Getting to know your baby – some days will be easier than others

All babies are individuals. Research tells us about averages, but your baby hasn't read the research and will respond in the moment to how they feel! You are learning together what works for your baby and your family. You and your baby are getting to know each other now, but some days and nights might feel harder than others, and that’s ok. 

Your baby might cry for no reason that you can find.

If you are concerned, talk to a health professional.  

Some days, your baby won’t settle even when you are doing the same thing you did another day which soothed them.

Sometimes asking someone else to take a turn comforting your baby might help, so you can have a break. 

Some days, your baby might be hungry and want to feed a lot.  

Your baby might like to be held.

You might find using a sling or carrier is helpful. You do need to put them down for a bit, and that’s fine too. 

Your baby may sleep less than others.

There's lots of variation in sleep patterns during the first year – so try not to compare your baby's sleep with other babies.  

What works for another baby might not work for yours.

It's good to get ideas from other people, but you and your baby will work it out together.