Peeling or dry skin

If your baby arrived late, the NHS notes their skin may be dry and cracked, and it suggests bathing in plain water only for at least the first month. If skin looks sore, weepy or infected, ask your health visitor or GP.

Milk spots and baby acne

Two kinds of spots, both usually harmless. Milia are tiny white or yellow spots, often on the nose, that the NHS says usually go within a few weeks without treatment. Baby acne can appear on the cheeks, forehead, chin, scalp or upper body in the first 6 weeks, doesn't need treating and usually gets better within weeks or months. A rash that doesn't fade when you press a glass against it is a 999 call.

Cradle cap

Those greasy, scaly patches on the scalp look dramatic but, according to the NHS, cradle cap is harmless, isn't itchy or painful and usually goes within a few months. Don't pick the crusts. See a GP if it spreads over the body, bleeds, leaks fluid or looks swollen.

Crossed eyes

That occasional cross-eyed look is common early on. The NHS says squints that come and go are common in babies under 3 months and not usually a cause for concern. If it's still happening after 3 months, get it checked.

The startle reflex

Arms flung wide, or a sudden jerk in their sleep. NHS Best Start in Life notes babies may startle, jerk or make sucking movements even in deep sleep. A fit (seizure) is different, and is a 999 call.

Grunting and other farmyard noises

Newborns squeak, snort and grunt. The grunting to act on is the kind that comes with every breath and looks like hard work, which the NHS lists as a sign of difficulty breathing.

The soft spot

The diamond-shaped soft patch on top of the head is where the skull bones haven't joined yet. The NHS says it's covered by a tough membrane, so don't worry about touching it. If it looks swollen or bulging, call 999.

Normal is a very wide spectrum. Your gut is part of the kit.

Every colour of poo

The first poo, meconium, is sticky and greenish-black. After a few days it turns yellow or mustard. The NHS says breastfed poo is runny, formula-fed poo is firmer, darker and smellier, and some formula can make it dark green. Not normal: pale poo can be a sign of jaundice, so tell your health visitor or GP. Blood in poo, or a definite change to very watery or hard poo, also needs a chat with your GP or health visitor.

A dip in weight

The NHS says it's normal for babies to lose some weight in the first few days, and most are back at or above their birthweight by 3 weeks. Your midwife or health visitor will support you if the loss is large or slow to recover.

When to call 111 or your GP

Call NHS 111, your GP or your health visitor if you're worried about any of your baby's symptoms or don't know what to do. The NHS fever guidance says to get urgent advice if your baby is under 3 months and has a temperature of 38°C or higher. Call 999 or go to A&E if your baby:

• is having difficulty breathing, is grunting or sucking in their tummy, or has pauses in breathing
• has blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue
• is floppy, difficult to wake or cannot be woken
• has a rash that doesn't fade when pressed, or a swollen or bulging soft spot
• is not feeding, or hasn't had a wet nappy in 12 hours
• has a weak, high-pitched or continuous cry, or is having a fit

And above all, trust your instincts. The NHS says to get immediate help if your baby is unwell and you think something is seriously wrong. Nobody will tell you off for checking.

Heading into winter? Our guide to RSV and your baby covers the season's big bug, and if the 3am googling is the real problem, try our honest baby sleep timeline.

This is general information, not medical advice. You know your baby best, so trust your instincts, and if you're worried contact NHS 111, your GP or your health visitor (or 999 in an emergency). The NHS guide Is your baby or toddler seriously ill? is worth bookmarking.