour from yellow to brown to black — this is normal. It should fall off within 1–3 weeks. Seek medical advice if you notice redness spreading around the base, swelling, discharge, or a bad smell — these can indicate infection.
NHS, UT Southwestern Medical Center
!
Can I clean my baby's ears?
Gently clean the outer ear only with cotton wool and warm water. Never insert cotton buds or anything into the ear canal — earwax is self-regulating and cotton buds push wax deeper and risk damage. Ears do not need internal cleaning.
NHS
!
Can I clean inside my baby's nose?
Gently, with a damp cotton wool ball on the visible outer nostril area only. Do not insert anything into the nostrils. If your baby is congested and having trouble feeding or sleeping, saline drops (available from pharmacists) can help loosen mucus gently. A bulb syringe can be used sparingly if recommended by your health visitor.
!
Should I clean my baby's tongue and gums?
Yes, especially after feeding. Use a damp piece of gauze or muslin wrapped around a clean finger and gently wipe the gums and tongue. This helps establish good oral hygiene habits and removes milk residue. Begin as soon as any teeth emerge — use a soft baby toothbrush and a rice-grain amount of fluoride toothpaste.
NHS
!
Can I use baby oil for newborn dry skin?
In moderation, from about 4–6 weeks, fragrance-free baby oil or moisturiser can help if your baby has dry patches. The vernix (white waxy coating at birth) is a natural moisturiser — do not wipe it off immediately after birth. Avoid olive oil, which some studies suggest can impair the newborn skin barrier.
NHS
!
Can I cut my baby's fingernails?
Yes — newborn nails can be very sharp and scratch faces. Use baby nail scissors or a baby nail file. The easiest time is when your baby is asleep or just after a bath when nails are softer. Some parents find it easier to file rather than cut in the first weeks. Mittens are an alternative but can impede sensory development — keep use limited.
Outdoors & Environment
10 questions
✓
Can I take my newborn outside?
Yes — from day one, there is no medical reason to wait. Fresh air benefits both you and your baby. Dress your baby appropriately for the weather (one more layer than you would wear), avoid direct sun, and avoid crowded indoor spaces in the first few weeks if you want to reduce germ exposure. There is no specified age to wait.
NHS
✗
Can I put sunscreen on a baby under 6 months?
Not recommended as a primary measure — the NHS advises keeping babies under 6 months out of direct sunlight entirely. Their skin absorbs chemicals more readily and UV protection is best achieved through shade, clothing, and wide-brimmed hats. In unavoidable sun exposure, a small amount of SPF 30+ mineral sunscreen can be applied to small exposed areas as a last resort.
NHS, AAP
!
Can I take my newborn to a public pool or swimming?
Most guidance recommends waiting until after 8 weeks and the first vaccinations before public pools — the main concern being infection risk, not water safety per se. Ideally wait until 2 months for chlorinated public pools. The water temperature for infants should be around 32–34°C — most public pools are too cold. Never use a hot tub with a baby under 5 years.
NHS, Cleveland Clinic
!
Can I take my newborn out in cold weather?
Yes, with appropriate dressing. Newborns lose heat quickly, particularly through their heads. Dress in layers, ensure extremities are covered, use a hat if the temperature warrants it, and keep journeys short in very cold conditions. Check your baby's temperature at the chest or back of the neck. Cold-weather prams/pushchairs with full hoods and footmuffs are well-suited for this.
NHS
✗
Can I use insect repellent on my newborn?
DEET-based repellents are not recommended under 2 months. For babies under 2 months, physical barriers (mosquito nets, protective clothing, and staying indoors at dawn/dusk) are preferred. From 2 months, repellents containing 20–30% DEET can be used sparingly on exposed skin, not on hands, and washed off when back indoors. Avoid repellents on broken or irritated skin.
NHS Travel Health, CDC
✗
Can I take my newborn to crowded places?
Best avoided in the first 4–6 weeks where practical — shopping centres, busy markets, packed restaurants and other crowded indoor spaces where your baby will be in close proximity to many people. This is about immune system immaturity and infection risk, not a strict rule. Outdoors in open air is significantly lower risk than crowded enclosed spaces.
Johns Hopkins Medicine
✗
Can I leave my baby in a car alone?
Never. Cars heat to dangerous temperatures in minutes even in mild weather. A car at 22°C outside can reach over 47°C inside within an hour, and children's body temperature rises 3–5 times faster than adults. Even briefly leaving a baby unattended in a car is dangerous and in some circumstances illegal.
NHS, Child Safety UK
!
Can I travel on a long car journey with a newborn?
Yes, but take frequent breaks. Current guidance recommends no more than 2 hours at a time in a car seat for very young babies, as the semi-reclined position can affect breathing. Stop every 1.5–2 hours to take your baby out of the seat, feed if needed, and allow time on a flat surface. Always use a rear-facing infant carrier, correctly installed, for every journey.
NHS, Lullaby Trust
!
Can I let my newborn be around pets?
Yes, with supervision. Introduce calmly, ensure your pet cannot access the baby unsupervised, and never leave a baby and any animal alone together — even the most gentle pets can react unpredictably. Wash hands after handling pets before touching your baby. Cats can sometimes try to settle near sleeping babies — keep the nursery door closed.
✗
Can anyone smoke around my newborn?
No. Second-hand smoke significantly increases the risk of SIDS, chest infections, asthma, glue ear, and meningitis. Smoking should not happen in any room, car, or environment where your baby is or will be. Clothes and hair carry smoke residue — ideally anyone smoking should change clothing before close contact with the baby.
NHS, Lullaby Trust
Health & Medical
11 questions
✗
Can I give my newborn paracetamol or ibuprofen?
Paracetamol (Calpol) from 2 months if your baby weighs over 4kg and was not premature. Ibuprofen from 3 months and over 5kg only. Do not give any pain medicine before these ages without medical advice. Never give aspirin to any child under 16. Always use the correct dose for weight, not age.
NHS
!
When is a fever in a newborn an emergency?
A temperature of 38°C or above in a baby under 3 months requires immediate medical assessment — always. Call 999 or go to A&E. In babies aged 3–6 months, a temperature of 39°C or above warrants urgent medical advice. Fever in a very young baby can indicate serious infection. Do not wait to see if it passes.
NHS, AAP
!
Can I use teething gels or powders?
Teething typically begins around 4–7 months — newborns do not usually need teething products. When teething does begin: sugar-free teething gels containing lidocaine are not recommended for under-2s by the NHS. Teething rings (cooled not frozen), gentle gum massage, and appropriate paracetamol or ibuprofen for pain are the advised approaches.
NHS
✓
Can I use a gripe water or colic drops?
Yes — these are safe for newborns from the appropriate age stated on the packaging. Evidence for their effectiveness is limited, but they are not harmful if used as directed. Gripe water is generally from 1 month. Infacol (simethicone) is for newborns from birth. Always read the label and follow dosage instructions.
NHS
✗
Can I buy a second-hand car seat?
Not recommended. A car seat involved in any collision — even a minor one — may be structurally compromised invisibly. Unless you know the full history of the seat personally, do not use it. Expiry dates, missing components, and unknown histories make second-hand seats a significant safety risk. This is one item worth buying new.
NHS, RoSPA
!
Can I use a baby monitor and assume the baby is fine?
Baby monitors are useful tools but not a substitute for checking on your baby. No monitor replaces periodic in-person checks, particularly for very young babies. Breathing monitors and pulse oximeters are not recommended for home use by healthy term newborns — they generate anxiety without evidence of benefit and are not validated for consumer use.
NHS, AAP
✓
Should I follow the NHS vaccination schedule?
Yes — vaccines are among the most effective health interventions available. The UK schedule begins at 8 weeks. Vaccines are safe, extensively tested, and protect your baby against diseases that can be severe or fatal in infancy. Delaying or skipping vaccinations leaves your baby unprotected during the most vulnerable period. Discuss any concerns with your GP.
NHS
!
Can I take my newborn to a GP or A&E?
Yes — always seek medical help for a baby if you are concerned. You will never be judged for attending with a baby. Signs that warrant same-day assessment: temperature above 38°C under 3 months; breathing faster than normal; not feeding; lethargic or unusually drowsy; rash; persistent crying that is unusual. Call 999 for suspected meningitis, difficulty breathing, or seizure.
NHS 111
✗
Can I give my baby a home remedy or herbal supplement?
No — without specific medical advice. Herbal products are not regulated for safety or efficacy in infants. Some traditional remedies contain ingredients that are harmful to young babies. If you are considering any supplement or remedy for your baby, speak to your GP or health visitor first.
NHS
✓
Is jaundice in newborns normal?
Mild jaundice (yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes) is extremely common, affecting around 6 in 10 newborns. It usually appears 2–3 days after birth, peaks around day 5, and resolves within 2 weeks. Seek medical assessment if jaundice appears in the first 24 hours, lasts beyond 2 weeks, is accompanied by dark urine or pale stools, or your baby is lethargic or not feeding.
NHS
!
Can I fly with a newborn?
Most airlines accept babies from 2 weeks, though some require a fit-to-fly letter for under-4-week-olds. There is no medical reason not to fly with a healthy term baby. Under-2-week-olds and premature babies should wait for medical clearance. Flying exposes your baby to a higher-altitude cabin environment — ensure they are well hydrated and feed during takeoff and landing to help with ear pressure.
NHS, AAP
Visitors & Social
8 questions
✗
Can visitors kiss my baby on the face or hands?
No — not recommended in the newborn period. HSV-1 (the cold sore virus, carried by around two thirds of adults) can cause neonatal herpes — a rare but serious and potentially fatal illness in newborns. Visitors who have active cold sores should not kiss the baby at all. Redirect kisses to the feet. This applies to all visitors, including grandparents.
AAP, NHS, Medical News Today
→ Introducing Your Baby to Visitors
✗
Can unwell visitors see my newborn?
No. Anyone with a cold, cough, sore throat, stomach bug, or recent exposure to illness should postpone their visit. Even mild adult symptoms can cause serious illness in a newborn. This is a reasonable and important rule to communicate clearly before visitors arrive — most people will understand it. A mild cold in an adult can be serious RSV or pertussis in a newborn.
AAP, NHS, UMass Medical
✓
Can I ask visitors to wash their hands before holding the baby?
Yes — and you should. This is the single most effective hygiene measure visitors can take. Have soap near the door and make it a normal part of the visit. Most visitors will be happy to comply and many will feel reassured to have the expectation set clearly in advance.
AAP, NHS
!
Can unvaccinated people visit my newborn?
This is a personal decision. Major health bodies recommend that close contacts of newborns be up to date on whooping cough (Tdap) and flu vaccines. Unvaccinated visitors carry a small but real risk of transmitting pertussis, which can be life-threatening in newborns. You are within your rights to request vaccination or delay the visit until your baby has had their own first jabs at 8 weeks.
AAP, NHS, Johns Hopkins Medicine
✓
Can I limit visitors in the first weeks?
Yes — completely. You are not obligated to receive any visitors until you feel ready. Most paediatric guidance recommends keeping the early weeks quiet and limiting visitors to allow for rest, bonding, and establishing feeding. Setting this expectation in advance, kindly but clearly, prevents most problems before they arise.
Johns Hopkins Medicine, Scripps Health
!
Can children visit a newborn?
Yes, with some care. Children carry more germs than adults and are often less reliable about hand hygiene. Ensure visiting children are well, have washed their hands, and understand to be gentle. Very young children should be closely supervised. The benefits of siblings and young family members meeting the baby generally outweigh the risks when standard hygiene is observed.
UMass Medical School, NHS
✓
Can I video call family to introduce the baby?
Yes — video calling is explicitly excluded from screen time guidance for newborns by the AAP and WHO, because it involves real social interaction. FaceTime, WhatsApp video, and similar calls with family members are a great way to introduce your baby broadly before in-person visits, and meaningful for the family members too.
AAP
!
Can I share photos of my newborn on social media?
Yes — your choice entirely. Points worth considering: images posted publicly or to large networks are searchable and potentially permanent. You may wish to use privacy settings. Some parents choose to wait until after the "newborn bubble" period to share widely. Consider also whether to share the baby's name, location, or other identifying details with a large audience.
Development & Parenting
9 questions
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Can I talk and sing to my newborn, even though they can't understand?
Yes — and you should. Talking, singing, and narrating your day are among the most valuable things you can do for your baby's development. Newborns recognise their parents' voices from birth and are primed to learn language from day one. The quality and quantity of speech your baby hears in early life is one of the strongest predictors of later language development.
CDC, NHS
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Can I read to my newborn?
Yes — from birth. Your baby cannot understand the words but they benefit from the sound of your voice, the rhythm of language, and the close contact of being held while you read. Establishing a reading habit early creates a routine that continues to be valuable as your baby develops. Board books, picture books, poetry — anything is fine.
NHS, Bookstart
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Will I spoil my baby by responding to every cry?
No — this is one of the most persistent myths in parenting. You cannot spoil a newborn. Research consistently shows that babies whose needs are met promptly in the first months develop more secure attachments, are more settled, and are not "needy" or "demanding" children as a result. Responding builds trust. It is always the right approach with newborns.
NHS, UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative, attachment research
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Can I use screens around my newborn?
Occasionally and briefly, yes. The AAP guidance recommends avoiding passive screen exposure for under-18-month-olds, but video calling is explicitly excluded from this — it is interactive social contact, not passive viewing. Occasional use as a parenting tool is not going to harm your baby. Background television, however, has consistent evidence for disrupting interaction and language development even when not directly watched.
AAP, WHO
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Can I establish a routine with a newborn?
You can begin to gently encourage patterns — a consistent bedtime routine, feeding at similar intervals — but strict schedules are not developmentally appropriate for newborns. Newborns need to feed on demand (every 2–3 hours) and their sleep patterns are not yet regulated by circadian rhythm. A loose rhythm, not a fixed timetable, is a realistic and healthy goal in the first weeks.
NHS
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Is it normal for newborns to make strange noises and sounds?
Yes — newborns are remarkably noisy. Grunting, squeaking, snuffling, sneezing, and hiccupping are all entirely normal. Newborns breathe irregularly with occasional short pauses — this is normal. Seek medical attention for breathing that is consistently fast (over 60 breaths/minute), laboured, or involves persistent pauses over 10 seconds.
NHS
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Is it OK to put my baby down when I need a break?
Yes — always. If you are overwhelmed, frustrated, or at your limit: put your baby down in a safe place (the cot or a flat surface) and take a few minutes. A baby who cries briefly while you collect yourself is fine. A parent who has lost control is not. Asking for help, stepping outside, calling someone — these are all good responses. You are not failing. This is one of the hardest jobs there is.
NHS, ICON Campaign
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Can I use a dummy to soothe my baby?
Yes — dummies can be a useful soothing tool. Evidence also suggests dummy use at sleep is associated with reduced SIDS risk. If breastfeeding, waiting until feeding is established (3–4 weeks) is advisable to avoid nipple confusion. Dummies do not need to be used constantly — offer when baby needs settling. Some babies never accept one, which is equally fine.
NHS, Lullaby Trust
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Can I compare my baby's development to others?
With care. Developmental milestones are ranges, not precise deadlines. Babies develop at their own pace, and comparison to other babies (or to charts, apps, or social media) is a frequent source of unnecessary anxiety. If you have a genuine concern about your baby's development, discuss it with your health visitor at the routine checks — they are there to help, not judge.
NHS