Caring for your baby

You will receive all the necessary support from our midwifery team following the first few weeks of your baby’s life - both in hospital and in the home. They will guide you on how to feed, bath, dress and soothe your baby and are available to answer any questions or concerns you may have.

It is easy to get confused about what you really need for your baby in those early days and weeks, but here are some of the essentials you will need:

The essentials
It is easy to get confused about what you really need for your baby in those early days and weeks, but here are some of the essentials you will need:
- Disposable or cloth nappies. For non-disposable you will also need nappy pins, nappy liners, a bucket with a lid and appropriate washing solution for the nappies, as well as four pairs of plastic pants that are either tie-on or elasticated.
- For nappy changing: cotton wool, a plastic changing mat, , barrier cream to prevent nappy rash and a bag to carry everything in when you are out and about.
- For bathing: a baby bath or large clean bowl, unperfumed soap and two soft towels.
- For sleeping: a crib, carry cot or Moses’ basket, a firm mattress, sheets, and light blankets or a sleeping bag (check the manufacturer’s guidance regarding minimum weight limits for the sleeping bag). Pillows and duvets are unsuitable for babies under the age of one because of the risk of suffocation.
- For breastfeeding or bottle-feeding expressed breastmilk: nursing bras and breast pads.
- For bottle feeding: 6 bottles, sterilising equipment, a bottle brush, first infant formula milk (if formula feeding), breast pump (if bottle feeding expressed breastmilk).
- Baby clothes: six sleep suits, two cardigans, four vests, a shawl or blanket to wrap your baby in, a woollen hat, mittens, socks or bootees and a sunhat.
- Out and about: a pushchair or baby carrier and a car seat.
Minimising the risk of cot death
Sadly, we don’t know why some babies die suddenly and for no apparent reason from cot death, known as Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). But there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of it happening to your baby.

The safest place for your baby to sleep in the first six months is in a clear cot or Moses’ basket in the same room as you. This means you can hear your baby easier and respond to their needs before they start crying.
- Always put your baby down to sleep on its back.
- Place your baby in the ‘feet to foot’ position, which means that the baby’s feet are right at the end of the cot to prevent the infant from wriggling under the covers and overheating.
- Always make sure your baby’s head is exposed and uncovered. We advise that you choose blankets rather than a duvet to limit the risk of suffocation. Tuck the blanket under your baby’s arms.
- Maintain a constant temperature in the baby’s room of around 16-20 degrees C. Although it’s important to prevent a baby becoming too cold, stuffy and overheated environments can also pose a risk.
- Make sure your baby sleeps in a smoke-free room and avoid smoking around your baby Or anywhere in the house.
- You should not share a bed with your baby if you or your partner are under the influence of alcohol or any drugs (including prescribed medication), are overweight or excessively tired. Don’t fall asleep with them on a sofa or Chair.
- Stay vigilant. If your baby develops breathing problems, is overly drowsy or running a temperature then seek prompt medical advice. It could save your baby’s life.
  You can find more information about safe sleeping on these websites: www.basisonline.org.uk and www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice.