Essential Milestones Of Baby Sleep Every Parent Should Know

You’ve officially made it through the whirlwind first week of parenthood! It feels just like yesterday when you cradled your little one, marveling at their tiny fingers and toes. But here you are, already navigating a new and exciting chapter of your life. It’s only normal for everything to feel a little overwhelming right now. Rest assured that in this guide, we’re here to support you with insights into this crucial first week, touching on everything from your baby’s development to how to manage your own emotions during this transformative time.

Firstly, let’s acknowledge that you’re likely feeling every possible emotion after bringing your baby home. It’s a beautiful, yet tumultuous period. The so-called “baby blues” often rear their head about three days after delivery as your hormones start to shift due to milk production. You may feel tired, irritable, or even tearful while simultaneously feeling overjoyed by the new life you brought into the world. This jumble of feelings is completely normal; you’ve just given birth! Allow yourself grace in these early days. It’s okay to feel out of sorts. Remember to lean on your support system and take a moment for yourself whenever possible.

1-Week-Old Baby Development

At just one week old, your baby is still figuring out this big, new world. They’ve instinctively grasped some essential functions like breathing, feeding, sleeping, and yes, even pooping! However, your little one is still a bit of a mystery bundle – their perception, memory, and physical coordination are just starting to take shape.

“Newborns exhibit several reflexes at this stage,” suggests midwife and co-founder of The Baby Academy, Susan Hogan. For instance, when you stroke their cheek, they’ll instinctively turn in that direction – this rooting reflex is nature’s way of helping them find the breast or bottle. Then there’s the startle reflex, triggered by sudden noises or movements. It’s fascinating to see how their little bodies are already communicating their needs!

During these early days, you’ll notice that your baby wiggles their arms and legs equally. If you spot any differences—like one arm moving less than the other—don’t hesitate to mention it to your pediatrician; it may be a sign that requires a closer look. As you’re supporting their motor development, it’s okay to introduce tummy time right from birth! Laying them on their belly, even for short bursts, promotes strength, preparing them for future milestones like crawling and rolling over.

While their vision is still developing, they can see about 25 centimeters in front of them—typically where your face is when you’re holding them. “At this age, babies are drawn to high-contrast patterns and they love looking at faces,” says Susan. So, feel free to make silly faces and interact closely—your little one is soaking it all in!

1-Week-Old Baby Growth

Don’t be too alarmed if your newborn doesn’t resemble the perfectly coiffed babies you see on TV. In reality, your baby is likely wrinkly and scrunched up after spending nine months in a cozy (yet snug) liquid-filled space. That might even mean their little skull looks a bit longer than expected after making their way through the birth canal. Rest assured, these features will normalize over time.

You may also notice that their legs and arms will initially stay curled into the same positions they had in the womb. This is completely normal. If they seem a little fussy, swaddling can replicate that snuggly feeling they had in utero.

It’s also common for newborns to have some swelling in their genital area or to develop tiny white spots on their face, which are harmless. They may emerge looking a bit blue-tinted as well, a temporary condition that often resolves itself quickly. And don’t fret if your baby is coated in vernix, that white, waxy substance often seen on premature babies.

In the first few days post-birth, it’s common for newborns to lose a bit of weight – most will weigh less by the time they leave the hospital. If you’re breastfeeding, be prepared for a wait before they regain their birth weight; this typically happens around the two-week mark. Formula-fed babies, on the other hand, tend to pack on the pounds a bit sooner.

How Much Should A 1-Week-Old Baby Be Sleeping?

Ah, sleep—or the lack thereof! Newborns sleep a whopping 16 to 18 hours per day, but with one catch: it’s usually in short bursts. You’ll find your little one snoozing anywhere from two to four hours at a time, resulting in those irregular, sleep-deprived hours for you. Be prepared to rise frequently throughout the night to feed, change, or soothe your baby. Yes, it can be tiring, but it’s also an essential part of nurturing your newborn during these initial days.

How Much Should A 1-Week-Old Baby Be Eating?

Feeding your one-week-old will depend largely on whether you’re breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. Generally, breastfed babies typically require less milk than those on formula. Keep in mind that because formula-fed babies can’t regulate their intake as easily, there’s a chance they may spit up a little if they drink too much.

“Your one-week-old will be feeding about 10 to 12 times a day,” advises Susan. If you are opting for formula, expect your little one to consume approximately 1-2 ounces per feeding. It’s best to trust your instincts and your baby’s cues. They’ll guide you on their feeding needs as they grow and develop.

Overall, try to soak in each moment with your newborn, even amidst the chaos! It’s a precious time that you’ll look back on with fond memories, even if those moments feel exhausting right now.When it comes to breastfeeding your little one, it can sometimes feel like you’re navigating through a fog of uncertainty. You want to ensure that your baby is getting enough nourishment, but how can you tell? Fortunately, there are several reassuring signs that can guide you on this journey.

First, pay attention to how your breasts feel during feeding. After your baby feeds, you should notice that your breasts feel softer, indicating milk has been released. As your baby drinks, you might hear gentle swallowing sounds, which is a good sign that milk is being consumed. If your little one naturally comes off your breast, it’s usually because they’ve had their fill, and if they seem calm and content afterward, you can rest assured they likely got a good meal.

Another benchmark to look for is the changing consistency and color of your baby’s stool. In the early days, the poo goes from dark and tar-like to a yellowish hue that is much softer if your baby is getting enough to eat. Additionally, keep an eye on those diapers—if they’re wetting them every few hours, they’re likely well-hydrated and getting the nutrition they need.

Breastfeeding sessions can last anywhere from about 40 minutes, with your baby switching between breasts. Don’t stress too much about the timing; what’s most important is your baby’s ability to latch on comfortably. If they’re feeding for as long as they need on each breast, they’re likely receiving all the nutrients necessary for healthy growth.

Keep in mind that weight loss in the first week of life is quite normal. By the end of this initial week, most babies should start to regain that weight as they adjust to their new world and your milk supply stabilizes.

Now, if you’re curious about how often your one-week-old baby should be pooping, the good news is that even just one bowel movement a day is perfectly normal. Newborns can poo anywhere from once to ten times a day! As a general rule, if they’re wetting their diaper five or six times a day, they’re probably receiving enough nourishment. But if your baby seems uncomfortable or you notice a bloated belly, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider.

As for the color and texture of your baby’s poo, this will evolve during the first week of their life. Initially, you’ll see thick, dark green stool called meconium, which gradually gives way to a more yellowish hue as they begin to digest breast milk or formula. If you’re breastfeeding, the color can also be influenced by your diet, so it’s all interconnected.

Now let’s talk about a couple of health signs to watch for in your one-week-old. **Constipation** might be a concern, especially when you’re adjusting to those first diaper changes. Signs of constipation can include a loss of appetite, fussiness during bowel movements, or having fewer than three bowel movements a week. If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to reach out to your doctor for guidance.

Reflux is another common issue that might pop up. Many newborns experience spit-up, which can be completely normal. It happens as their digestive systems mature, but if there’s excessive spitting up or if your baby seems particularly uncomfortable, it’s important to get that checked out, too.

Navigating these early days of parenthood can be overwhelming, filled with so many questions—how much is enough, what’s normal, and when should you be concerned? Just remember, you’re not alone in this journey, and seeking help or reassurance from healthcare professionals is always a step in the right direction. Embrace this time, trust your instincts, and know that with time and patience, you’ll find your rhythm together with your new baby.After a feeding, it’s entirely normal for your little one to experience some hiccups. In fact, hiccups are quite common among newborns and babies up to 12 months old. Unlike adults, babies often don’t seem bothered by them and may even continue to sleep through a bout of hiccups. If you do find them a little persistent and want to help your baby, gentle burping can usually do the trick. However, if your baby seems upset by the hiccups or if they become excessively frequent, it’s worth consulting your pediatrician.

Another thing to keep in mind is skin peeling, which can start while you’re still in the hospital. This phenomenon is completely normal! Your baby’s skin has been protected by amniotic fluid, blood, and a natural substance called vernix. When the vernix is wiped away, it’s common for the outer layer of skin to begin shedding. Interestingly, the amount of peeling varies—babies born prematurely often have more vernix and, consequently, less skin peeling. So, if your baby’s skin is sloughing off, don’t panic; it’s a natural part of adjusting to life outside the womb.

You may also notice that your baby appears to be cross-eyed. This is totally normal too! Remember, your little one is still figuring out their eye muscles and can’t quite focus on objects that are farther than 25 centimeters away. Sometimes, this cross-eyed appearance is due to a skin fold on their eyelid called epicanthal folds, and these typically fade within the first year of life.

In the early days of life, your baby may be fussy as they adjust from the comforting, cocooned environment of your womb to the vastness of the outside world. Whether they’re struggling to latch during feeding or showing signs of general discomfort, it’s essential to remember that this behavior is perfectly natural. With time, they’ll find their rhythm.

Jaundice is another common occurrence you might notice. If your baby’s skin or the whites of their eyes start to take on a yellow hue in their first few days, it’s usually nothing to worry about. This condition arises from an excess of bilirubin in your baby’s bloodstream and typically resolves itself within a week or two.

Keep in mind that when your baby is sleepy, it’s not unusual for their eyes to roll back under their eyelids. This can be startling for new parents, but rest assured; it’s a normal part of their drowsiness.

You should also be aware that your baby might experience some sticky eye discharge in the early days. This is often due to their tear ducts being narrow, which can cause tears to accumulate and dry, leading to a sticky appearance. If this isn’t excessive, it’s usually just a minor issue. However, it’s crucial to clean your baby’s eyes gently using cotton wool dipped in cooled, boiled water, and be sure not to share cotton wool between eyes to minimize the risk of infection. If the discharge becomes excessive or takes on a yellow or green color, or if your baby’s eyes appear red or swollen, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider.

As a new parent, the nights can seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that your baby will eventually sleep through the night. To help them with this transition, create a nighttime environment that is quiet, dim, and minimally interactive. During the day, keep things bright and engaging. Don’t underestimate the power of natural light; getting outside during the day can really aid in regulating your baby’s sleep-wake cycle.

One common question new parents have is about the umbilical cord stump. It’s best to leave it alone; it will usually fall off on its own between five to fifteen days after birth. Initially, the stump will dry and turn black. While it can be tempting to pick at it, resist that urge! Allow it to come off naturally.

Regarding bath time, don’t stress about giving your baby a bath every day. It’s perfectly fine to bathe them just once a week. As Susan, an experienced mother, advises, “If they get sick or have a particularly messy diaper, you can opt for a sponge bath in between.” The umbilical cord stump should stay clean and dry, so avoid submerging it in water until it has fallen off completely.

Parenting a newborn can feel overwhelming, but remember: you’re not alone. You’re doing an incredible job navigating this new life together!If you’re a new parent, you might be on high alert about your little one’s hydration levels. It’s perfectly normal to be sensitive to their needs, especially when they surprise you with those sweet, innocent gurgles and coos. But remember, hydration is key! Babies can get dehydrated surprisingly quickly, particularly if they’re experiencing a fever, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice your baby isn’t feeding as well as usual or seems unusually lethargic, it’s definitely worth bringing them to a healthcare professional. Your instinct to check might just save the day, ensuring your little one gets the fluids they need to feel better.

Now, let’s talk about something that might loom over you like a dark cloud: the heel-prick test. It’s a completely normal part of life for your five-day-old baby, and even if it can feel daunting, think of it as a quick check-up for very rare conditions. Those four little drops of blood might seem scary, but they help ensure your baby is on the right track towards a healthy life. Take a deep breath; the vast majority of tests come back clear, and it’s just a small step in the overall journey of parenthood.

Speaking of journeys, the emotional rollercoaster that comes with bringing a new life into the world is both beautiful and challenging. You might find yourself experiencing what’s often called the “baby blues” in the first week after childbirth. This is incredibly common—four out of five new moms feel this way! It’s like a fog that usually lifts as your hormones settle down. But if those feelings linger and you find yourself feeling low and overwhelmed beyond a couple of weeks, this is your cue to seek help. Mental health doesn’t stop mattering when the baby arrives; in fact, it’s even more crucial. Keep in mind, postnatal depression affects one in ten women. It’s real and it’s okay—not something to carry alone. So, don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re feeling stuck. You deserve support.

Let me reassure you: you’re not expected to have everything figured out. In fact, you’re doing a wonderful job simply by being aware and wanting the best for your baby.

These insights come from an expert, Susan Hogan, a midwife and the co-founder of The Baby Academy. Susan has dedicated her career to supporting new families and empowering them throughout pregnancy, birth, and those precious early months. Her mission is to ensure you feel confident and assured in the new roles you’re embracing. So when in doubt, lean on the professionals and know you’re not in this alone. You’ve got a community of support behind you, ready to help you navigate this new chapter of life.