Postnatal To Do List
Practical reminders for the early days with your baby
The first few weeks with a newborn can feel exciting, emotional, exhausting and sometimes completely disorientating. Between feeding, nappy changes and very little sleep, even simple tasks can suddenly feel surprisingly difficult to remember.
This checklist isn’t here to add pressure - it’s here to gently take some of the mental load away.
Come back to it whenever you need.
Important admin
☐ Register your baby’s birth
In England and Wales, births need to be registered within 42 days. You can find more information here:
☐ Register your baby with your GP surgery
Arrange registration and be aware of routine appointments, including newborn checks and immunisations.
☐ Apply for your baby’s passport (if needed)
If you’re planning travel in the first year, it can help to apply early once you have your baby’s birth certificate.
Feeding & newborn care
☐ Feed your baby regularly
In the early days, babies feed frequently - often 8–12 times in 24 hours or more.
Keeping a note of feeds, nappies and sleep can sometimes be helpful, particularly whilst feeding is becoming established.
☐ Change nappies regularly
Sounds obvious… but sleep deprivation is real.
Wet and dirty nappies can also tell us a lot about feeding and hydration in the newborn period.
(You’ll find a separate nappy output guide in the feeding section.)
☐ Attend newborn appointments and checks
This may include:
✓ Newborn physical examination
✓ Midwife visits
✓ Health visitor contact
✓ 6–8 week GP check
Looking after you
☐ Eat regularly and drink enough fluids
Recovery and feeding (particularly breastfeeding) increase energy demands.
☐ Accept help when offered
Meals, shopping, older siblings, laundry…
Support is not something to earn - it’s something you deserve.
☐ Rest when you can
Not “sleep when the baby sleeps”… because that isn’t always realistic.
But try to prioritise moments of rest where possible.
☐ Know who to contact if you’re struggling
Whether physically or emotionally.
Your midwife, health visitor, GP or support network are there for you too.