3-4-weeks-old baby

As you've no doubt realised by now, loss of sleep is pretty much the badge of new motherhood. Our advice: let the housework go (or ask someone else to do it!), and take a nap whenever you get the chance. Encouraging your partner to take a shift bathing, changing, cuddling and playing with your little one can give you more time to rest. Don’t be afraid to ask your mum or a close friend to help you if you are on your own or your partner is not able to be with you.

For someone so small, your baby will manage to take up a lot of your time. If you have to rely on ready-prepared foods or hastily thrown-together meals a bit more at the moment, don’t worry about it – just try to add some organic fruit and vegetable snacks wherever possible to help you stay strong and healthy.

You may worry that your body is still looking rather different than it used to, but try to remember that your erstwhile bump is still recovering from the massive (and wonderful) job it just did! It's fine to do some gentle post-natal exercises once your doctor gives you the go-ahead - but don't feel you need to hit the gym. Simply going out for a daily walk with your baby is one of the best things you can do to benefit you both.

Staying well-hydrated is important in the early weeks, especially if you’re breastfeeding, as your body needs extra fluids to support milk production. But even if you’re not, drinking enough water can help with your overall recovery, energy levels and digestion.

Try to keep a bottle or glass of water nearby throughout the day – especially during feeds, which is when many parents notice feeling thirstier. Herbal teas or milk are also good options, but it’s best to limit drinks with caffeine or added sugar.

Breastfeeding can take a little time to establish, so don’t lose heart if things don’t feel easy straight away. Issues like sore nipples or latching difficulties are very common, and often, a bit of good advice can help solve the problem. Your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding counsellor will be happy to listen and provide support.

Breastmilk gives your baby tailored nutrition and valuable antibodies. So, if you’re able to continue breastfeeding, it's worth persevering and can be a great way to support your baby’s development. But every journey is different, so be kind to yourself as you figure out what works best for you both.

Some families choose to bottle feed, whether with expressed breast milk or as part of a combination feeding routine. If you’re using bottles, it's worth thinking about what works best for your baby and your feeding goals.

You might need to try different teat flows or feeding positions to find what’s most comfortable for you and your little one. Bottle feeding is also a great opportunity to bond with your baby – holding them close and watching for their cues can help make feeds feel calm and connected.

If you haven't already done so, you'll need to register your baby’s birth. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, this must be done within 42 days of birth (in Scotland, it’s within 21 days).

You’ll need to make an appointment at your local register office – many allow you to book online, so it’s worth checking your local council’s website for details. The registration is usually done by one or both parents, and you'll need to bring some form of ID (such as a passport or driving licence), as well as your baby’s red book or hospital discharge notes if you have them.

For more details, take a look at our article on how to register a birth.