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The 3am New Mum Survival Checklist
For the moments when baby won't settle, your eyes won't open, and you can't remember which thing to try first. From Calm Mum.
Baby — the basics
- Check the nappy
- Check the last feed time and offer a small feed if it's been a while
- Wind for 1–2 minutes upright on your shoulder
- Feel the back of baby's neck — adjust by one layer if needed
- Dim the lights and lower voices
If baby still won't settle
- Hold baby upright against your chest, skin-to-skin if you can
- Slow steady movement — slower than feels natural
- Try a baby carrier if you have one
- White noise at a low, safe volume
- Step outside the front door for one minute of cool air
For you
- Put both feet on the floor. Drop your shoulders. One slow breath out.
- Drink a glass of water and eat one small thing.
- If you need a moment, place baby safely on their back in their cot and step away to breathe.
- Message one person — “It's a hard one tonight.” counts.
- Never shake a baby. If you feel close to losing control, put baby safely down and reach out to someone you trust, your GP, or NHS 111.
Seek medical advice if
- A cry that sounds very different — high-pitched, weak, or pained
- Fever, difficulty breathing, blue lips, or a non-blanching rash
- Repeated vomiting, projectile vomiting, or green/bloody vomit
- Fewer wet nappies than expected
- Baby is very floppy, very stiff, or hard to wake
- You feel something is not right
Want this kind of guidance every day?
The Calm Mum is a daily, practical guide for new mothers — baby-care, daily development, sleep, feeding, and gentle support for the harder moments.
Calm Mum is educational support, not medical advice. If you are worried about your baby's health, seek advice from a healthcare professional.