Is This Normal?
The early days with a new baby can feel confusing, overwhelming, and exhausting — especially at night. Many new mums worry that something is wrong, when in fact their baby’s behaviour is very common.
"You are not doing anything wrong."
Check urgent warning signs first
Common newborn behaviour can look worrying, but this page cannot confirm that a baby is well. Trust your instincts and get help if your baby seems different or seriously unwell.
Call 999 or go to A&E now if your baby:
- • is struggling to breathe, grunting, or sucking in under the ribs
- • has blue, grey, very pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
- • is floppy, unresponsive, unusually difficult to wake, or has a seizure
- • has a rash that does not fade when pressed
- • has green vomit or repeated forceful projectile vomiting
Call your maternity unit, GP or NHS 111 urgently if:
- • your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or higher
- • they are feeding much less than usual or refusing feeds
- • there has been no wet nappy for 8 hours
- • they are constantly crying, cannot be consoled, or the cry sounds unusual
- • you are worried, even if the sign is not listed here
Read the current NHS crying and serious-illness advice (opens in a new window) and NHS fever guidance (opens in a new window).
Feeding Very Frequently
Breastfed newborns often feed much more frequently than expected in the first weeks. The NHS advises feeding responsively whenever your baby shows feeding cues.
- Breastfeed at least 8–12 times, or more, in 24 hours
- Want several breastfeeds close together
- Show early cues such as rooting, restlessness or sucking hands
Bottle-fed babies should also be fed responsively. Their pattern and amounts differ, so follow your baby's cues and your midwife or health visitor's advice rather than using the breastfeeding frequency as a target.
Why? Newborns have small stomachs. Frequent breastfeeding helps establish milk supply and does not automatically mean that your supply is low. Wet nappies, swallowing, alertness and weight checks provide more useful information.
Feeding More at Night
It is very common for babies to feed more at night than during the day. Newborns do not yet understand day and night.
- Newborns sleep in short or long bursts
- They wake at night because they need feeding
Reassurance: This does not mean you are creating bad habits. Sleep patterns vary widely and change as babies grow. Follow safer-sleep advice for every sleep.
Wanting to be Held
Many babies struggle to settle when put down, especially at night. They are adjusting to life outside the womb where they had constant warmth and movement.
Is it spoiling them? No. It is impossible to spoil a newborn with cuddles. Responding to their need for contact makes them feel secure.
Sleep safety: If you may fall asleep, place your baby on their back in their own clear, flat sleep space. Never sleep with a baby on a sofa or chair.
Fussiness After Feeds
Squirming, crying or pulling away during or after feeds can be distressing. Possible reasons include:
- Needing a burp, nappy change, cuddle or quieter environment
- Positioning or attachment that needs adjusting
- Reflux or another feeding difficulty
Ask your midwife, health visitor or GP if this happens repeatedly, feeding seems painful, your baby refuses feeds, or you are worried.
Short Sleep Stretches
In the first weeks, sleep is unpredictable. Newborns may sleep in short or long bursts and are unlikely to sleep through the night because they need feeding.
Did you know? Babies can move, startle or make noises in lighter sleep and may settle again. Observe your baby and respond if they wake, show feeding cues, cry or seem unwell.
Soreness When Feeding
Nipple soreness can happen in the first few days. However, pain at every feed, cracks or bleeding need early support. Positioning and attachment are common causes.
Seeking help early (from a midwife, health visitor, or breastfeeding support service) can fix the latch and stop the pain. It is a sign of care, not failure.
"How do I know feeding is going well?"
These are useful feeding signs, but they do not rule out illness. Use the urgent warning signs above whenever your baby seems unwell or you are worried.
See the NHS guidance on signs your baby is getting enough milk (opens in a new window) and baby weight (opens in a new window).
When to ask for extra support
It is always okay to ask for help. You should speak to a health professional (Midwife, Health Visitor or GP) if:
- Feeding is consistently painful or difficult
- Your baby is feeding much less, refusing feeds, or having fewer wet nappies
- Your baby has not regained their birth weight by 3 weeks
- You feel consistently overwhelmed, distressed, or unable to cope
- Something does not feel right to you — trust your instincts
UK Support Numbers
Save these contacts in your phone.
If you think it’s an emergency, call 999.
Current NHS guidance
These links give more detail and are reviewed by the NHS:
A Gentle Reminder
The early weeks with a baby are intense. They are not a test of your ability, strength, or worth as a parent. Needing reassurance does not mean you are failing. Struggling does not mean you are doing it wrong. Asking for help does not mean you are weak.
You are learning — and so is your baby.
If crying feels too much, put your baby safely in their cot, step away briefly and call someone for support. Never shake a baby.