Skin-to-skin contact means holding your baby naked against your skin, usually under your top or under a blanket.

When your baby is born, you will be encouraged to have skin-to-skin contact as soon as possible. See Skin-to-skin contact with your newborn for more information.

The Unicef video below on meeting your baby for the first time describes the importance of skin-to-skin contact.

Steady weight gain is one of the signs that your baby is healthy and feeding well. It's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days after birth.

Your baby will be weighed during their first 2 weeks to make sure they're regaining their birthweight. Most babies are at, or above, their birthweight by 3 weeks.

Speak to your midwife or health visitor about your baby's weight if you have any questions.

Your baby's weight and height - NHS
 

One of the best ways to protect your baby against diseases like measles, rubella, tetanus and meningitis is through immunisation.

Your baby needs their first injections at 8 weeks. Vaccinations are offered free of charge in the UK – just book your appointments with your GP.

Vaccinations and newborn screening tests - Start for Life - NHS

Remember, as well as protecting your own baby, you're also protecting other babies and children by preventing the spread of disease.

Vitamin D helps babies' bones develop properly. Babies get vitamin D through breast and bottle feeding.

Breastfed babies

From birth to 1 year, if you are breastfeeding your baby they should have a daily supplement containing 8.5 to 10 micrograms of vitamin D.

This applies whether you are partially or exclusively breastfeeding, and whether you are taking a supplement containing vitamin D yourself.

Formula-fed babies

If your baby is having 500ml (about a pint) of formula milk a day, they do not need a vitamin D supplement as formula is already fortified with vitamin D and other nutrients.

For information about applying for free vitamins, see: Healthy Start: food and vitamin support

The Baby Buddy app is a multi-award-winning parenting and pregnancy app.

Baby Buddy's self-care tools are based on the latest research and evidence and provides trusted information to:

• support and empower mums, dads, and caregivers
• build their knowledge and confidence
• help them take care of their physical and mental health during pregnancy, birth and the first year of their baby’s life

The Baby Buddy app

Support and advice about caring for your baby: 

• changing your first nappy
• bathing
• dressing your baby
• movement and playtime
• tummy time
• teething

Other resources

• Start for Life - NHS
• Baby - NHS
• Babies & Infants Under Five - YoungMinds
• Barnardo's Family Space
• Support & advice for parents - NSPCC
• BBC Tiny Happy People - Tips and Advice