First 24 Hours with Your Newborn

Your baby will cry during the first day (and beyond!). Crying is how they communicate—whether they’re hungry, cold, uncomfortable, or just adjusting to life outside the womb.

It can be hard to figure out why they’re crying at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Sometimes, a simple cuddle or swaddle will calm them down.

A strong cry, active movements, and easy waking are signs that your baby is adjusting well.

Remember, babies can be extra fussy in the late afternoon and evening. For more info, check out the Period of Purple Crying.

In the first 24 hours, you’ll probably change a few diapers, including at least one wet one and one or two with black or dark green poop. This sticky, tar-like poop is called meconium, and it’s normal for the first couple of days. After that, their stool will change as they feed more.

Wet diapers are a good sign your baby is getting enough fluids and staying hydrated.

Breastfeeding

If you plan to breastfeed, these first 24 hours are important for getting started. Your baby’s stomach is tiny (about the size of a cherry), so they only need small amounts of colostrum, the nutrient-packed first milk. Try to breastfeed at least eight times a day, every one to three hours. Your health-care team will likely suggest breastfeeding within the first hour after birth, which helps with feeding and bonding. Don’t stress if breastfeeding feels tricky at first – it takes time and practice. The more you nurse, the more milk your body will produce. If you need help, ask your public health nurse.

Formula Feeding

Families may feed their baby formula for many different medical or personal reasons. Some babies are fed only formula while others are fed some formula and some breastmilk.

Visit Infant Formula: What You Need to Know to learn more about how to choose, prepare, store and feed infant formula.

Call your health-care provider if your baby:

• Still has black poop after five days.
• Sleeps too much and needs to be woken up to eat.
• Is hard to wake or seems very weak.
• Breathes very quickly or struggles to breathe.
• Has blue or grey lips or ear lobes.
• Has worsening jaundice.
• Isn’t gaining weight after two weeks.
• Has sunken eyes or a sunken soft spot on the head.
• Has a very dry mouth, lips, or tongue.
• Has pale, cold, or clammy skin.
• Has seizures (e.g., staring blankly or shaking).
• Vomits forcefully or frequently (spitting up small amounts of milk is normal).
• Cries with a high-pitched sound for long periods and shows other symptoms like diarrhea or fever.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself. Giving birth is a huge event, so make time to rest, drink water, and eat healthy snacks. Let others help when you need it, and don’t hesitate to ask your health-care team any questions. They are there to support you as you start this new chapter.

The first day with your newborn is just the beginning. You don’t have to know everything right away—take it one step at a time, and soon you’ll find your rhythm. Eventually, the crying, diaper changes, and feedings will become second nature. If your baby was born prematurely or you have other special circumstances, your health-care team will provide any extra support you need.