Newborn’s First 24 Hours: Essential Guide and Tips

The first 24 hours with a newborn are filled with excitement, awe, and an array of emotions. This time is incredibly special, but it can also feel overwhelming for new parents. There's so much to take in, from physical checks and assessments to understanding your baby's cues and behaviours. 
Being well-prepared and knowing what to expect in the first 24 hours with a newborn can help you feel more at ease. These first hours are crucial for your baby's health and well-being, and it's a time for bonding, feeding, and ensuring your little one is comfortable in their new environment. 

Key Takeaways 

Familiarize yourself with the newborn's first 24 hours of experiences, like medical checks and understanding behaviours. 
Learn the importance of skin-to-skin contact for bonding and body temperature regulation. 
Understand your baby's feeding needs, whether it's breastfeeding or formula, during their first 24 hours. 

Baby's First 24 Hours 

During the first 24 hours after your newborn's birth, your baby will begin adjusting to their new environment. This is when they start to use their senses—especially touch and hearing—and respond to your comforting presence. Skin-to-skin contact is a vital practice during this time as it helps soothe and bond with your baby. 
Breathing sounds like grunts or snuffles might worry you, but these are normal as your baby's lungs adjust to breathing air. In addition to keeping your baby warm with appropriate clothing or swaddling, pay attention to their cues and stay responsive. 

Physical Assessment of the Newborn 

In the first 24 hours of your newborn's life, medical professionals will conduct a range of physical assessments to ensure your baby is healthy. These checks are important for identifying any potential issues early on and ensuring your baby's overall well-being. 

• Gestational Age and Weight

  Your baby's gestational age and weight will be measured to evaluate their growth and development. Factors like length, weight, and head circumference are measured to ensure your newborn's health. Medical professionals will also use the Ballard Score to assess the baby's physical responsiveness and reflexes. 

• Examination of Head and Skin

  The doctor will examine your baby's head for any abnormal shapes or sizes and assess their skin for colour, texture, or any signs of jaundice. Monitoring your baby's body temperature is crucial during the first 24 hours to prevent cold stress, and maintaining a room temperature of 25 to 28°C (77 to 82.4°F) is recommended.  

• Heart and Lungs

  A thorough examination of your baby's heart and lungs will be conducted to check for any cardiopulmonary issues. Your doctor will listen to heart and breath sounds, and your baby's Apgar score will be measured to assess overall health.

• Abdomen and Genitals

  The doctor will check your baby's abdomen and genital area to ensure everything is developing normally. For boys, the doctor will check the descent of the testes, and for girls, the labial area will be examined for proper development.

Newborn Behaviors

• Sleeping and Wakefulness

  Newborns tend to sleep a lot during the first day, often for stretches of 2-3 hours, waking up primarily to feed. It's normal for your baby to sleep more during the day and stay awake at night during the first 24 hours. Swaddling and using soft fabrics can help keep your baby feeling safe and comfortable. 

• Crying and Stress Response

  Crying is the only way your baby can communicate during the newborn's first 24 hours. It's important to respond to your baby's cries and try to understand what they need, whether it's feeding a diaper change, or just comfort. By soothing your baby, you can help them feel more secure. 

• Feeding and Sucking Reflexes

  In the first 24 hours, your baby will have a strong sucking reflex. Whether you're breastfeeding or using formula, be sure to support your baby's feeding instincts. If you're breastfeeding, encourage your baby to latch on, and if you're formula feeding, ensure you're following the proper feeding guidelines for newborns. 

How Often Should a Newborn Breastfeed in the First 24 Hours? 

In the first 24 hours, newborns typically feed 8-12 times, which means every 2-3 hours. It's important to feed on demand rather than on a strict schedule during this period. Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients, and frequent feeding helps stimulate milk production and ensure your baby is getting enough to eat. 

The Importance of Skin-to-Skin Contact 

One of the most beneficial practices in the first 24 hours with a newborn is skin-to-skin contact. This close interaction between you and your baby has numerous benefits. It helps regulate your baby's temperature, promotes bonding, and encourages early breastfeeding. This time spent cuddling your newborn also has emotional benefits, helping both parents and baby feel more connected. 

First Feeding Tips for Newborns 

• Breastfeeding and Colostrum

  During the newborn's first 24 hours, your baby's stomach is tiny, so they don't need much milk initially. However, the first hour after birth is an excellent time to initiate breastfeeding. Your baby will receive colostrum, the nutrient-rich first milk produced by your breasts, which is full of immune-boosting properties.  

• Formula Feeding

  If you opt for formula feeding during the first day, make sure to follow the instructions carefully. Offer small amounts of formula every 2-3 hours and pay attention to your baby's hunger cues. Properly sterilize bottles and ensure that everything is clean before feeding your baby.