Getting to know your newborn baby

The delivery is over and you can now rest after all the hard work, and spend time discovering and getting to know your newborn baby. There's so much to discover and of course, you'll be mastering her first feeds, changing, washing and holding her, with support and advice from the nursing staff.

• 

  You and your new baby

  Take your baby in your arms and hold him as soon as possible after birth so that you can start to bond. Your baby will begin to learn about you, and how much you love him, as he hears your voice, smells and feels your skin, and is cuddled and suckled by you.
  Read the article

• 

  What your baby will look like

  Newborn babies vary greatly in how much they weigh and how long they are. Average weights for a baby are generally from 2.5 to 4.5kg (5lb 8oz to 9lb 12oz), and average lengths are from 48 to 51cm (19 to 20in).
  Read the article

• 

  What your newborn baby can do

  Your newborn baby has her own very special personality and she may surprise you with what she can do. Spend as much time as you can with her, and you'll soon get to know every little expression and sound she makes.
  Read the article

Get more on this subject…