# Glowing Mother > Free pregnancy and baby tools, sourced guides and clear app comparisons for pregnancy and the first year of motherhood. # Top picks ## VeriMom: Pregnancy-safe skincare checker URL: https://glowingmother.com/apps/verimom/ · https://verimom.com/ · App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/verimom/id6760563479 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.verimom.app VeriMom is a pregnancy skincare scanner and cosmetic ingredient checker for iPhone, Android and the web. Scan the label in your hand, search a catalogue of 190,000+ products or paste an ingredient list, and get a safety verdict with the flagged ingredients, the evidence behind them and what is still unknown. - Price: Free: two scans, full basic results and one routine. Premium adds unlimited use. - Platforms: iPhone, Android, web - Languages: 8 languages on the web, 30+ store languages - Best for: Anyone pregnant, trying or breastfeeding who wants a clear answer on a specific product, with the evidence shown. - Not for: Food or supplement scanning. VeriMom covers cosmetics and personal care only. - Scan a real label: Photograph the ingredient list on skincare, make-up, hair or body care and get an organised ingredient analysis. - A verdict you can read: Safety verdict, flagged ingredients, source links, formula confidence and unknowns are shown as separate things. - Pregnancy, breastfeeding and baby skin: One product, three contexts. Switch between them on the same result. - Routine and monitoring: Save what you use and get told when a formula or a rating changes. - Ask Vera: Follow-up questions with the current product, ingredient or routine attached. - Free web checker: Paste an ingredient list at verimom.com/analyze. No account needed. Q: Is VeriMom free? A: Yes. The free experience includes two label scans, complete basic results, Explore recommendations and one routine. VeriMom Premium adds unlimited scans, multiple routines, comparison, batch audits and monitoring. Prices are shown in the App Store or Google Play before you buy. Q: Where does VeriMom's data come from? A: VeriMom uses structured ingredient and product data including the EU CosIng database, ECHA hazard information, cited research and product labels. An incomplete formula is labelled as incomplete, and “no known concern” is never presented as proof of zero risk. Q: Does VeriMom replace my doctor? A: No. VeriMom gives educational information. It does not diagnose, treat or replace advice from a qualified healthcare professional. ## BabyPlanned: Baby checklist for the first year URL: https://glowingmother.com/apps/babyplanned/ · https://babyplanned.com/ · App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/babyplanned-baby-checklist/id6819814160 · Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.babyplanned.app BabyPlanned is a baby checklist and planning app for iPhone and Android. A few answers about your due date, home, climate, travel, laundry rhythm and feeding plans become a personalised plan for the baby's first year. Every item has a suggested quantity and a reason, and the same answers always give the same plan. - Price: Free to download with a free preview of your plan. The full plan is an annual or monthly subscription. - Platforms: iPhone, Android - Languages: English, Spanish, French, German, Portuguese - Best for: First-time parents who want to buy less and decide in the right order, especially in a small home or on a budget. - Not for: A US-style retail registry with completion discounts. BabyPlanned is a planner, not a shop. - Now, Covered, Later: A short list of decisions for this chapter, what you already have, and what can wait. - Quantities with reasons: How many sleepsuits, and why that number for your laundry rhythm and climate. - Rules, not guesses: The plan comes from a versioned catalogue of 160 item types and readable rules. AI only helps word explanations. - Owned, borrowed, gifted: Everything you already have counts, so there are no duplicate “buy” tasks. - Hospital bag by person: Separate lists for you, the baby and your birth partner. - Private gift lists: Share what you still need with family, from any shop. Q: Is BabyPlanned a baby registry? A: Not in the retail sense. BabyPlanned is a planner that works out what you need, how many and when. It includes private gift lists you can share with family, with links to any shop, but it does not sell products or earn commission on them. Q: How is the plan personalised? A: Your answers on home size, climate, travel, laundry rhythm and feeding plans set the timing and quantity of each item using transparent rules. The same answers always produce the same plan. Q: Is BabyPlanned free? A: It is free to download and shows a real preview of your plan. Keeping the full plan for the first year is an annual or monthly subscription, with prices shown in the store. ## BabyLifeLog: Shared baby tracker URL: https://glowingmother.com/apps/babylifelog/ · https://babylifelog.com/ BabyLifeLog is a baby tracker and shared baby-care journal for iPhone and Android. Feeds, sleep and nappies are logged in one tap and stay in sync with everyone who helps. Guidance cards for your baby's exact week quote NHS and WHO sources, and Lumi, the assistant, answers questions from your own records. One subscription covers the family and invited caregivers join free. - Price: One subscription per family: €49.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, or €7.99 a month. Up to 10 invited caregivers join free. - Platforms: iPhone, Android - Languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, Italian, Dutch - Status: In App Store and Google Play review. Launching soon. - Best for: Families where more than one person looks after the baby and nobody wants to pay per seat or be tracked by advertisers. - Not for: Sleep-schedule predictions. BabyLifeLog shows guidance and your own patterns; it does not predict nap times. - One-tap logging: Breastfeeds with a left/right timer, bottles, pumping, solids, nappies, sleep, growth, temperature and medicine. Works offline. - Everyone in sync: Partner, grandparents and nanny see the same journal in real time, and every entry shows who logged it. - Since you last checked: A handover view for the person taking over, with notes. - Guidance for the exact week: Short cards that quote the NHS, WHO or ECDC, with the link and the date it was checked. - Lumi: A morning note about yesterday and answers such as “how many nappies yesterday?”. Counts are calculated by code, not guessed. - Private by design: No ads, no tracking SDKs, data stored in the EU, export or delete any time. Q: When does BabyLifeLog launch? A: BabyLifeLog is in review with the App Store and Google Play. You can read about it and leave your email at babylifelog.com. Q: Do caregivers need their own subscription? A: No. One subscription per family covers all babies and up to 10 invited caregivers, who join free. A nanny can belong to several families with one account, each kept separate. Q: Does Lumi give medical advice? A: No. Lumi only quotes approved public-health sources and your own records, never diagnoses, and shows warning signs and your local emergency number for urgent questions. # Best apps ## Best Pregnancy-Safe Skincare Apps (2026): 8 Ingredient Checkers Compared URL: https://glowingmother.com/best/pregnancy-safe-skincare-apps/ · Facts checked: 2026-11-11 Most ingredient scanners were built to answer “is this clean?”. That is a different question from “is this OK while I am pregnant?”. We compared eight apps on the things that matter when you are standing in a shop with a bottle in your hand. The short answer: VeriMom is our pick because it gives a pregnancy-specific verdict from a label scan, shows the evidence and the gaps, and has a free web checker. MamaSkin is the closest alternative. Little Bean is the best one-off purchase. Yuka, EWG, Think Dirty and SkinSort are good general scanners, but none of them rates products for pregnancy. | App | Pregnancy rating | Free tier | Web checker | Platforms | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | VeriMom (Top pick) | Yes, plus breastfeeding and baby skin | 2 scans, basic results, 1 routine | Yes, free | iOS, Android, web | | MamaSkin | Yes, plus breastfeeding | Product search | Yes | iOS, Android, web | | Little Bean | Yes | None ($7.99 one-off) | No | iOS | | SafeMom | Yes | 7-day trial | No | iOS, Android | | Yuka | No | Scanning | No | iOS, Android | | EWG Healthy Living | No | Scores and search | Yes (Skin Deep) | iOS, web | | Think Dirty | No | Limited | No | iOS | | SkinSort | No, by policy | Limited | Yes | iOS, web | ### 1. VeriMom (Top pick) VeriMom is a pregnancy skincare scanner and cosmetic ingredient checker for iPhone, Android and the web. Scan the label in your hand, search a catalogue of 190,000+ products or paste an ingredient list, and get a safety verdict with the flagged ingredients, the evidence behind them and what is still unknown. Best for: Anyone pregnant, trying or breastfeeding who wants a clear answer on a specific product, with the evidence shown. Price: Free: two scans, full basic results and one routine. Premium adds unlimited use. ### 2. MamaSkin A pregnancy-specific product search and label scanner with separate pregnancy and breastfeeding risk bands. It lists 115,000+ products and 9,000+ brands. Platforms: iOS, Android, web. Price: Freemium. In-app purchases from $9.99; yearly access $39.99 (US App Store). - Strengths: Separate breastfeeding guidance; Web checker as well as apps; Side-by-side product comparison - Limitations: Tracker history, routine adaptation and change alerts are Pro-only; Label scans may have separate limits; Smaller catalogue than VeriMom's 190,000+ products - Best for: People who want a pregnancy-first app and mostly search by product name. - Website: https://mamaskin.app ### 3. Little Bean A pregnancy-specific scanner that reads a photographed or pasted ingredient list, covering fertility through breastfeeding. Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Mac. Price: $7.99 one-off, no in-app purchases listed. - Strengths: No subscription; Suggests alternatives for flagged ingredients; Works on any ingredient list - Limitations: Works from ingredient lists, not a product database; No web checker and no Android app that we could find; No free tier to try first - Best for: iPhone users who want to pay once and never think about it again. - Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/id1578243186 ### 4. SafeMom A pregnancy-specific barcode and photo scanner that gives Safe, Caution or Avoid per ingredient, and also covers food, supplements and over-the-counter medicines. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Subscription after a 7-day trial. US App Store lists monthly from $9.99 and yearly $69.99. - Strengths: Cites ACOG, FDA and peer-reviewed research with review dates; Barcode and photo input; Covers food and supplements too - Limitations: Paid after the trial; Small published ingredient list; No web checker - Best for: People who want one scanner for food, supplements and skincare. - Website: https://safemom.ai ### 5. Yuka A general food and cosmetics barcode scanner that scores products out of 100. It lists 6 million products, 2 million of them cosmetics. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Free scanning. Premium from €15 a year. - Strengths: Very large database; Free barcode scanning; Flags endocrine disruptors, irritants and allergens - Limitations: No pregnancy-specific rating; Search without scanning and offline mode are Premium; No web checker - Best for: Everyday shopping for the whole household, not pregnancy questions. - Website: https://yuka.io/en/ ### 6. EWG Healthy Living A scanner and search from the non-profit Environmental Working Group, giving a 1 to 10 hazard score across cosmetics, food and cleaners. Platforms: iOS, web database. Price: Free. Premium in-app purchase listed at $19.99. - Strengths: Non-profit research base; Free web database (Skin Deep); Suggests lower-hazard alternatives - Limitations: No pregnancy rating in the listing; Comparison and ingredient preferences are Premium; Hazard scores are not the same as pregnancy safety - Best for: A free second opinion on general ingredient hazards. - Website: https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ ### 7. Think Dirty A general barcode scanner for cosmetics, personal care, household and baby products. Platforms: iOS. Price: Freemium. Paid tiers from $2.99 up to a $199 lifetime option (US App Store). - Strengths: Broad product categories; Accepts user submissions for missing products; Mentions searching for pregnancy-safe cosmetics - Limitations: No dedicated pregnancy rating; Real-time scanner and curated lists are paid; Many purchase tiers to choose between - Best for: Shoppers focused on “clean beauty” generally. - Website: https://www.thinkdirtyapp.com/ ### 8. SkinSort A general ingredient scanner, routine tracker and dupe finder with a large community. Platforms: iOS, web. Price: Freemium. US App Store lists monthly from $7.99 and annual from $39.99. - Strengths: Routine conflict warnings; Avoid-ingredient filters; Dupes and comparison - Limitations: Does not tag products as pregnancy-safe, by its own policy; Full access needs Premium; You would have to build your own avoid list - Best for: Skincare enthusiasts building a routine outside pregnancy. - Website: https://skinsort.com Q: What is the best app to check if skincare is pregnancy safe? A: For a pregnancy-specific answer from a label scan, with evidence shown, we recommend VeriMom. MamaSkin is the closest alternative, and Little Bean is a good one-off purchase on iPhone. General scanners such as Yuka, EWG Healthy Living and SkinSort do not rate products for pregnancy. Q: Is Yuka accurate for pregnancy-safe skincare? A: Yuka scores general health impact out of 100 and flags endocrine disruptors, irritants and allergens. It has no pregnancy-specific rating, so a high Yuka score does not tell you whether a product contains a retinoid or another ingredient usually avoided in pregnancy. Q: Is there a free pregnancy-safe ingredient checker? A: Yes. VeriMom has a free web checker at verimom.com/analyze where you can paste an ingredient list without an account, and its app includes two free label scans. MamaSkin also offers free product search. Q: Does EWG Skin Deep show whether a product is safe during pregnancy? A: EWG gives a 1 to 10 hazard score based on its own criteria. It is a general hazard rating, not a pregnancy rating. Q: Which skincare ingredients are usually avoided in pregnancy? A: ACOG says it is generally recommended to avoid topical retinoids in pregnancy, and that oral isotretinoin, hormonal therapy and oral tetracyclines should not be used. A review in Canadian Family Physician also advises minimising hydroquinone because 35% to 45% is absorbed through the skin. See our ingredient reference for the full list and sources. Q: Are the rules the same when breastfeeding? A: Not always. Some apps, including VeriMom and MamaSkin, show breastfeeding separately from pregnancy. Ask your midwife, doctor or pharmacist about specific medicines. ## Best Baby Checklist & Registry Apps (2026): 8 Options Compared URL: https://glowingmother.com/best/baby-checklist-apps/ · Facts checked: 2026-11-11 A registry and a checklist are not the same thing. A registry is a gift list attached to shops. A checklist tells you what you need. Most apps do the first well and the second generically. We compared eight on how well they answer “what do we actually need?” The short answer: BabyPlanned is our pick for planning because it is the only one we found that adapts the list to your home, climate, laundry and feeding plans, and gives a quantity and a reason for every item. Babylist is the best universal registry. Amazon and Target are worth it for their completion discounts if you already shop there. | App | Personalised to your home | Quantity + reason per item | Business model | Gift list | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BabyPlanned (Top pick) | Yes: home, climate, travel, laundry, feeding | Yes, every item | Subscription, no ads or affiliate links | Private lists, any shop | | Babylist | Quiz-based recommendations | No | Free, own shop | Universal registry | | Amazon Baby Registry | No | Not verified | Free, retail-funded | Amazon registry | | Target Baby Registry | No | Not verified | Free, retail-funded | Target registry | | The Bump | By pregnancy week only | No | Free, ad-funded | Aggregates store registries | | MyRegistry | No checklist | No checklist | Free, contains advertising | Universal registry | | Poppylist | Via $395 concierge | Partial | Gift-giver fee, paid concierge | Universal registry | | Lucie's List | No | No | Free, affiliate-funded | Not a registry | ### 1. BabyPlanned (Top pick) BabyPlanned is a baby checklist and planning app for iPhone and Android. A few answers about your due date, home, climate, travel, laundry rhythm and feeding plans become a personalised plan for the baby's first year. Every item has a suggested quantity and a reason, and the same answers always give the same plan. Best for: First-time parents who want to buy less and decide in the right order, especially in a small home or on a budget. Price: Free to download with a free preview of your plan. The full plan is an annual or monthly subscription. ### 2. Babylist A universal baby registry that accepts items from any shop, with an interactive, printable checklist. Platforms: iOS, Android, web. Price: Free. 15% registry completion discount in the Babylist Shop. - Strengths: Add items from any store and compare prices; Checklist ticks itself off as you add items; Cash funds and favour requests - Limitations: Checklist has no per-item quantities or reasons; Discount applies only to Babylist Shop items; Welcome box needs a purchase and shipping fee, US only - Best for: US families who want one registry across many shops. - Website: https://www.babylist.com/ ### 3. Amazon Baby Registry Amazon's registry with a built-in category checklist. Platforms: Web, Amazon app. Price: Free. 15% completion discount, up to $300 in savings. - Strengths: Free one-year returns advertised; Completion discount on items sold by Amazon; Welcome box - Limitations: Welcome box requires Prime and a qualifying purchase; Discount excludes universal-registry items; Checklist is generic - Best for: Households that already buy most things on Amazon. - Website: https://www.amazon.com/baby-reg/homepage ### 4. Target Baby Registry Target's retail registry with a welcome kit and in-store shopping. Platforms: Web, Target app. Price: Free. 15% completion coupon, redeemable twice. - Strengths: Completion coupon can be used twice; Welcome kit with samples; In-store returns - Limitations: No personalised planning; We could not confirm adding items from other sites; Return window is not stated on the registry page - Best for: Families near a Target who like to see things in person. - Website: https://www.target.com/gift-registry/baby-registry ### 5. The Bump A pregnancy and baby content app with a registry feature that tracks your registries across retailers, plus editorial checklists. Platforms: iOS, Android, web. Price: Free, ad-funded. - Strengths: One place to track several store registries; Week-by-week pregnancy content; Free - Limitations: Contains advertising and shares data for third-party advertising; Registry is an aggregator, not its own list; Checklist is an article, not a plan - Best for: People who want pregnancy content and registry tracking in one free app. - Website: https://www.thebump.com/ ### 6. MyRegistry A universal gift registry that also syncs existing store registries. Platforms: iOS, web. Price: Free. No fee on cash funds from MyRegistry. - Strengths: Gifts from any store; Combines Target and Amazon registries; Barcode scanner and cash funds - Limitations: No checklist or planning guidance; App Store listing shows advertising; A general gift registry, not baby-specific - Best for: Combining registries you have already made elsewhere. - Website: https://www.myregistry.com/baby-registry.aspx ### 7. Poppylist A universal registry with curated essentials and an optional paid concierge who builds the list for you. Platforms: iOS, web. Price: Free for registrants. Gift givers pay a fee capped at $10. Concierge is $395 one-off. - Strengths: Items from any store; Deliberately short lists; Gifts can be exchanged for cash - Limitations: Gift givers pay a fee; Real personalisation costs $395; iOS only - Best for: People who would rather pay someone to choose. - Website: https://www.poppylist.com/ ### 8. Lucie's List Editorial gear guides with a registry basics guide. Not a registry or an app. Platforms: Web, newsletter. Price: Free, affiliate-funded. - Strengths: Clear affiliate disclosure and no display ads; In-depth guides per category; Popular weekly email - Limitations: No app or interactive tool; Links earn affiliate commission; No quantities and no tailoring - Best for: Reading up on which pushchair or car seat to choose. - Website: https://www.lucieslist.com/ Q: What do I actually need for a newborn? A: The essentials are a safe sleep space with a firm, flat mattress, a car seat if you travel by car, nappies, a few bodysuits and sleepsuits per size, and what you need for your feeding plan. Quantities depend on how often you wash and on your climate, which is why BabyPlanned asks before it answers. Q: How many sleepsuits and bodysuits do I need? A: As a starting point for laundry every few days, BabyPlanned's catalogue suggests 3 to 4 long-sleeve bodysuits in 0–3 months and 5 to 7 sleepsuits in 0–3 months, with fewer in newborn size because many babies outgrow it within weeks. Q: What is the difference between a registry and a checklist? A: A registry is a gift list that family can buy from, usually tied to one or more shops. A checklist tells you what you need. Many registry apps include a generic checklist, but its job is to help you add items, not to tell you what to skip. Q: When should I start my baby checklist? A: Many parents start in the second trimester. The NHS suggests having your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks before your due date. Q: Which baby registry is best: Babylist, Amazon or Target? A: Babylist is the most flexible because it accepts items from any shop. Amazon and Target each offer a 15% completion discount on their own items. Many families use a planner such as BabyPlanned to decide what they need, then a registry to share it. Q: Can I have one list with items from several shops? A: Yes. Babylist, MyRegistry and Poppylist are universal registries. BabyPlanned's private gift lists also accept a link from any shop. ## Best Baby Tracker Apps (2026): 8 Feeding, Sleep & Nappy Trackers Compared URL: https://glowingmother.com/best/baby-tracker-apps/ · Facts checked: 2026-11-11 Every baby tracker logs feeds, sleep and nappies. They differ in three places: what it costs for the whole family to use it, what the app does with your baby's data, and whether the advice inside it has a source. We compared eight. The short answer: BabyLifeLog is our pick for families who share care: one subscription covers up to 10 caregivers, there are no ads or tracking SDKs, and every guidance card names its source. It is in store review and launching soon. Until then, Huckleberry has the best free tier and the best sleep predictions, and Baby Connect is the strongest choice if you need a web version. | App | Caregiver sharing | Ads / tracking | Sourced guidance | Price | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | BabyLifeLog (Top pick) | Up to 10 caregivers free, per-entry names | None. EU storage | Yes: NHS, WHO, ECDC with links | €49.99/yr or €7.99/mo per family | | Huckleberry | Free, one shared login | Usage data used for tracking | AI chat in Premium | Free; Plus and Premium tiers | | Baby Tracker (Nighp) | Multi-device sync | Ads in free tier | No | Free with ads; Plus $49.99/yr | | Glow Baby | Not stated | Heaviest declared tracking | AI insights, sourcing unclear | Free; Premium $59.99/yr | | Baby Connect | All caregivers included | No tracking declared | No | $49.99/yr after 7-day trial | | Nara Baby | Invite caregivers | Usage data used for tracking | Yes: AAP and CDC | Free; paid from $6.99/mo | | Baby Daybook | Real-time sync | Email used for marketing | Sleep recommendations | Free; Premium $59.99/yr | | Napper | Unlimited caregivers on subscription | Identifiers used for tracking | Article series, sources not named | From $89.99/yr (US) | ### 1. BabyLifeLog (Top pick) BabyLifeLog is a baby tracker and shared baby-care journal for iPhone and Android. Feeds, sleep and nappies are logged in one tap and stay in sync with everyone who helps. Guidance cards for your baby's exact week quote NHS and WHO sources, and Lumi, the assistant, answers questions from your own records. One subscription covers the family and invited caregivers join free. Best for: Families where more than one person looks after the baby and nobody wants to pay per seat or be tracked by advertisers. Price: One subscription per family: €49.99 a year with a 7-day free trial, or €7.99 a month. Up to 10 invited caregivers join free. ### 2. Huckleberry A sleep, feed and nappy tracker best known for SweetSpot, which predicts the next nap and bedtime from two months. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Free tier. Plus and Premium are paid, from $5.74 a month billed yearly. - Strengths: Multi-caregiver sync is free; Sleep predictions; App Store Editors' Choice - Limitations: Predictions and the AI chat are paywalled; Sharing means one shared login; Apple Watch and widgets are iOS only - Best for: Parents whose main question is “when is the next nap?” - Website: https://huckleberrycare.com/ ### 3. Baby Tracker (Nighp) A straightforward feed, sleep and nappy log. One Plus subscription covers the whole sync group. Platforms: iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch. Price: Free with ads. Remove ads $4.99 one-off; Plus $5.99 a month or $49.99 a year. - Strengths: Cheap one-off ad removal; One subscription covers all caregivers; Very widely used - Limitations: Ads in the free tier; Tracking identifiers declared on its privacy label; No guidance or predictions - Best for: A simple, familiar log at low cost. - Website: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/baby-tracker-newborn-log/id779656557 ### 4. Glow Baby A baby log with a community, part of Glow's fertility and pregnancy family of apps. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Free tier. Glow Premium $59.99 a year covers four Glow apps. - Strengths: One membership covers four apps; Community and comparative insights; Lifetime option - Limitations: Declares extensive tracking and third-party advertising; No official caregiver-sharing claim; Prices differ between its site and the store - Best for: People already using Glow for fertility or pregnancy. - Website: https://glowing.com/apps ### 5. Baby Connect A detailed log aimed at families and professionals such as nannies and daycares, with a web version. Platforms: iOS, web. Price: 7-day trial, then $6.99 a month or $49.99 a year. Read-only without a subscription. - Strengths: Works in a web browser; One subscription covers all caregivers; Professional tier for up to 15 children - Limitations: No usable free tier after the trial; No predictions or guidance; Family plan is limited to 5 children - Best for: Families with a nanny or daycare who want web access. - Website: https://en.babyconnect.com/ ### 6. Nara Baby A baby, pregnancy and postpartum tracker that tracks the parent as well as the baby. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Free with in-app purchases from $6.99 a month; lifetime from $49.99. - Strengths: Guidance based on AAP and CDC; Postpartum tracking for the mother; Lifetime purchase option - Limitations: Free versus paid split is not published; Maker also sells products; No web version - Best for: Mothers who want to track their own recovery alongside the baby. - Website: https://nara.com/pages/nara-baby-tracker ### 7. Baby Daybook An all-round tracker with sleep predictions and strong cross-platform support. Platforms: iOS, Android, watches. Price: Free tier. Premium $59.99 a year; lifetime $99.99. - Strengths: One subscription across Android and iOS; Premium is shared with caregivers; Growth charts are free - Limitations: Full history, export and reminders are Premium; Unclear whether family sync is free; No web version - Best for: Mixed Android and iPhone households. - Website: https://babydaybook.app/ ### 8. Napper A sleep-first app with a personalised sleep schedule, sleep sounds and a sleep course. Platforms: iOS, Android. Price: Subscription with 7-day trial. US App Store from $14.99 a month or $89.99 a year. - Strengths: Share the subscription with unlimited caregivers; 30+ sleep sounds; App Store Editors' Choice - Limitations: Highest listed prices of the group; Web and store prices do not match; Focused on sleep above everything else - Best for: Parents who want a sleep programme more than a log. - Website: https://napper.app/ Q: Do I really need a baby tracker app? A: No one needs one, but a log helps in the first weeks when midwives and health visitors ask about feeds and nappies, and when more than one person is caring for the baby. Paper works too. Stop tracking when it stops helping. Q: Which baby tracker lets both parents and a nanny sync? A: BabyLifeLog includes up to 10 caregivers on one family subscription and shows who logged each entry. Huckleberry syncs caregivers for free through a shared login. Baby Connect and Napper include all caregivers in one subscription. Q: What is the best free baby tracker app? A: Huckleberry has the most complete free tier of the apps we checked, including multi-caregiver sync. Baby Tracker by Nighp is free with ads. Q: Are baby tracker apps safe with my baby's data? A: It varies. Check the App Store privacy label before installing. Several popular trackers declare data used to track you or third-party advertising. BabyLifeLog has no ads or tracking SDKs and stores data in the EU; Baby Connect declares no tracking. Q: What should I track for a newborn? A: Feeds, wet and dirty nappies, and sleep are the three that health professionals ask about. The NHS says babies feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the first weeks, and from day 5 a breastfed baby should have at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours. Q: Is Huckleberry worth paying for? A: If sleep timing is your main worry, its SweetSpot predictions are the reason to pay. If you mainly need a shared log, the free tier may be enough. # Tools ## Baby Sleep Calculator: How Much Sleep by Age (WHO Guidance) URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/baby-sleep-calculator/ Enter your baby's date of birth to see the total sleep in 24 hours that World Health Organization guidance describes for their age, naps included. Sleep by age AgeTotal sleep in 24 hours, including naps 0–3 months14–17 hours 4–11 months12–16 hours 1–2 years11–14 hours 3–4 years10–13 hours These figures are from the WHO guidelines for children under five. They describe good-quality sleep across the whole day and night, not a number to reach in one stretch. Babies' sleep varies a lot. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts. That is how the NHS puts it, and it is why a range is more honest than a schedule. Newborns wake to feed around the clock; the NHS says babies feed at least 8 to 12 times in 24 hours in the first weeks. Safe sleep, every sleep On their back, with feet at the foot of the cot. In their own cot or Moses basket, in your room, for at least the first 6 months. A firm, flat mattress. A clear cot: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys. Read the full guide to safe sleep for babies, or work out a corrected age if your baby was born early. Q: How much sleep does a newborn need? A: WHO guidance describes 14 to 17 hours of good-quality sleep in 24 hours, including naps, for babies aged 0 to 3 months. Q: How much sleep does a 6-month-old need? A: WHO guidance describes 12 to 16 hours of good-quality sleep in 24 hours, including naps, for babies aged 4 to 11 months. Q: How much sleep does a 1-year-old need? A: WHO guidance describes 11 to 14 hours of good-quality sleep, including naps, with regular sleep and wake-up times, for children aged 1 to 2 years. Q: My baby sleeps less than the range. Is that a problem? A: The NHS says babies' sleep varies a lot: some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts, and patterns change as they grow. If you are worried about your baby's sleep, feeding or alertness, speak to your health visitor or doctor. Q: What is the safest way for a baby to sleep? A: The NHS advises always placing your baby on their back to sleep, in the feet-to-foot position, in their own cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for at least the first 6 months, on a firm, flat mattress with the cot kept clear. Sources: - WHO: Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5 years of age: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550536 - NHS: Helping your baby to sleep: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep/ - NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/ --- ## Contraction Timer: Free Online Labour Contraction Counter URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/contraction-timer/ Press when a contraction starts and again when it ends. The timer keeps the length of each one and the gap between them, and tells you when the pattern matches the NHS advice to call. When to call your midwife or maternity unit From the NHS guidance on the signs of labour: Call for guidanceCall urgently You think you are in labour, or you are having regular contractions coming every 5 minutes or more often. Your waters break; you have vaginal bleeding; your baby is moving less than usual; you are under 37 weeks and think you are in labour; any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes; you are having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes. Your own unit may have given you different instructions, for example if this is not your first baby or you live far away. Theirs come first. You can also call if you are simply unsure or worried. How to time contractions Press the button as the tightening starts. Press again when it eases. Repeat. After three contractions you will see the average length and the average gap between starts. Have your hospital bag by the door, and hand the phone to your birth partner if timing becomes a distraction. Q: When should I go to hospital with contractions? A: The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit for guidance if you think you are in labour or you are having regular contractions coming every 5 minutes or more often. They will tell you when to come in. Q: How do you time contractions? A: Time the length from the start of one contraction to its end, and the gap from the start of one to the start of the next. This timer does both from a single button. Q: When is it urgent? A: The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit urgently if your waters break, you have vaginal bleeding, your baby is moving less than usual, you are less than 37 weeks pregnant and think you might be in labour, any contraction lasts longer than 2 minutes, or you are having 6 or more contractions every 10 minutes. Q: What are Braxton Hicks contractions? A: The NHS describes them as practice contractions: tightenings you may have had during pregnancy, particularly towards the end. Unlike labour, they do not settle into a regular pattern that gets closer together. Q: Does this timer work offline? A: Yes. Once the page has loaded it runs in your browser and keeps this session's contractions on your device, even if you lock the screen and come back. Sources: - NHS: Signs that labour has begun: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/ --- ## Corrected Age Calculator for Premature Babies (Adjusted Age) URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/corrected-age-calculator/ For babies born early. Enter the birth date and the original due date to see your baby's actual age, their corrected age and how many weeks early they arrived. How corrected age is worked out Corrected age = actual age − the time between birth and the due date. A baby born 10 weeks early who is now 26 weeks old has a corrected age of 16 weeks. That is the age to keep in mind when you read about milestones. For babies born prematurely, developmental age is calculated from the original due date, not the birth date, until they are 2 years old. That is the NHS wording, from its guidance on health and development reviews. When to use which age ForUse Development and milestonesCorrected age, until 2 years Birthdays and legal ageActual age Vaccinations, weaning, medicinesAsk your health visitor or paediatrician See also the baby sleep calculator. Q: What is corrected age? A: Corrected age, also called adjusted age, is your baby's age counted from the original due date instead of the birth date. A baby born 8 weeks early who is 20 weeks old has a corrected age of 12 weeks. Q: How long do you use corrected age? A: The NHS says that for babies born prematurely, developmental age is calculated from the original due date, not the birth date, until they are 2 years old. Q: What is corrected age used for? A: Development: when to expect smiling, rolling, sitting and so on, and how growth is plotted. Your health visitor or paediatrician will tell you which age to use for anything else, including vaccinations and starting solid foods. Q: What counts as premature? A: A baby born before 37 weeks of pregnancy. ACOG defines term as beginning at 37 weeks 0 days. Q: Is corrected age the same as adjusted age? A: Yes. The two terms mean the same thing. Sources: - NHS: Your baby's health and development reviews: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/babys-development/height-weight-and-reviews/baby-reviews/ - ACOG Committee Opinion 579: Definition of Term Pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy --- ## Due Date Calculator: Pregnancy Due Date by LMP, Conception or IVF URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/due-date-calculator/ Enter the first day of your last period, a conception date or an IVF transfer date. You get an estimated due date, how far along you are today and the dates each trimester begins. How this due date calculator works Pregnancy is dated from the first day of your last menstrual period (LMP), about two weeks before conception. The standard rule adds 280 days to that date. If your cycle is not 28 days, ovulation probably happened earlier or later, so the calculator moves the date by the difference. Starting pointWhat is added First day of last period280 days, plus or minus (cycle length − 28) Conception date266 days IVF day-5 transfer261 days IVF day-3 transfer263 days What the dates mean The trimesters here follow the common convention used by ACOG: the first trimester runs to 13 weeks 6 days, the second from 14 weeks 0 days to 27 weeks 6 days, and the third from 28 weeks 0 days. “Full term” starts at 39 weeks 0 days. A due date is the middle of a window, not a deadline. The NHS describes a normal pregnancy as lasting 37 to 42 weeks, and your midwife or doctor may adjust the date after your dating scan. If they do, use theirs. What to do next See how many weeks pregnant you are on a timeline. Read which skincare ingredients are usually avoided in pregnancy. Start the hospital bag checklist. The NHS suggests having it packed at least 3 weeks before your due date. Q: How is a due date calculated? A: The standard method adds 280 days (40 weeks) to the first day of your last menstrual period, assuming a 28-day cycle. This calculator shifts the date by the difference if your cycle is longer or shorter. From a known conception date it adds 266 days. Q: How accurate is a due date? A: It is an estimate. The NHS says pregnancy normally lasts from 37 to 42 weeks from the first day of your last period, and only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date. A first-trimester ultrasound can estimate the date more accurately, and your midwife or doctor may change it after your scan. Q: How do I calculate a due date after IVF? A: Use the transfer date. For a day-5 embryo (blastocyst) the due date is 261 days after transfer; for a day-3 embryo it is 263 days after transfer. Your clinic's date takes priority. Q: When is a baby full term? A: ACOG defines early term as 37 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days, full term as 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days, late term as 41 weeks 0 days to 41 weeks 6 days, and post-term as 42 weeks and beyond. Q: What if I do not know the date of my last period? A: The NHS advises speaking to a midwife or GP. A dating scan will estimate how many weeks pregnant you are. Sources: - ACOG Committee Opinion 700: Methods for Estimating the Due Date: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2017/05/methods-for-estimating-the-due-date - NHS: Due date calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/ - ACOG Committee Opinion 579: Definition of Term Pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy - NHS: Pack your bag for labour (1 in 20 babies arrive on their due date): https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ --- ## Hospital Bag Checklist: What to Pack for Labour (NHS List, Printable) URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/hospital-bag-checklist/ Forty items across three bags, taken from the NHS list. Tick things off as you pack. Your progress is saved on this device, and you can print the list. When to pack The NHS suggests having your bag ready at least 3 weeks before your due date. Only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day itself, and some come early. Use the pregnancy week calculator to find the date you reach 37 weeks. Three things people forget The car seat. Practise fitting it before the day. You will need it for the journey home if you travel by car. A long phone cable. Sockets on wards are rarely next to the bed. Your notes. If your maternity notes are on paper, they go in first. What you probably do not need Hospitals differ, so ask what yours provides before you buy duplicates. Two medium bags, one for labour and one for afterwards, are easier to manage than one large one. For everything after the hospital, see the newborn essentials checklist. Q: When should I pack my hospital bag? A: The NHS suggests having your hospital bag packed at least 3 weeks before your due date, so around 37 weeks, in case your baby arrives early. Q: What do I need in my hospital bag for the baby? A: The NHS list is: bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits, an outfit for going home, a hat, scratch mittens and socks or booties, a snowsuit in cold weather, nappies, cotton wool or wipes, muslin squares, a blanket or shawl, and a car seat for the trip home. Q: How many nappies should I pack? A: The NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, so a pack of newborn nappies covers a typical stay. Q: What should my birth partner pack? A: A change of clothes, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks and drinks, any medicines, spare glasses or lenses, swimwear if they may get in a birth pool, and change for the car park. Q: Is my list saved? A: Yes, ticks are saved in your browser on this device only. Nothing is uploaded. Use Print to get a paper copy. Sources: - NHS: Pack your bag for labour: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ - NHS: How to change your baby's nappy: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/ --- ## Kick Counter: Free Online Baby Movement Counter URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/kick-counter/ Tap the button each time you feel your baby move. The counter shows how many movements and how long it took. Use it the way your midwife or doctor has asked you to. How to use a kick counter Pick a time when your baby is usually active, sit or lie on your side, and tap for each movement: kicks, rolls, swishes and flutters all count. The bar fills at ten movements, a common counting target, and the timer shows how long it took. There is no set number of movements you should feel each day. Every baby is different. That line is from the NHS, which also says you do not need to count kicks every day: the important thing is to get to know your baby's usual pattern. A counter is a way of paying attention when you have been asked to, not a test with a pass mark. When to call Your baby is moving less than usual. You cannot feel your baby moving any more. The usual pattern of movements has changed. The NHS advice is to call your midwife or maternity unit immediately in any of these cases. Do not use a home doppler or phone app to reassure yourself. Q: How many kicks should I feel? A: The NHS says there is no set number of movements you should feel each day, because every baby is different. What matters is knowing your own baby's usual pattern and noticing a change from it. Q: When should I call my midwife about movements? A: Contact your midwife or maternity unit immediately if your baby is moving less than usual, you cannot feel your baby moving any more, or the usual pattern has changed. Do not wait until the next day. Q: When will I first feel my baby move? A: The NHS says you should start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. Q: What are kick counts? A: ACOG describes fetal movement counting, or kick counts, as a test you can do at home. There are different ways to do it, and your healthcare professional will tell you how often to count and when to call. Q: Do babies move less near the end of pregnancy? A: No. The NHS says you should keep feeling your baby move right up to and during labour. Sources: - NHS: Your baby's movements: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/ - ACOG: Special Tests for Monitoring Fetal Well-Being: https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/special-tests-for-monitoring-fetal-well-being --- ## Newborn Diaper Chart: How Many Wet & Dirty Nappies by Day (NHS) URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/newborn-diaper-chart/ Enter your baby's date of birth to see what the NHS says to expect in the nappy today. Nappies are one of the clearest signs that feeding is going well in the first weeks. Nappies by day AgeWet nappiesDirty nappies (breastfed baby) First 48 hoursLikely only 2 or 3Not specified Day 4Not specifiedAt least 2 soft, yellow poos a day begins Day 5 onwardsAt least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hoursAt least 2 soft, yellow poos a day for the first few weeks The numbers come from the NHS page on whether a breastfed baby is getting enough milk. The page is written for breastfed babies. If your baby is formula-fed, ask your midwife or health visitor what to expect for your baby. How many nappies to buy The NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, dropping to around 6 to 8 for older babies. At 10 a day, a newborn uses about 70 nappies a week. Babies outgrow the first size quickly, so buy one or two packs to start and see what fits. Not sure what else to buy? See the newborn essentials checklist and our comparison of baby tracker apps for counting without paper. Q: How many wet nappies should a newborn have? A: The NHS says that in the first 48 hours a baby is likely to have only 2 or 3 wet nappies. From day 5 onwards wet nappies should become more frequent, with at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours. Q: How many dirty nappies should a newborn have? A: The NHS says that from day 4 and for the first few weeks, a breastfed baby should do at least 2 soft, yellow poos every day, each about the size of a £2 coin. Q: How do I know if a disposable nappy is wet? A: The NHS suggests adding 2 to 4 tablespoons of water to an unused nappy so you know what a wet one looks and feels like. Q: How often should I change a nappy? A: The NHS says young babies may need changing as many as 10 or 12 times a day, while older babies need changing around 6 to 8 times. Change wet or dirty nappies as soon as possible to help prevent nappy rash. Q: When should I worry? A: Fewer wet or dirty nappies than expected can be a sign a baby is not getting enough milk. Speak to your midwife, health visitor or doctor the same day. If your baby seems unwell, drowsy or is not feeding, get urgent help. Sources: - NHS: Breastfeeding: is my baby getting enough milk?: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/enough-milk/ - NHS: How to change your baby's nappy: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/ - NHS: Nappy rash: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/nappy-rash/ --- ## Pregnancy Skincare Ingredient Checker: Is It Safe? (ACOG-Sourced) URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/pregnancy-skincare-ingredient-checker/ Type an ingredient to see what the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists and a published clinical review say about using it in pregnancy. For a whole product, use the VeriMom checker linked below. How to read the labels LabelWhat it means here Usually avoidedACOG says it should not be used, or that avoiding it is generally recommended, during pregnancy. MinimiseA published review recommends limiting exposure because a meaningful share is absorbed. Can be used (ACOG)On ACOG's list of over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy. Low absorptionThe review found minimal absorption into the body after use on the skin and no identified concern. It is not a guarantee of safety. Why a short list is not enough A typical moisturiser has 20 to 40 ingredients, and retinoids hide behind names such as retinyl palmitate or hydroxypinacolone retinoate. Checking one name at a time is slow and easy to get wrong. This page is a reference for the ingredients people ask about most. For the product in your hand, a label scan is faster and covers every line of the list. Read more in our guide to pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients, or see how the pregnancy skincare apps compare. Q: Is retinol safe during pregnancy? A: ACOG says the amount of a topical retinoid absorbed through the skin is low, but that it is generally recommended these medications be avoided during pregnancy. That includes retinoids in over-the-counter products, so read labels. Q: Is salicylic acid safe during pregnancy? A: Topical salicylic acid is on ACOG's list of over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy, along with benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid and glycolic acid. Q: Can I use benzoyl peroxide while pregnant? A: Yes, according to ACOG, topical benzoyl peroxide in over-the-counter products can be used during pregnancy. Q: Is hydroquinone safe in pregnancy? A: A review in Canadian Family Physician reports that 35% to 45% of hydroquinone is absorbed through the skin and recommends minimising exposure during pregnancy until more data are available. Q: How do I check a whole product, not one ingredient? A: Paste the full ingredient list into VeriMom's free web checker, or scan the label with the VeriMom app. It checks every ingredient against a catalogue of 28,000+ and shows the evidence for each flag. Q: What if an ingredient is not on this list? A: ACOG's advice is to ask your obstetrician-gynaecologist before using an over-the-counter product with an ingredient that is not on its list. A pharmacist can help too. Sources: - ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy (FAQ): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy - Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician 2011;57(6):665–667: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/ --- ## How Many Weeks Pregnant Am I? Pregnancy Week Calculator URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/pregnancy-week-calculator/ Enter your due date or the first day of your last period. You will see your exact week and day, your trimester and a timeline of the dates worth knowing. Pregnancy weeks, explained A pregnancy is counted in completed weeks plus days from the first day of your last period. “12 weeks and 3 days” is written 12+3 on UK maternity notes and 12w3d or 12 3/7 elsewhere. You are “in week 13” at that point, which is why two people can describe the same day differently. The dates on the timeline PointWhenWhy it matters Second trimester14 weeks 0 daysStart of the middle third. First movements16 to 24 weeksThe NHS says you should start to feel your baby move in this window. Third trimester28 weeks 0 daysStart of the final third. Hospital bag packed37 weeksThe NHS suggests at least 3 weeks before the due date. Early term37 weeks 0 daysLabour before this is considered preterm. Full term39 weeks 0 daysACOG's definition of full term begins. Due date40 weeks 0 daysAn estimate. About 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day. Next: use the due date calculator if you are starting from a conception or IVF date, or the weight gain calculator. Q: How many weeks pregnant am I? A: Count the days since the first day of your last period and divide by seven. If you know your due date instead, subtract 280 days from it to find the starting date. This calculator does both and shows weeks and days. Q: Why does pregnancy count from my last period and not conception? A: Because the date of a period is usually known and the date of conception usually is not. It means that at “4 weeks pregnant” conception happened about two weeks ago. Q: When does each trimester start? A: On the common convention, the second trimester starts at 14 weeks 0 days and the third at 28 weeks 0 days. Q: When will I feel my baby move? A: The NHS says you should start to feel your baby move between 16 and 24 weeks of pregnancy. If you have not felt movement by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. Q: How many months is 20 weeks pregnant? A: Twenty weeks is the halfway point of a 40-week pregnancy, a little over four and a half calendar months. Weeks are more precise than months, which is why midwives and doctors use them. Sources: - NHS: Due date calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/ - NHS: Your baby's movements: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/ - NHS: Pack your bag for labour: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ - ACOG Committee Opinion 579: Definition of Term Pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy --- ## Pregnancy Weight Gain Calculator (kg or lb) by BMI URL: https://glowingmother.com/tools/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator/ Enter your height and your weight before pregnancy. You will see your pre-pregnancy BMI and the total gain range the Institute of Medicine recommends for it. The ranges this calculator uses These are the 2009 Institute of Medicine (now the National Academy of Medicine) guidelines, which US obstetricians use. They are for the whole pregnancy. Pre-pregnancy BMIOne babyTwins Under 18.5 (underweight)28–40 lb · 12.5–18 kgNo guideline 18.5–24.9 (healthy weight)25–35 lb · 11.5–16 kg37–54 lb · 17–25 kg 25–29.9 (overweight)15–25 lb · 7–11.5 kg31–50 lb · 14–23 kg 30 and over (obesity)11–20 lb · 5–9 kg25–42 lb · 11–19 kg How to read your result The range is a starting point for a conversation with your midwife or doctor, not a pass or fail. The UK does not set formal targets; the NHS simply notes that most women gain 10 kg to 12.5 kg, mostly after week 20. BMI also says nothing about muscle, build or ethnicity, so your care team may advise something different. The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week in pregnancy, such as walking, swimming or yoga. Q: How much weight should I gain during pregnancy? A: The US Institute of Medicine ranges depend on your BMI before pregnancy: 28 to 40 lb (12.5 to 18 kg) if underweight, 25 to 35 lb (11.5 to 16 kg) at a healthy weight, 15 to 25 lb (7 to 11.5 kg) if overweight and 11 to 20 lb (5 to 9 kg) with obesity. Q: How much weight do most women gain? A: The NHS says most pregnant women gain between 10 kg and 12.5 kg (22 lb to 28 lb), putting on most of the weight after week 20. Q: How much should I gain with twins? A: The Institute of Medicine's provisional ranges for twins are 37 to 54 lb (17 to 25 kg) at a healthy pre-pregnancy weight, 31 to 50 lb (14 to 23 kg) if overweight and 25 to 42 lb (11 to 19 kg) with obesity. Q: Should I diet while pregnant? A: Do not try to lose weight during pregnancy unless your doctor or midwife has advised it. The ranges are a guide for a conversation with them, not a target to hit on your own. Q: Where does the weight go? A: Much of it is not fat. It includes the baby, the placenta, amniotic fluid, a larger womb and breasts, and extra blood and fluid. Sources: - Institute of Medicine (2009): Weight Gain During Pregnancy: Reexamining the Guidelines: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK32813/ - MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine): Managing your weight gain during pregnancy: https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000603.htm - NHS: Weight gain in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/weight-gain/ # Guides ## Newborn essentials: what you actually need, and what can wait URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/newborn-essentials-checklist/ · Updated: 2026-11-11 The short answer: The true essentials for a newborn are a safe sleep space with a firm, flat, well-fitting mattress and 3 to 4 fitted sheets, nappies (up to 10 to 12 changes a day), a small rotation of bodysuits and sleepsuits, what you need for your feeding plan, and a car seat if you travel by car. Almost everything else depends on your home and can wait. Every shop has a newborn checklist, and every shop's checklist is long. The useful question is not "what exists?" but "what do we need in the first six weeks, in our home?" Here is a list sorted that way. ## Essential for almost everyone | Item | How many | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Firm, flat, well-fitting mattress | 1 | The NHS advises a firm, flat mattress. A new one is recommended even in a borrowed cot. | | Fitted sheets | 3–4 | One on, one in the wash, one spare for the 3am change. | | Long-sleeve bodysuits, 0–3 months | 3–4 | The everyday base layer in cooler weather. | | Sleepsuits, 0–3 months | 5–7 | Day and night wear for the first weeks. | | Nappies, first size | 1–2 packs | The NHS says young babies may need 10 to 12 changes a day. Sizes are outgrown fast. | | Car seat | 1 | Needed for the journey home if you travel by car. | ## Depends on your setup - **Cot, bassinet or bedside crib.** You need one safe sleep space, not three. A bassinet suits a small bedroom and is usually outgrown by 3 to 6 months. - **Baby sleep bag (2–3).** A fitted alternative to loose bedding. Choose the tog for your room: about 2.5 tog at 16–20 °C. - **Newborn-size clothes.** A couple of each. Some babies skip the size entirely. - **Sun hat or warm hat.** Depends on the season. Babies should not wear hats to sleep indoors. - **Mattress protector, chest of drawers, play mat.** Useful, but what you already own may do. ## Nice to have, and fine to wait for Baby monitor, night light, room thermometer, blackout blind, drawer dividers, supply caddy. None of these is needed on day one, and you will know within a fortnight which ones you miss. ## The sleep space, specifically The NHS safe sleep advice shapes what you buy: - A firm, flat mattress. - A clear cot: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys. - Baby in their own cot or Moses basket, in your room, for at least the first 6 months. So skip the cot bumper set and the cot duvet, however nice they look in the photo. ## Why quantities depend on you Three to four bodysuits works if you wash every few days. Wash weekly and you need more; wash daily and you need fewer. A hot climate changes the clothing list; a fourth-floor flat with no lift changes the pushchair. A fixed list cannot know any of that. Planners such as BabyPlanned ask first, which is why it leads our [comparison of baby checklist apps](/best/baby-checklist-apps/). Next: the [hospital bag checklist](/tools/hospital-bag-checklist/). Q: How many newborn clothes do I need? A: For laundry every few days, BabyPlanned's catalogue suggests 3 to 4 long-sleeve bodysuits and 5 to 7 sleepsuits in 0–3 months, and fewer in newborn size because it is outgrown quickly. Wash more often and you need fewer. Q: Do I need a new mattress for a second-hand cot? A: Health services advise a firm, flat mattress that fits the cot snugly, and a new one is recommended even in a borrowed cot. Q: What baby items are a waste of money? A: It depends on your home. A baby monitor matters in a large house and not in a small flat. That is why a good checklist asks about your home before it tells you what to buy. Q: When should I start buying baby things? A: There is no fixed rule. A practical deadline is 37 weeks, which is when the NHS suggests having your hospital bag packed. Sources: - BabyPlanned: Newborn checklist (catalogue 2026.10): https://babyplanned.com/checklist - NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/ - NHS: How to change your baby's nappy: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/how-to-change-your-babys-nappy/ - NHS: Pack your bag for labour: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ --- ## Pregnancy-safe skincare: which ingredients to avoid and which are fine URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/ · Updated: 2026-11-11 The short answer: ACOG says it is generally recommended to avoid topical retinoids in pregnancy, and that oral isotretinoin, hormonal acne therapy and oral tetracyclines should not be used. Over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid can be used. A clinical review advises minimising hydroquinone because 35% to 45% is absorbed through the skin. Pregnancy changes skin. Acne and dark patches are both common, and they arrive at exactly the moment you start reading labels with suspicion. The good news is that the list of ingredients with a real reason to avoid them is short. ## The short list to avoid | Ingredient | Where you find it | What the source says | | --- | --- | --- | | Isotretinoin (oral) | Prescription acne capsules | ACOG: may cause severe birth defects. Do not use. | | Topical retinoids: tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene | Prescription and some pharmacy acne treatments | ACOG: absorption is low, but avoiding them is generally recommended. | | Retinol, retinaldehyde, retinyl esters | Anti-ageing serums and creams | ACOG: retinoids are in some over-the-counter products. Read labels carefully. | | Oral tetracyclines | Antibiotic tablets for acne | ACOG: can discolour the baby's teeth and affect bone growth. | | Hormonal acne therapy | Prescription tablets | ACOG: not recommended because of the risk of birth defects. | ## Worth minimising **Hydroquinone**, used for dark spots and melasma, stands out because so much of it gets through the skin: an estimated 35% to 45%. The one published study of pregnant women found no increase in adverse events, but it was small. The reviewers' conclusion is to minimise exposure until more is known. ## What you can keep using ACOG lists four over-the-counter acne ingredients that can be used during pregnancy: - Benzoyl peroxide - Azelaic acid - Topical salicylic acid - Glycolic acid For anything not on that list, ACOG's advice is simple: ask your obstetrician-gynaecologist first. The Canadian Family Physician review also looked at products people worry about and found minimal absorption into the body for **sunscreens**, **self-tanners** (about 0.5% of dihydroxyacetone is absorbed), **hair removal creams** and **hair-bleaching creams**. ## Why "natural" and "clean" do not answer the question Neither word has a legal definition, and neither tells you whether a product contains a retinoid. Retinyl palmitate, a vitamin A ester, appears in plenty of products marketed as gentle. The only reliable method is to read the ingredient list, which is where a checker helps. ## How to check a product in under a minute 1. Find the ingredient list on the box or the brand's site. 2. Search our [ingredient reference](/tools/pregnancy-skincare-ingredient-checker/) for the names you recognise. 3. For the full list, paste it into a checker built for pregnancy. We compare eight of them in [the best pregnancy-safe skincare apps](/best/pregnancy-safe-skincare-apps/). No app or article replaces your own doctor or midwife, especially for prescription treatments. Bring the product, or a photo of its label, to your next appointment. Q: Can I use retinol while pregnant? A: ACOG says absorption of topical retinoids through the skin is low, but that it is generally recommended they be avoided during pregnancy. Retinoids also appear in over-the-counter products, so read labels. Q: Is vitamin C serum safe in pregnancy? A: Neither ACOG's FAQ nor the Canadian Family Physician review lists topical vitamin C as a concern. If you are unsure about a product, ask your doctor, midwife or pharmacist. Q: Is sunscreen safe during pregnancy? A: The Canadian Family Physician review reports that sunscreens have very limited absorption through the skin and found no pregnancy concern. Q: I used retinol before I knew I was pregnant. What now? A: Stop using it and mention it at your next appointment. ACOG notes that the amount absorbed from topical retinoids is low. Your doctor or midwife can advise on your situation. Sources: - ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy (FAQ): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy - Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician 2011: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/ --- ## What to track for a newborn, and when to stop URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/what-to-track-newborn/ · Updated: 2026-11-11 The short answer: Track three things in the first weeks: feeds (the NHS says at least 8 to 12 in 24 hours), nappies (at least 6 heavy, wet nappies a day from day 5, and at least 2 soft, yellow poos a day from day 4 for a breastfed baby) and sleep. Stop when the log no longer changes what you do. In the first fortnight, someone will ask you how many wet nappies the baby had yesterday, and you will not know. That is the whole case for tracking: a tired brain is a poor record. ## The three things worth logging ### 1. Feeds The NHS says that, as a rough guide, babies feed **at least 8 to 12 times, or more, every 24 hours** during the first few weeks. Responsive feeding means feeding whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, for as long as they want, so the log is there to count, not to schedule. Note the time, the side if you are breastfeeding, and the amount if you are using a bottle. ### 2. Nappies Nappies are the best everyday sign that milk is going in. | Age | What the NHS says to expect | | --- | --- | | First 48 hours | Likely only 2 or 3 wet nappies | | From day 4 | At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day (breastfed baby) | | From day 5 | At least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours | See today's numbers for your baby with the [newborn nappy chart](/tools/newborn-diaper-chart/). ### 3. Sleep WHO guidance describes 14 to 17 hours of sleep in 24 hours for babies up to 3 months, in pieces. The NHS is clear that babies' sleep varies a lot, so log it to see your own baby's pattern, not to grade it. ## Worth adding later - **Weight and length**, on the days they are measured. - **Temperature**, when your baby is unwell. - **Medicines**, with the name and dose exactly as written on the label. - **Questions for the next appointment**, because they vanish the moment you sit down. ## When to stop Tracking is a tool for the weeks when you have no instincts yet. When the numbers stop changing what you do, stop collecting them. Some families keep a light log for handovers with a nanny or grandparents, which is a different job: see [sharing night feeds and handovers](/guides/sharing-night-feeds/). ## Choosing a tracker The apps differ less in what they log than in who can use them and what they do with your data. We compare eight in [the best baby tracker apps](/best/baby-tracker-apps/). Q: Do I need to track every feed? A: In the first weeks a record helps you answer your midwife's or health visitor's questions and notice if feeds are dropping off. Once feeding is established and your baby is gaining weight, most parents stop. Q: What should I write down for each feed? A: The time, and for breastfeeding which side and roughly how long; for bottles, the amount offered and taken. Q: Is a paper log as good as an app? A: Yes, for one person. An app earns its place when two or more people care for the baby and need to see the same record. Q: When should I worry about what I am seeing? A: Fewer wet or dirty nappies than the NHS describes, or a baby who is hard to wake for feeds, is a reason to call your midwife, health visitor or doctor the same day. Sources: - NHS: Breastfeeding: the first few days: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/ - NHS: Breastfeeding: is my baby getting enough milk?: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/enough-milk/ - NHS: Helping your baby to sleep: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep/ - WHO: Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550536 --- ## A simple pregnancy skincare routine that holds up to the evidence URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-skincare-routine/ · Updated: 2026-11-10 The short answer: A pregnancy skincare routine needs four things: a gentle cleanser, a moisturiser, a daily sunscreen and, if you have acne, one treatment from ACOG's list (benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, topical salicylic acid or glycolic acid). Swap out retinoids, and minimise hydroquinone. You do not need a new shelf of products labelled "for mums-to-be". You need to check what you already own, remove one or two things, and keep the rest. ## Step 1: Audit what you have Line up everything that touches your skin and read each ingredient list once. You are looking for: - **Retinoids**: retinol, retinal, retinyl palmitate, tretinoin, adapalene, tazarotene. ACOG says avoiding topical retinoids in pregnancy is generally recommended. - **Hydroquinone**: a clinical review recommends minimising it because 35% to 45% is absorbed. Everything else stays unless your doctor says otherwise. A [label scanner](/best/pregnancy-safe-skincare-apps/) makes this a ten-minute job. ## Step 2: Build the routine | Step | Morning | Evening | | --- | --- | --- | | Cleanse | Gentle cleanser or water | Gentle cleanser | | Treat (only if needed) | Azelaic acid | Benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid or glycolic acid | | Moisturise | Any plain moisturiser | Any plain moisturiser | | Protect | Broad-spectrum sunscreen | – | The four treatment ingredients in the table are the ones ACOG lists as over-the-counter options that can be used during pregnancy. Introduce one at a time so you know how your skin reacts. ## Step 3: Sunscreen, every day Brown patches on the face, called melasma, are one of the common skin changes of pregnancy. ACOG's advice to stop them getting worse is to wear sunscreen and a wide-brimmed hat every day you are outside, even when it is cloudy. They usually fade after birth. The review in Canadian Family Physician reports that sunscreens have very limited absorption through the skin and found no pregnancy concern, so there is no reason to skip it. ## What about everything else? - **Self-tanner**: about 0.5% of the active ingredient, dihydroxyacetone, is absorbed, according to the same review. - **Hair removal and bleaching creams**: the review found minimal absorption into the body. - **Prescription creams**: never stop or start one without asking the prescriber. ## If acne does not improve ACOG's advice is to talk to your dermatologist and your ob-gyn together. Some prescription options are compatible with pregnancy and some are not, and that decision belongs with them. For the full ingredient list with sources, see [pregnancy-safe skincare ingredients](/guides/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/). Q: What can I use instead of retinol when pregnant? A: For acne, ACOG lists azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide, topical salicylic acid and glycolic acid as over-the-counter ingredients that can be used. Q: How do I treat pregnancy acne? A: Start with one over-the-counter product containing benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, salicylic acid or glycolic acid. If that is not enough, ACOG advises talking to your dermatologist and ob-gyn together about prescription options. Q: Do I need to change my whole routine? A: Usually not. Most cleansers, moisturisers and sunscreens contain nothing on the avoid list. Check each product once and replace only what needs replacing. Sources: - ACOG: Skin Conditions During Pregnancy (FAQ): https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/skin-conditions-during-pregnancy - Bozzo P, Chua-Gocheco A, Einarson A. Safety of skin care products during pregnancy. Canadian Family Physician 2011: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3114665/ --- ## Safe sleep for babies: the checklist to share with everyone URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/safe-sleep-for-babies/ · Updated: 2026-11-10 The short answer: The NHS safe sleep rules are: always place your baby on their back, feet at the foot of the cot; in their own cot or Moses basket in your room for at least the first 6 months; on a firm, flat mattress; with the cot clear of pillows, duvets, bumpers, loose blankets and soft toys. Safe sleep advice is short, which is its strength: it fits on a fridge door, and it should, because the grandparent or babysitter doing bedtime needs it as much as you do. ## The checklist - **On their back.** Every sleep, day and night. - **Feet to foot.** Feet at the foot end of the cot. - **Their own cot or Moses basket, in your room,** for at least the first 6 months. - **A firm, flat mattress.** - **A clear cot.** No pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys. All five come from the NHS guidance on reducing the risk of sudden infant death syndrome. ## What that means when you are shopping | Looks lovely | Skip or keep? | | --- | --- | | Cot bumper set | Skip. The NHS says no bumpers. | | Cot duvet and pillow | Skip. | | Soft toys in the cot | Keep them for playtime, out of the cot. | | Firm, flat mattress that fits snugly | Keep. This is the one thing to buy new. | | Baby sleep bag | A fitted alternative to loose blankets. Choose the tog for the room temperature. | More on what to buy in the [newborn essentials checklist](/guides/newborn-essentials-checklist/). ## How much sleep to expect | Age | Sleep in 24 hours (WHO) | | --- | --- | | 0–3 months | 14–17 hours | | 4–11 months | 12–16 hours | | 1–2 years | 11–14 hours | The NHS adds that babies' sleep varies a lot. Some sleep for long periods, others in short bursts, and patterns change as they grow. Check your baby's age range with the [baby sleep calculator](/tools/baby-sleep-calculator/). ## Share it The rules only work if everyone follows them. Send this page to anyone who looks after your baby, or print it. If you use a shared tracker, check whether it shows guidance to caregivers as well: we note which do in [the best baby tracker apps](/best/baby-tracker-apps/). Q: How long should a baby sleep in the parents' room? A: The NHS advises a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as you for every sleep for at least the first 6 months. Q: Can a baby sleep with a blanket or soft toy? A: The NHS says to keep the cot clear: no pillows, duvets, cot bumpers, loose blankets or soft toys. Q: What does feet to foot mean? A: Placing your baby with their feet at the foot end of the cot, so they cannot wriggle down under the covers. Q: How much should a newborn sleep? A: WHO guidance describes 14 to 17 hours in 24 hours, including naps, for babies aged 0 to 3 months. Sources: - NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/ - NHS: Helping your baby to sleep: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/helping-your-baby-to-sleep/ - WHO: Guidelines on physical activity, sedentary behaviour and sleep for children under 5: https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/9789241550536 --- ## Pregnancy basics: seven numbers worth knowing URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/healthy-pregnancy-basics/ · Updated: 2026-11-09 The short answer: Seven numbers cover most early pregnancy questions: 280 days from your last period to your due date; no more than 200mg of caffeine a day; 150 minutes of moderate activity a week; first movements between 16 and 24 weeks; 10 to 12.5kg typical weight gain; hospital bag packed by 37 weeks; and call your midwife when contractions come every 5 minutes or more often. Pregnancy advice comes at you from every direction. Most of it reduces to a few numbers, and each of these has a public-health source behind it. ## 280 days A due date is 280 days, or 40 weeks, from the first day of your last period. The NHS describes a normal pregnancy as lasting anywhere from 37 to 42 weeks, so treat the date as the middle of a window. [Work out yours](/tools/due-date-calculator/). ## 200mg of caffeine The NHS limit is 200mg a day. Caffeine hides in tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate as well as coffee, so it adds up faster than you expect. ## 150 minutes of activity The NHS recommends 150 minutes of moderate activity a week in pregnancy, including muscle strengthening. It does not need to happen in one go: walking, swimming and yoga all count. ## 16 to 24 weeks This is when the NHS says you should start to feel your baby move. With a first baby it may be after 20 weeks. If you have felt nothing by 24 weeks, tell your midwife. Later on, a change in the usual pattern is a reason to call immediately, at any hour. ## 10 to 12.5kg Most pregnant women gain between 10kg and 12.5kg (22lb to 28lb), mostly after week 20, according to the NHS. US guidelines give a range based on your BMI before pregnancy; [see yours](/tools/pregnancy-weight-gain-calculator/). ## 37 weeks Have your hospital bag packed by now. The NHS suggests at least 3 weeks before the due date, and only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day. The [hospital bag checklist](/tools/hospital-bag-checklist/) has the full NHS list. ## 5 minutes The NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit when you are having regular contractions every 5 minutes or more often, or sooner if you are worried. A [contraction timer](/tools/contraction-timer/) does the arithmetic. ## And one that is not a number Read the label on your skincare. The short list of [ingredients to avoid in pregnancy](/guides/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/) starts with retinoids. Q: How much caffeine can I have when pregnant? A: The NHS says you should not have more than 200mg of caffeine a day. Caffeine is in coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks and chocolate. Q: How much exercise should I do in pregnancy? A: The NHS recommends aiming for 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week, including muscle strengthening exercises. Walking, swimming and yoga can all count. Q: When does a pregnancy reach full term? A: ACOG defines full term as 39 weeks 0 days to 40 weeks 6 days. Early term is 37 weeks 0 days to 38 weeks 6 days. Sources: - NHS: Due date calculator: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/due-date-calculator/ - NHS: Foods to avoid in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/foods-to-avoid/ - NHS: Exercise in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/exercise/ - NHS: Your baby's movements: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/keeping-well/your-babys-movements/ - NHS: Weight gain in pregnancy: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/related-conditions/common-symptoms/weight-gain/ - NHS: Pack your bag for labour: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ - NHS: Signs that labour has begun: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/ - ACOG Committee Opinion 579: Definition of Term Pregnancy: https://www.acog.org/clinical/clinical-guidance/committee-opinion/articles/2013/11/definition-of-term-pregnancy --- ## How often should a newborn feed? URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/how-often-should-a-newborn-feed/ · Updated: 2026-11-09 The short answer: As a rough guide, the NHS says babies feed at least 8 to 12 times, or more, every 24 hours during the first few weeks. Feed whenever your baby shows signs of hunger and for as long as they want. Nappies tell you it is working: at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours from day 5. More often than you expect, and not on a schedule. That is the honest answer, and it is also the official one. ## The number The NHS gives a rough guide of **at least 8 to 12 feeds, or more, every 24 hours** in the first few weeks. That works out at a feed every two to three hours counted from the start of one to the start of the next, including overnight. ## Responsive feeding The NHS describes responsive feeding as feeding your baby whenever they show signs of hunger, and for as long as they want. The clock tells you how many feeds have happened. Your baby tells you when the next one is. ## Is it enough? Look at the nappies You cannot see how much milk a breastfed baby takes, but you can count what comes out. | Age | Sign that feeding is going well | | --- | --- | | First 48 hours | Likely only 2 or 3 wet nappies | | From day 4 | At least 2 soft, yellow poos a day | | From day 5 | At least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours | Use the [newborn nappy chart](/tools/newborn-diaper-chart/) to see today's line for your baby. If you are seeing fewer, speak to your midwife or health visitor the same day and ask them to watch a feed. ## If you are bottle feeding - Hold your baby semi-upright for feeds. - Never leave a baby alone with a propped-up bottle. - Make up each formula feed fresh, and throw away what is left. More detail in [how to make up formula and store breast milk](/guides/formula-and-breast-milk-storage/). ## Keeping count at 3am "Which side did I feed on last?" is the most common question in a new parent's head. A hair band on the wrist works. So does a tracker with a left/right timer, which also means the other adult can see when the last feed was without waking you. See [what to track for a newborn](/guides/what-to-track-newborn/). Q: Can you overfeed a breastfed newborn? A: Responsive feeding, as the NHS describes it, means feeding whenever your baby shows signs of hunger and for as long as they want. Q: How do I know my baby is getting enough milk? A: From day 5 a breastfed baby should have at least 6 heavy, wet nappies every 24 hours, and from day 4 at least 2 soft, yellow poos a day, according to the NHS. Q: How long should I breastfeed for? A: The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then safe and adequate complementary foods while breastfeeding continues up to 2 years or beyond. Q: Do breastfed babies need vitamin D? A: The UK recommends a daily vitamin D supplement of 8.5 to 10 micrograms for breastfed babies from birth to 1 year. Babies having more than 500ml of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. Sources: - NHS: Breastfeeding: the first few days: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/the-first-few-days/ - NHS: Breastfeeding: is my baby getting enough milk?: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding-problems/enough-milk/ - WHO: Infant and young child feeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding - NHS: Vitamins for children: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/vitamins-for-children/ - NHS: Bottle feeding advice: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/advice/ --- ## When to pack your hospital bag, and how to pack it well URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/hospital-bag-checklist-guide/ · Updated: 2026-11-08 The short answer: The NHS suggests packing your hospital bag at least 3 weeks before your due date, so by about 37 weeks. Pack your notes and birth plan, clothes for labour, nightwear, maternity pads, toiletries, snacks and a phone charger for you; bodysuits, sleepsuits, a hat, nappies, muslins, a blanket and a car seat for the baby. The hospital bag is the one piece of preparation with a real deadline. The NHS suggests having it ready at least three weeks before your due date, because only about 1 in 20 babies arrive on the day and some arrive early. ## Pack two bags, not one A single huge holdall means emptying everything onto the bed to find lip balm. Split it: **The labour bag** goes in with you. - Birth plan and hospital notes - Loose, comfortable clothes for labour - Water bottle with a straw, and snacks - Lip balm, hair bands, a fan or water spray - Phone, a long charging cable, headphones - TENS machine if you are using one **The after-birth bag** can stay in the car until you are on the ward. - Nightwear, front-opening if you plan to breastfeed - 3 changes of comfortable clothes, 5 or 6 pairs of knickers - 2 or 3 comfortable bras and breast pads - 2 packets of maternity pads - Wash bag and towel - Everything for the baby ## For the baby The NHS list is short: bodysuits, vests and sleepsuits; a going-home outfit; a hat, scratch mittens and socks; nappies; cotton wool or wipes; muslin squares; a blanket or shawl; and a snowsuit if it is cold. The car seat counts too. Fit it in the car before the day. ## For your birth partner A change of clothes, toothbrush, phone and charger, snacks and drinks, any medicines they take, swimwear if a birth pool is planned, and coins or a card for the car park. ## Put it by the door, then stop thinking about it Tick everything off with the [interactive hospital bag checklist](/tools/hospital-bag-checklist/), which saves your progress. When contractions start, a [contraction timer](/tools/contraction-timer/) will tell you when they are 5 minutes apart, which is when the NHS says to call your midwife or maternity unit. Q: When should I pack my hospital bag? A: At least 3 weeks before your due date, according to the NHS. That is around 37 weeks of pregnancy. Q: How many maternity pads should I pack? A: The NHS list says 2 packets of super-absorbent sanitary or maternity pads. Q: Does my birth partner need a bag? A: Yes. The NHS suggests a change of clothes, toiletries, phone and charger, snacks and drinks, any medicines, and change for the car park. Sources: - NHS: Pack your bag for labour: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/preparing-for-the-birth/pack-your-bag-for-labour/ - NHS: Signs that labour has begun: https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/labour-and-birth/signs-of-labour/signs-that-labour-has-begun/ --- ## Sharing the nights: handovers that let both of you sleep URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/sharing-night-feeds/ · Updated: 2026-11-07 The short answer: Split the night into two shifts so each adult gets one protected block of sleep, and hand over with three facts: when the last feed was and how much or which side, when the last nappy was, and anything unusual. Make sure every caregiver knows the safe sleep rules and how to make up a bottle. Newborns feed 8 to 12 times in 24 hours, and several of those are at night. Two exhausted adults both half-awake for every one of them is the worst arrangement available. Here is a better one. ## Split the night in two Pick a changeover time. One of you is on duty before it and one after. The off-duty adult sleeps properly: another room if you have one, earplugs if you do not. | Shift | On duty | Off duty | | --- | --- | --- | | Early (for example 9pm–2am) | Feeds, changes, settles | Sleeps | | Late (2am–7am) | Feeds, changes, settles | Sleeps | If you are breastfeeding, the on-duty adult can still do everything around the feed: the nappy, the winding, the settling. Later, a bottle of expressed milk can cover one feed entirely. ## The one-line handover At the changeover, nobody wants a conversation. Three facts are enough: 1. **Last feed**: what time, which side or how much. 2. **Last nappy**: what time, wet or dirty. 3. **Anything odd**: a temperature, a missed feed, medicine given. Write it on a pad by the cot or use a shared tracker so the person coming on duty can read it without waking you. ## What every caregiver must know Whoever is on duty, including grandparents and a nanny, needs the same four rules from the NHS: - **Back to sleep**, feet at the foot of the cot, in a clear cot with a firm, flat mattress. - **Formula is made fresh** for each feed with water that is still at least 70°C, and leftovers are thrown away. - **Expressed breast milk** keeps for up to 8 days in a fridge at 4°C or lower. - **Never leave a baby alone with a propped-up bottle.** ## When the crying gets to you The NHS advice is plain: if the crying is making you stressed, put your baby in their cot or pram, make sure they are safe, and go into another room for a few minutes to calm down. Never shake a baby. Then wake the other adult. That is what the shift system is for. ## Look after the adults too Feeling low, anxious or tearful for a few days after the birth is very common and usually passes within 2 weeks. If it continues or gets worse, the NHS says it is important to get help: speak to your GP, midwife or health visitor. Shared logs make handovers easier. See which trackers include every caregiver in one subscription in [the best baby tracker apps](/best/baby-tracker-apps/). Q: How do couples split night feeds? A: The most common pattern is two shifts, for example 9pm to 2am and 2am to 7am, with the off-duty adult sleeping in another room if possible. Q: Can a partner help if I am breastfeeding? A: Yes. They can do the nappy change, bring the baby to you, settle the baby afterwards, or give a bottle of expressed milk. Q: What does a grandparent or nanny need to know? A: The safe sleep rules, how your baby is fed and how to prepare it, where everything is, and when and how to reach you. Sources: - NHS: Reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS): https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/reduce-the-risk-of-sudden-infant-death-syndrome/ - NHS: How to make up baby formula: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/making-up-baby-formula/ - NHS: Expressing and storing breast milk: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/expressing-breast-milk/ - NHS: Soothing a crying baby: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/caring-for-a-newborn/soothing-a-crying-baby/ - NHS: Postnatal depression: https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/post-natal-depression/overview/ --- ## How to make up formula and store breast milk safely URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/formula-and-breast-milk-storage/ · Updated: 2026-11-06 The short answer: Make up each formula feed fresh with boiled water that has cooled for no more than 30 minutes, so it is still at least 70°C, and throw away any left after the feed. Expressed breast milk keeps for up to 8 days in a fridge at 4°C or lower, or up to 6 months in a freezer at -18°C or lower. Bottle preparation is the task most often handed to someone else: a partner at 2am, a grandparent on a Tuesday. These are the rules they need, all from the NHS. ## Formula 1. **Boil fresh water** and let it cool in the kettle for **no more than 30 minutes**, so it is still at least 70°C. 2. **Make each feed fresh.** Follow the scoop and water amounts on the tin exactly. 3. **Cool the bottle** under cold running water and test the temperature on your wrist. 4. **Throw away anything left** at the end of the feed. The 70°C matters because formula powder is not sterile; hot water is what makes the feed safe. ## Expressed breast milk | Where | How long | | --- | --- | | Fridge, 4°C or lower | Up to 8 days | | Freezer, -18°C or lower | Up to 6 months | Label each container with the date. Use the oldest first. ## Giving the bottle - Hold your baby **semi-upright**. - **Never prop a bottle** or leave a baby alone to feed. - Let your baby set the pace and take breaks. ## Write it down once If more than one person makes bottles in your house, put these rules where the kettle is. A shared log of what was made and when stops the "is this one still good?" conversation. See [sharing the nights](/guides/sharing-night-feeds/) for a handover that takes ten seconds. Q: How hot should the water be for formula? A: At least 70°C. The NHS says to use boiled water that has cooled in the kettle for no more than 30 minutes. Q: Can I keep leftover formula for the next feed? A: No. The NHS says to throw away any formula that is left over after a feed. Q: How long does breast milk last in the fridge? A: Up to 8 days at 4°C or lower, according to the NHS. Q: How long does breast milk last in the freezer? A: Up to 6 months at -18°C or lower, according to the NHS. Sources: - NHS: How to make up baby formula: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/making-up-baby-formula/ - NHS: Expressing and storing breast milk: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/breastfeeding/expressing-breast-milk/ - NHS: Bottle feeding advice: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/breastfeeding-and-bottle-feeding/bottle-feeding/advice/ --- ## Starting solid foods: when, how and what to avoid URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/starting-solid-foods/ · Updated: 2026-11-05 The short answer: Solid foods are usually introduced at around 6 months, when your baby can stay sitting and hold their head steady, coordinate eyes, hands and mouth, and swallow food. Avoid honey before 1 year, added salt, and whole nuts before age 5. Introduce allergenic foods one at a time. Weaning has more opinions attached to it than almost anything else in the first year. The guidance underneath the opinions is short. ## When: around 6 months The NHS says solid foods are usually introduced at around 6 months. The WHO recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first 6 months, then complementary foods while breastfeeding continues. Look for all three signs together: 1. Your baby can **stay sitting and hold their head steady**. 2. They can **coordinate eyes, hands and mouth**: look at food, pick it up, put it in their mouth. 3. They **swallow food** instead of pushing it back out. ## What to avoid | Food | Rule | Why | | --- | --- | --- | | Honey | Not before 1 year | NHS guidance | | Salt | Do not add to food or cooking water | NHS guidance | | Whole nuts and peanuts | Not under 5 | Choking risk | | Cows' milk as a main drink | Not before 12 months | Fine in cooking from around 6 months | ## Allergens: one at a time When you start solids, the NHS says to introduce the foods that can trigger allergic reactions one at a time, so you can spot any reaction. Keep a note of what was new and when. ## Drinks From around 6 months, offer sips of water from an open or free-flow cup with meals. Milk feeds continue alongside. ## A simple way to keep track A line a day is enough: what was new, how it went. It gives you something precise to tell a health visitor and a record of which allergens are done. If several people feed your baby, a shared log saves "has she had egg yet?" texts. See [the best baby tracker apps](/best/baby-tracker-apps/). Q: When can babies start solid food? A: At around 6 months, according to the NHS, when they show the signs of being ready. Q: What are the signs a baby is ready for solids? A: They can stay in a sitting position and hold their head steady, coordinate their eyes, hands and mouth so they can look at food, pick it up and put it in their mouth, and swallow food instead of pushing it back out. Q: When can babies have honey? A: Not until they are over 1 year old, the NHS says. Q: When can babies drink cows' milk? A: Whole cows' milk can be given as a main drink from 12 months. Before that it can be used in cooking from around 6 months. Q: When can babies have water? A: From around 6 months you can offer sips of water from an open or free-flow cup with meals. Sources: - NHS: Your baby's first solid foods: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/babys-first-solid-foods/ - NHS: Foods to avoid giving babies and young children: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/foods-to-avoid-giving-babies-and-young-children/ - NHS: Food allergies in babies and young children: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/food-allergies-in-babies-and-young-children/ - NHS: Drinks and cups for babies and young children: https://www.nhs.uk/baby/weaning-and-feeding/drinks-and-cups-for-babies-and-young-children/ - WHO: Infant and young child feeding: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/infant-and-young-child-feeding --- ## Baby has a high temperature: when to get help URL: https://glowingmother.com/guides/baby-fever-when-to-get-help/ · Updated: 2026-11-04 The short answer: The NHS says to get medical help urgently if your baby is under 3 months old and has a temperature of 38°C or higher, or is 3 to 6 months old and has a temperature of 39°C or higher. If you are worried about a baby of any age, trust that and call. This page is deliberately short. If you are reading it with a hot baby in your arms, the numbers are in the first table. ## The thresholds | Baby's age | Get urgent medical help if temperature is | | --- | --- | | Under 3 months | 38°C or higher | | 3 to 6 months | 39°C or higher | These are the NHS thresholds for getting medical help urgently. ## Call anyway if you are worried You know your baby. If something feels wrong, that is a reason to call, whatever the thermometer says. In the UK that means 111 or your GP for urgent advice and 999 in an emergency. ## What to have ready when you call - The temperature and when you took it. - When your baby last fed and how well. - When the last wet nappy was. - Any medicine given, with the name, dose and time. A log makes this easy; memory at 4am does not. See [what to track for a newborn](/guides/what-to-track-newborn/). ## Jaundice Yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes is common in newborns and usually harmless. The NHS advice is that if your baby is over 24 hours old and you think they have jaundice, you should get an urgent GP or midwife appointment or call 111. This page is general information. It does not replace advice from a health professional who can see your baby. Q: What temperature is a fever in a baby? A: The NHS thresholds for urgent help are 38°C or higher under 3 months, and 39°C or higher at 3 to 6 months. Q: Who do I call? A: In the UK, call 111 or your GP for urgent advice and 999 in an emergency. Elsewhere, use your local urgent care line or emergency number. Q: Should I write the temperature down? A: Yes. Note the reading, the time and any medicine given, with the dose as written on the label. It is the first thing a doctor will ask. Q: Is jaundice in a newborn an emergency? A: Jaundice in babies is common and usually harmless, but if your baby is over 24 hours old and you think they have jaundice, the NHS advises an urgent GP or midwife appointment or calling 111. Sources: - NHS: High temperature (fever) in children: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/fever-in-children/ - NHS: Jaundice in babies: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/jaundice-in-babies/