You’re not alone. The newborn stage is intense, wonderful, and exhausting. Crying, wind, frequent feeds, and irregular sleep are all common in the early weeks. This quick-scan guide answers the questions new parents ask most, with calm, practical tips you can use today.
1. How often should my newborn feed—and how much?
Breastfed babies: Feed on demand. 8–12 feeds in 24 hours is common in the early weeks. Cluster feeding (frequent evening feeds) is normal. Watch cues (rooting, hand-to-mouth) instead of the clock.
Bottle-fed babies: Offer small, frequent feeds. Pace the bottle. Follow your baby’s hunger and fullness cues rather than chasing a specific mL target.
Wind tip: Pause mid-feed and at the end to burp. See our guide on how to burp a baby.
Red flags: Very few wet nappies, persistent lethargy, or poor weight gain are all causes for concern. Speak with your GP or child health nurse.
2. Is my baby constipated—or is this normal newborn poo?
Breastfed babies: Infrequent soft mustard-yellow stools can be normal. True constipation means hard, pellet-like stools and discomfort.
Formula-fed babies: Stools are usually more formed. Watch for hard pellets, straining, or obvious pain.
When to worry: White (chalky), black after the meconium period, or red (blood) in nappies are all reasons to seek medical advice.
3. How can I help a constipated newborn at home?
- Gentle tummy massage (clockwise circles with warm hands).
- “Bicycle legs” to help move wind and stools.
- A short, warm bath to relax tummy muscles.
- Extra fluids only if advised by a health professional (exclusively breastfed babies usually do not need water).
- If bottle feeding, ask your child health nurse about teat flow and formula choice.
Avoid: “Newborn laxatives” or home remedies without medical guidance.
4. Does Infants’ Friend help with constipation—and can it cause it?
Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid is not a laxative and isn’t indicated for treating constipation.
It contains ingredients traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind, bloating and mild indigestion, which may help settle an uncomfortable, windy baby.
It’s not known to cause constipation. If your baby seems worse, stop and seek advice.
Learn more about our Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid.
5. What’s the best way to relieve trapped wind or gas?
- Burp during and after feeds.
- Try different positions: over your shoulder; seated upright on your lap; tummy-down across your knees.
- Keep baby upright for 20–30 minutes after feeds.
- If bottle feeding, try paced feeding and check teat flow.
- If breastfeeding, seek help with latch and positioning.
See 10 gentle ideas to relieve trapped wind.
6. Is it colic—or normal crying?
Most babies cry more in the late afternoon or evening. Colic is prolonged, intense crying in an otherwise healthy baby. You may see knees pulled to the chest, a red face, and lots of wind. It’s common and usually peaks around 6–8 weeks.
Try soothing: the “tiger in the tree” hold, white noise, swaddling (safely), gentle rocking, contact naps, and fresh air.
Read more: Signs your baby might have colic or take our quick colic quiz.
7. My baby keeps spitting up—is that reflux?
Small “possets” are very common. Focus on comfort, growth, and hydration rather than the volume of spit-up.
Try:
- Smaller, more frequent feeds.
- Good burping technique.
- Keeping baby upright after feeds.
See a GP urgently for projectile vomiting, green/bilious vomit, blood, dehydration, or poor weight gain.
8. How much should my newborn sleep—and why do nights feel so hard?
Many newborns sleep 14–17 hours across 24 hours, but in short bursts. Day–night reversal is common at first.
Make nights calmer: Dim lights, quiet feeds, minimal stimulation are all beneficial. The “witching hour” is real! Try soothing routines, white noise, or a warm bath.
Safe sleep: Follow safe sleep guidelines. This means placing baby on their back to sleep, on a firm flat surface, with no loose bedding.
9. Do hiccups, sneezes and snuffles mean something is wrong?
Usually, no. These are common newborn reflexes. Hiccups often settle with a short break or a gentle burp. Snuffles can improve with upright holds.
Get help if breathing seems laboured, there’s a fever, or your baby is struggling to feed.
10. When should I call a doctor or child health nurse?
Trust your instincts. Seek help if you notice:
- Fewer than 6 wet nappies/day after day 5.
- Fever, persistent vomiting, or green/bilious vomit.
- Blood or persistent mucus in stools.
- Hard pellet stools with distress.
- Poor feeding, poor weight gain, very lethargic, or inconsolable crying.
For product questions, please contact us.
Final Thoughts
You’re doing a great job. Small, steady tweaks, including better burping, calmer nights, and gentle wind relief, can make a big difference. If you’d like extra support for wind and tummy discomfort, explore Infants’ Friend Colic & Wind Oral Liquid, used by Australian families since 1935 and traditionally used in Western herbal medicine to help relieve wind, bloating and mild indigestion.
AUST L 367810. Always read the label and follow the directions for use. If symptoms persist, talk to your health professional.
