A new baby: what happens next? Part 2

Your baby

How often should I change my baby's nappy?

Newborn babies tend to poo several times a day, so it's important to change your baby's nappy regularly to prevent nappy rash and irritation.

Make it part of your routine to change your baby before or after every feed - although this isn't necessary at night if it will disrupt her sleep - and as soon as you notice she's done a poo.

What should my baby's poo look like?

For the first few days, your baby's poo will be dark green or black and very sticky. This is called meconium, and it's made up of a mixture of amniotic fluid, bile, water and mucus that your baby has swallowed during his time in the womb.

Within a few days this should clear. If your baby is breastfed his poo should then become soft and bright mustard yellow in colour. If he is bottle fed, his poo will be bulkier and pale yellow or light brown in colour.

What should my baby wear?

Make your life easier by dressing your baby in a vest and sleepsuit. You will probably find that she needs clean clothes at least once a day, but there's no need to give her separate clothes for day and night.

When you take your baby out for the first time, make sure she is well wrapped up in cold weather and has layers that can be easily removed if it's warm outside.

- Next: More questions about your baby - bathing and sleeping

More help and advice

- Guide to breastfeeding
- Possible problems in your baby's first year
- Why is my baby crying?

By Ceri Roberts