9 months. 40 weeks. A thousand little moments. And then – that day comes.
The baby is born, cries for the first time, snorts for the first time, looks into your eyes for the first time.
What happens to us after that moment? These first 24 hours — for the baby, for the mother, for the family — can be quite overwhelming. And if you know in advance what to expect – the journey seems a little more manageable.
Today I’ll walk you through – the first 24 hours of a newborn, step by step.
The first few minutes – the moment of birth
When a baby is born – a lot of things happen at once.
First breaths: Baby’s first cry — this surf is not an emotional moment, it’s a medical milestone! When baby cries – the lungs fill with air for the first time. This is the switch that brings the baby from life in the womb to life in the spring.
Early: When safe – the baby is placed on the mother’s chest. This early contact:
- Keeps the baby warm.
- Heart rate and breathing stabilize.
- The bond begins.
- Helps with breastfeeding.
Cutting the umbilical cord: Cutting the cord – partners usually want to do this! Two clips are placed on the cord and a cut is made in the middle. The baby does not feel any pain.
First hour – “Golden Hour”
The first hour after birth is called the “golden hour” – and the name is absolutely correct!
At this time, ideally:
- The baby stays with the mother as soon as possible.
- Breastfeeding for the first time.
- Baby explores his environment
- Medical checks are minimal – except in emergencies.
Research says that this first hour is crucial for bonding, breastfeeding, and the baby’s overall health.
Newborn’s vision – is the crane expected?
Many mothers are surprised when they see their baby for the first time — because he doesn’t look like the movies at all!
Normal things that may be seen:
Vernix: A thick, creamy coating — this is a protective coating on the skin in the womb. It’s good for the skin — wash the diaper rash off immediately!
Conical head: The baby’s head is slightly compressed during delivery — this is normal and will return to its normal shape within a few hours or days.
Swollen eyes: The eyes may appear slightly swollen from the pressure of delivery and eye drops (given to prevent infection).
Blue hands/feet: It takes the first few hours for circulation to fully establish — hands and feet may look a little blue. The body should be pink.
Lanugo: Some babies have perfectly fine hair — especially premature babies. It goes away on its own.
Rash or spots: Newborn rash (erythema toxicum) is very common — harmless and goes away after a while.
First 24 hours of medical tests
Some important checks of the baby are done in the hospital:
Apgar score: 1 and 5 minutes after birth – the doctor checks the baby’s health in 5 areas:
- Activity (muscle tone)
- Pulse (heart rate)
- Grimace (emergency)
- Appearance (skin color)
- Respiration (breathing)
Scored out of 10 – 7-10 is the normal range.
Weight and length: Baby’s first official weight and length measurements are taken.
Vitamin K injections: Newborns naturally produce vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting — a small injection is given.
Eye drops: Antibiotic eye drops are given to prevent infection.
Hearing test: Many people have a hearing test in the first day or two in the hospital – simple and painless.
Blood tests: Heel prick test – a few drops of blood are used to screen for a number of conditions.
What does the baby feel on the first day?
It’s so exciting to think about — baby spent 9 months in a completely different world and now suddenly it’s all new!
Temperature: The temperature in the womb was constant – spring feels cold. It’s important to swaddle and wrap your baby as soon as possible.
Light: It was dark in the womb – spring light can be overwhelming. Baby blinks or squints.
Sound: Muffled sound in the womb – spring’s voice is clearer and louder. Babies are startled by loud noises.
Touch: This sense is already developed – skin-to-skin contact feels familiar and comfortable.
Smell: Baby immediately notices mother’s scent – is familiar with the womb!
First Time Breastfeeding
Realistic Expectations When Breastfeeding:
Day 1: No breast milk comes in on the first day — colostrum comes in — a thick, yellow liquid. It’s small but enough for baby and is very nutritious — “liquid gold” they say!
Baby’s Reflexes: Newborns have a rooting reflex — they turn to face each other when their face is touched. This helps with breastfeeding.
Latch: A quick latch is a must — it’s perfectly normal to ask a lactation consultant or nurse for help. Many mothers struggle on the first day — this is what we learn!
How often: 8-12 feeds are common on the first day — frequent feedings help your baby establish a milk supply.
Baby’s sleep pattern – first days
Newborns sleep a lot — 16-18 hours — but it’s not all the time!
Babies have sleep cycles of about 2-4 hours — waking up to feed, then going back to sleep.
It’s normal for babies to:
- Doesn’t distinguish between day and night (finds it later)
- It’s been a while since I woke up.
- It almost always goes away after feeding.
Mother’s Day – Is Crane expecting?
Surf is not just for the child — it is also a very intense day for the mother:
Physically:
- Location — extreme fatigue due to hard work
- Shivering – normal, hormonal changes
- Pain – especially after a C-section
- Bleeding – Postpartum bleeding is common.
Emotionally:
- Overwhelming joy
- Sometimes anxious or overwhelmed
- “Baby blues” – mood swings in the first few days – due to hormones, normal
- Sometimes disappointment if expectations are not met – this is also normal.
If these feelings are very intense or last more than 2 weeks — you may have postpartum depression — see a doctor!
The role of the partner – the first 24 hours.
This day is equally important for the partner:
✅ Skin-to-skin contact – partner can also do it with the baby ✅ Cutting the bone – a meaningful moment ✅ Taking care of the mother — water, food, support ✅ Arranging for visitors — Mom needs rest. ✅ Holding the baby, watching the nappy change ✅ Asking questions to doctors
Quick Timeline – Baby’s First Day
| Time | What happens? |
|---|---|
| Birth | First breath, cutting the cord |
| 0-1 hour | Golden hour, as soon as possible |
| First 2 hours. | APGAR, weight, Vitamin K |
| 2-4 hours. | First feeding |
| 4-8 hours. | Baby sleeps, routine check-ups |
| 8-24 hours. | Hearing test, blood test, monitoring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does your baby cry on the first day? It varies – some babies cry a lot, some do. Crying is a baby’s way of communicating – whining, pain, or adjustment. It’s normal!
Q: Should you give your baby formula on the first day if you don’t get breast milk? Colostrum comes in on the first day – that’s enough. Formula surf for medical reasons. On the advice of a doctor. From a lactation consultant.
Q: Why is your baby’s skin so flaky? Being in amniotic fluid in the womb makes the skin a little dry and flaky – this is normal and will go away on its own
Q: When do you go home from the hospital? Usually 24-48 hours after a normal delivery. 3-4 days after a C-section. But it depends on the hospital and the circumstances.
Q: What to worry about with baby blues and postpartum depression? Baby blues – first 2 weeks, mild mood swings, normal. Postpartum depression – severe, lasting more than 2 weeks, affecting daily life – Dr. Melin.
The last thing
Baby’s first day – it’s not perfect. It’s messy, it’s overwhelming, and sometimes it’s confusing. And that’s totally okay.
No parent is perfect from day one — it’s all about learning. Your baby is learning, you’re discovering – all at the same time.
Our little 9-month-old heartbeat is the beginning of a new life. And that first day – no matter how you want it to be – is the day when everything changes. Everything. Forever. 🌸
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This article is for educational purposes only. Please discuss your specific situation with your doctor or midwife.
