Newborn Care
What’s normal in the first weeks
Most of what newborns do is completely normal, even when it feels alarming at 3am. Here’s what to expect.
Feeding
Breast or formula, newborns feed often — roughly every 2–3 hours. Frequent feeds and cluster feeding in the evenings are normal.
Sleep & settling
Newborns sleep in short stretches around the clock and wake to feed. Always place baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface.
Jaundice & skin
Mild yellowing in the first week is common and usually settles. Spots, peeling and baby acne are normal too — but watch jaundice that spreads or lingers.
Nappies & weight gain
Expect several wet nappies a day once feeding is established. Babies often lose a little weight at first, then steadily gain — your check-ups track this.
Red flags — when to call a doctor
Trust your instincts. Ring a paediatrician or your nearest clinic without delay if your newborn shows any of these:
A fever — any temperature of 38°C or higher in a baby under 3 months.
Poor feeding — refusing feeds, very sleepy, or difficult to wake.
Breathing difficulty — fast, laboured, or grunting breaths, or bluish lips.
Persistent or deepening jaundice — yellowing that spreads or lasts beyond two weeks.
Very few wet nappies — a sign baby may not be feeding enough or is dehydrated.
If it’s an emergency, don’t wait — go straight to the nearest emergency department.
Your newborn’s first check-ups
1
First-week review
A check on weight, feeding, jaundice and the umbilical cord soon after you’re home — reassurance when you need it most.
2
Two-week check
We confirm baby is back to birth weight and gaining steadily, and answer any feeding or settling questions.
3
Six-week check
A thorough developmental and physical review — heart, hips, eyes and growth — plus a chat about how you’re both doing.
Early vaccinations
Malaysia’s immunisation schedule begins early — BCG and hepatitis B around birth, with the first main round at about 2 months. We’ll guide you step by step.
How Dr Nisa helps
Warm, unhurried care for your newborn and for you — grounded in evidence and explained plainly.
18+ years’ experience in paediatrics
Practising at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur
Calm consultations in English & Bahasa Melayu
Named Most Influential Paediatrician 2026
Dr Nisa Khalil
Consultant Paediatrician, ParkCity Medical Centre
Get our free newborn checklist
A simple, printable guide to the first weeks — feeding, sleep and the red flags worth knowing. Pop in your email and we’ll send it over.
Warm, unhurried care for your baby’s first weeks — in English or Bahasa Melayu, at ParkCity Medical Centre, Kuala Lumpur.
This page offers general educational information for parents and is not a diagnosis, medical advice, or a substitute for an in-person consultation with a qualified doctor. No medical outcome is guaranteed. Always seek personalised advice from your paediatrician, and in an emergency go straight to the nearest emergency department.