Listen to Dianne Zalitis, midwife, talk to Feed Play Love with Shevonne Hunt about signs your baby is well.

Key points

• Knowing the signs that your baby is well will give you piece of mind.
• Wet and dirty nappies are always a good sign your baby is doing well.
• Most babies will have around 6 to 8 wet nappies a day.
• Dirty nappies for breastfed babies varies from after every feed to once a week.
• Formula fed babies usually have a dirty nappy everyday.
• Your baby's temperature can be from 36.5 to 38 - anything over 38 is a fever.
• Speak to your chemist about the best thermometer to use - tape thermometers or using your hand are not accurate ways to take a baby's temperature.
• If your baby's temperature is over 38 you can call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 or healthdirect on 1800 022 222 at any time to speak to a registered nurse (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria).
• If you baby is doing what they usually do — playing, and feeding, sleeping and nappies as usual — it's a good sign they are well.
• The fontanelle on the top of your baby's head should be firm to the touch — if it is sunken, or bulgling/swollen, it's a sign of illness.
• Rashes are common with babies, but any rash that is red/purple and doesn't fade when you press on it could be a sign of meningitis and requires immediate medical attention.
• Babies usually feed 6 to 8 times a day. Their routine will change over time.

Where can I read more?

• A day in the life of a newborn
• Feeding your baby
• Baby poos and wees
• Health checks for babies
• Your baby’s growth and development
• About the fontanelle
• Common childhood rashes

Who can I call for support?

• Speak to your doctor, midwife or obstetrician
• Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby on 1800 882 436 to speak to a maternal child health nurse

Feed Play Love

Feed Play Love with Shevonne Hunt in an Australian parenting podcast that brings together expert advice and real-life stories from parents. Feed Play Love presents short, helpful segments focusing on supporting parents and providing useful information and advice.

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