Those early days with a new baby come with a steep learning curve—Newborn Care 101: Umbilical Cord, Poop & Sleep is here to help make it feel a little less overwhelming. From the weird (like the colour of that first poo) to the worrying (like caring for the healing umbilical cord), there’s a lot no one really tells you. Add in unpredictable sleep patterns and it’s easy to feel out of your depth. But don’t worry—you’re not alone, and this guide has you covered.
The first few days and weeks with a newborn can be stressful and new parents need all the help and support they can get (although this info is just as useful for second-, third- or fourth-time parents).
And that’s why we asked ‘baby whisperer’ (btw she’s ALSO a ‘mommy whisperer’) Sr Ann Richardson – who is a qualified nurse and midwife – to fill us in on everything we need to know about looking after a newborn: from taking care of the umbilical cord to what different types of newborn poop mean and setting up a sleep routine for your baby.
Some of the crucial parenting questions that are answered in the InstaLive below:
- Why is my baby’s poop black and sticky?
- Should I use alcohol to clean my baby’s umbilical cord?
- When will my baby’s umbilical cord fall off?
- Can I start my newborn on a sleep routine?
- How can I speed up my recovery after a c-section?
- What is a poonami?
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BabyYumYum FAQs: Newborn Care 101: Umbilical Cord, Poop & Sleep
How do I care for my newborn’s umbilical cord stump?
Keep the area clean and dry. Fold the nappy down to avoid covering it, and avoid soaking the stump during baths. It should fall off naturally within 1 to 3 weeks. Take a look at: How to take care of your baby’s umbilical cord.
Is it normal for the umbilical stump to smell or ooze?
A little dried blood or mild smell is normal. However, if it becomes red, swollen, or has a foul-smelling discharge, contact your healthcare provider as it could be a sign of infection.
When can I give my baby a full bath?
You can give sponge baths until the umbilical cord stump falls off. Once the area has healed, you can start giving your baby short, gentle baths in a baby tub.
What should newborn poop look like?
In the first few days, expect sticky, dark greenish-black meconium. This changes to mustard yellow, green, or brown depending on feeding. Breastfed babies often have runnier, seedy stools. Read on: Your child’s poo: what’s normal and what’s not.
How often should a newborn poop?
Newborns may poop several times a day, especially if breastfed. Formula-fed babies may go less often. As long as the baby is feeding well and the stool is soft, it’s usually normal.
Is it normal for a newborn to go a day or two without pooping?
Yes, especially for breastfed babies. If your baby seems content, is feeding well, and the stool is soft when it comes, there’s usually no need to worry.
How much sleep do newborns need?
Newborns typically sleep between 14 and 17 hours in a 24-hour period, but in short stretches of 2–4 hours at a time, day and night.
How can I help my newborn distinguish night from day?
Keep daytime bright and active, and make night-time calm, quiet, and dark. Avoid overstimulation at night and stick to a soothing bedtime routine as your baby grows.
Is it safe for my baby to sleep on their side?
No. Babies should always be placed on their backs to sleep, on a firm, flat surface, to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS).
Should I wake my newborn to feed?
In the first few weeks, yes—if they haven’t fed for 3 to 4 hours, especially if they’re not yet back to birth weight. Once feeding is established, babies often wake when hungry.
What’s the safest sleep environment for my newborn?
Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers. The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a cot or Moses basket in your room for the first six months.
When should I call the doctor about newborn sleep or nappies?
Contact your healthcare provider if your baby is unusually sleepy, not feeding well, has fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected, or if you notice blood, mucus, or white chalky stools.
Disclaimer: This information is intended for general guidance only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult your midwife, GP, or healthcare provider if you have any concerns about your newborn’s health or development.
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