# 10 Things to Remember About Newborn Babies

- Link: https://stayathomemum.com.au/family/baby/ten-things-to-remember-about-new-babies/
- Published: 2019-10-01T18:10:03+10:00
- Author: Clare Whitfield

## _The first few weeks with your newborn won’t be a walk in the park._

While some mothers seem to completely luck out and have a baby that self-settles
and is naturally happy all the time from Day One, this is not the norm. And, when
you are up at 3am walking around the kitchen table cursing your husband with your
screaming baby in your arm, you are not alone. We’ve all been there. When you feel
like you are at breaking point, take a step back and remember these ten very important
rules about new babies.

## **No two babies are the same**

Your first baby was a breeze but your second one didn’t get the memo and is much
harder. Unfortunately, just because you lucked out the first time doesn’t mean you
will the second time. Furthermore, what works for some babies will not always work
for yours. Some love [rocking](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/newborn-sleep-patterns-1-to-6-weeks/),
some love bouncing, some love the car. It’s all about trial and error.

## **What works one day may not work the next day**

To make things even more confusing and frustrating, often what works to put bub 
to sleep or get her to settle one day will not work the next time. You just need
to keep trying to settle into a [routine](https://stayathomemum.com.au/my-kids/babies/newborn-routines/)
and hopefully you will find something that works regularly for the both of you.

## **Newborn babies naturally want to suck **

You may notice that your new baby constantly wants to suck on you. They have spent
the last nine months sucking whenever they felt like it and this is a comforting
thing for them. Don’t be afraid to use a dummy to help them with their sucking reflex.**––**

## **Hungry signs and tired signs are very similar**

Babies often act hungry by chewing on their hands and sucking their fists when they
are tired. You may assume baby is hungry when really she needs a sleep. In general,
if your newborn has been up for longer than an hour at a time, then it’s time for
her to go back to sleep.

## **Babies’ digestive systems are not always perfect**

It can take newborn babies up to four months for their digestive systems to start
working properly which means they may experience lots of cramping and pains in the
tummy. There are medications to help with this but often it’s all about waiting 
it out.

## **Babies expect to be cuddled, fed and sleep whenever they wish**

After all, they’ve just spent nine months inside of you, being able to suck, to 
sleep and to be right next to you in a warm and cosy position. It is quite unrealistic
to expect a new baby to settle on his own, to eat when you want him to and to sleep
at regular intervals

## **You’re the Mum; you’re the boss**

While advice is always welcome, don’t assume you need to agree with it. If you want
to co-sleep, then do it. If you want to bottle feed, then go for it. You’re the 
boss and so you get to decide what is right for your bub.

## **It’s okay to need a break**

Don’t feel ashamed or guilty to ask for help. It’s okay to step away when you need
to. Taking some time away from your baby is a great way to relax and reflect on 
the changes in your life before you tackle the eating, sleeping, changing and crying
all over again.

## **Your baby is not trying to frustrate you **

While it may seem like your baby wakes up as soon as you close your eyes and your
baby decides she is hungry as soon as you sit down to eat dinner, she is not trying
to annoy you. It’s just one of those wonderful facts of life.

## **Babies can sense your emotions **

When you are happy and settled you can expect your baby to feel the same way. If
you are upset, anxious or frustrated, then this can impact their feelings as well.
If you do feel like you are not coping with your new baby, there may be an underlying
problem such as post natal depression which can also impact your baby’s mood. A 
happy mummy makes for a happy bubby.

![author avatar](https://i0.wp.com/stayathomemum.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2025/
12/clare_whitfield_profile.webp?quality=80&ssl=1)

 Clare Whitfield Chief Editor

 Clare Whitfield is the Editor of Stay at Home Mum and a recognised voice in practical
home management for Australian families. Based in the northern suburbs of Sydney,
she balances editorial leadership with life as a stay at home mum to two school 
age children. Her background in home economics and more than a decade of experience
in recipe development, family budgeting, and household systems inform her work.

 [See Full Bio](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/) [  ](https://stayathomemum.com.au/author/clare_whitfield/)