Newborn
Feeding, sleeping and getting to know each other. No set routine yet.
Development
- Social smile around 6–8 weeks
- Follows faces, turns to voices
- Lifts head briefly in tummy time
Safe sleep
- On the back, face and head uncovered
- Own safe cot in your room for 6–12 months
- Smoke-free before and after birth
Health & checks
- Child health nurse visit in the first weeks
- Immunisations from 6 weeks
- Ask about feeding or weight any time
Money & admin
- Register the birth with your state
- Enrol baby in Medicare
- Parental Leave Pay, shared between parents
Tools for this stage
SleepBaby routine trackerKeep feeds, sleep and nappy changes together.SleepSleep librarySafe sleep and settling, stage by stage.Family & schoolShared-care plannerGive everyone a clear view of who does what.Wellbeing & moneyFamily checklistsTurn the mental list into small, manageable steps.
Guides for this stage
NewbornFirst baby essentials: a practical Australian checklistPrioritise a safe sleep space, suitable clothing, feeding supplies and a safe way to travel.NewbornBaby sleep routines by age: realistic expectationsSleep needs and settling patterns change as babies develop. Keep expectations flexible.NewbornAsking for help in the newborn weeksClear requests turn a kind offer into something useful.NewbornA simpler handover in the newborn daysUseful notes without recording every second.NewbornA practical bag for a short outingPrepare a reusable list so each trip starts with fewer decisions.NewbornChoosing a safe baby cot in AustraliaLook for cots that meet Australian mandatory safety requirements. Popular online does not mean safe.