What to Expect in the First 48 Hours With a Newborn

(From a newborn photographer who’s seen it all – and a mum who gets it)


The first 48 hours with your newborn are unlike anything else. They’re emotional, overwhelming, magical, exhausting, and beautiful – often all at the same time.

Whether you’ve just come home from hospital or are preparing for a home birth, it’s completely normal to wonder “Is this normal?” (Spoiler – yes, probably.)

Here’s a realistic, reassuring look at what those first two days with your baby are really like.


1. Your Baby Will Sleep… A Lot (But Not Always When You Want Them To)

Newborns often sleep for long stretches in the first 24–48 hours – sometimes up to 18–20 hours a day. This is completely normal and partly due to the journey they’ve just been through. That said:

  • Sleep may come in short bursts
  • Day and night can feel very mixed up
  • Some babies cluster feed instead of sleeping

There’s no “right” pattern yet – just follow your baby’s lead.

💛 Tip: Don’t worry about routines in these first days/weeks. Rest when you can and keep expectations low.


2. Feeding Can Feel Intense (Even If It’s Going Well)

Whether you’re breastfeeding, bottle-feeding, or combination feeding, the first 48 hours are often very hands-on.

You might notice:

  • Very frequent feeds (sometimes every 1–2 hours)
  • Baby wanting comfort as much as milk
  • Lots of skin-to-skin time

This is normal and helps regulate your baby’s temperature, breathing, and blood sugar – as well as supporting milk supply if breastfeeding.

If something doesn’t feel right, ask for help early. Support makes a huge difference.


3. Nappies, Noises & “Is That Normal?” Moments

Newborns make a surprising amount of noise – grunting, snuffling, sighing, and little squeaks are all common.

In the first couple of days you’ll also see:

  • Very dark, sticky nappies (meconium)
  • Startle reflexes and jerky movements
  • Tiny hiccups and sneezes

All normal. Newborns are adjusting to the world outside the womb.


4. Your Emotions Might Be All Over the Place

Hormones shift fast after birth, and it’s common to feel:

  • Overwhelmed
  • Tearful for no clear reason
  • Completely in love one minute, exhausted the next

You haven’t done anything wrong. This is a huge life change, happening very quickly. Rest, hydration, gentle reassurance, and support matter more than productivity right now.


5. Visitors – It’s Okay to Say No

You are allowed to protect your space.

In the first few days:

  • You’re recovering
  • You’re learning your baby
  • You’re exhausted

Short visits or no visits at all are both completely valid. Anyone who truly supports you will understand.


6. This Is Why Those Early Days Matter So Much

Those first hours and days pass in a blur – curled fingers, tiny stretches, sleepy cuddles, and that brand-new newborn look that changes so quickly. This is why many parents choose to document this stage professionally. Not because everything is perfect – but because it’s real, fleeting, and deeply meaningful. As a newborn photographer in Haverhill, Suffolk, I see first-hand how quickly these early details disappear. The squish, the curl, the way they fit so perfectly in your arms – it all changes within weeks.


A Gentle Reminder

You don’t need to have it all figured out in the first 48 hours. You just need to care for your baby and yourself – everything else can wait. If you’re currently expecting and would like to chat about newborn photography in Haverhill, Suffolk, Cambridge or Essex, you’re always welcome to get in touch early. Booking ahead simply means one less thing to think about when your baby arrives.

You’re doing better than you think 💛