https://glowingmother.com/Free pregnancy and baby tools, sourced guides and clear app comparisons for pregnancy and the first year of motherhood.enhttps://glowingmother.com/guides/newborn-essentials-checklist/https://glowingmother.com/guides/newborn-essentials-checklist/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTThe 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-safe-skincare-ingredients/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTACOG 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/what-to-track-newborn/https://glowingmother.com/guides/what-to-track-newborn/Wed, 11 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTTrack 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-skincare-routine/https://glowingmother.com/guides/pregnancy-skincare-routine/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTA 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/safe-sleep-for-babies/https://glowingmother.com/guides/safe-sleep-for-babies/Tue, 10 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTThe 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/healthy-pregnancy-basics/https://glowingmother.com/guides/healthy-pregnancy-basics/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTSeven 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/how-often-should-a-newborn-feed/https://glowingmother.com/guides/how-often-should-a-newborn-feed/Mon, 09 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTAs 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/hospital-bag-checklist-guide/https://glowingmother.com/guides/hospital-bag-checklist-guide/Sun, 08 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTThe 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/sharing-night-feeds/https://glowingmother.com/guides/sharing-night-feeds/Sat, 07 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTSplit 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/formula-and-breast-milk-storage/https://glowingmother.com/guides/formula-and-breast-milk-storage/Fri, 06 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTMake 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/starting-solid-foods/https://glowingmother.com/guides/starting-solid-foods/Thu, 05 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTSolid 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.https://glowingmother.com/guides/baby-fever-when-to-get-help/https://glowingmother.com/guides/baby-fever-when-to-get-help/Wed, 04 Nov 2026 09:00:00 GMTThe 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.