Practical Bokmål with English translations
Norwegian for the First Weeks with a Newborn
Practise the small conversations that fill the first weeks at home: feeding, changing, settling, sharing tasks and arranging visits. Add these Bokmål words and phrases once to learn them gradually and return to them in review.
How do I ask someone to help with the baby in Norwegian?
Kan du holde babyen litt? means “Can you hold the baby for a little while?” Add what you need: Jeg trenger en pause. (“I need a break.”) For a concrete task, try Kan du skifte bleien? (“Can you change the nappy?”)
Learn these words and phrases over time
Includes all five sections below. A free account is needed.
Words and phrases
Feeding and asking for help
Name feeding items and describe what is happening, without prescribing a routine.
English
breast milk
Norwegian
morsmelk
English
infant formula
Norwegian
morsmelkerstatning
English
a feeding bottle
Norwegian
en tåteflaske
English
I need help with breastfeeding.
Norwegian
Jeg trenger hjelp med ammingen.
English
Can you bring me the bottle?
Norwegian
Kan du hente flasken til meg?
English
The baby has just eaten.
Norwegian
Babyen har nettopp spist.
Words and phrases
Sleep and settling
Describe sleep and ask another adult for support.
English
The baby is awake.
Norwegian
Babyen er våken.
English
The baby has fallen asleep.
Norwegian
Babyen har sovnet.
English
The baby woke up again.
Norwegian
Babyen våknet igjen.
English
The baby is crying.
Norwegian
Babyen gråter.
English
Can you hold the baby for a little while?
Norwegian
Kan du holde babyen litt?
English
I got very little sleep last night.
Norwegian
Jeg sov veldig lite i natt.
Words and phrases
Nappies and everyday items
Ask for what you need while changing or dressing the baby.
English
a nappy
Norwegian
en bleie
English
a changing mat
Norwegian
et stelleunderlag
English
a bodysuit
Norwegian
en body
English
We need a clean nappy.
Norwegian
Vi trenger en ren bleie.
English
Can you change the nappy?
Norwegian
Kan du skifte bleien?
English
Where are the clean clothes?
Norwegian
Hvor er de rene klærne?
Words and phrases
Visitors, greetings and boundaries
Welcome support and say when a visit does or does not suit you.
English
Congratulations on the baby!
Norwegian
Gratulerer med babyen!
English
Would you like a visit tomorrow?
Norwegian
Har dere lyst på besøk i morgen?
English
We need some peace and quiet today.
Norwegian
Vi trenger litt ro i dag.
English
Could you come another day?
Norwegian
Kan du komme en annen dag?
English
A short visit would be lovely.
Norwegian
Et kort besøk hadde vært hyggelig.
English
Please let us know before you come.
Norwegian
Gi oss gjerne beskjed før du kommer.
Usage notes
Å amme means to breastfeed; å mate is the broader verb “to feed”. Morsmelk is breast milk and morsmelkerstatning is infant formula. Å sovne means to fall asleep, while å sove means to sleep.
The examples help you describe your own situation and ask for support. They do not set feeding or sleep routines. For questions about care, use the linked Helsenorge information or ask your health professional. Continue to the helsestasjon guide when you want to explain observations during an appointment.
References for the terminology and context: Helsenorge: follow-up after birth. Helsenorge: information for parents of children aged 0–2.
Practise a conversation
Rehearse a short handover: say what the baby has just done, ask for one practical task, and explain what you need. For example, combine “The baby has just eaten” with “Can you change the nappy?” Practise a visitor reply separately, choosing words that fit your household.
You can add the whole guide for ongoing learning; Learnalist introduces its cards gradually and brings them back for review. Use these examples to rehearse today's situation whenever you need them.