During the first week, your baby is recovering from birth and adjusting to the outside world. Most babies lose 5-10% of their birth weight, which is completely normal. They’ll typically regain this weight by the two-week mark.

Your baby’s umbilical cord stump requires special care during this time. Keep it clean and dry, and give sponge baths until it falls off (usually within 1-2 weeks).

Many babies experience their first growth spurt around 7-10 days. You might notice your baby wanting to feed more frequently, sometimes every 1-2 hours. This is normal and helps stimulate milk production if you’re breastfeeding.

Your baby may also have more wakeful periods and begin to focus briefly on faces, particularly yours. They’re drawn to high-contrast patterns and can see objects about 8-12 inches from their face.

By week three, your baby is becoming more alert and may stay awake for longer periods. They’re beginning to develop more control over their movements, though most actions are still reflexive.

You might notice your baby responding more to your voice and possibly making early attempts at communication through cooing or gurgling sounds. Some babies may show early social smiles, though true social smiling typically develops around 6-8 weeks.

By the end of the first month, your baby has made remarkable progress. During tummy time, they may be able to briefly lift their head. Their neck muscles are getting stronger, allowing them to have better head control when held upright.

Visual tracking improves, and your baby may follow moving objects with their eyes. They’re also likely to turn their head toward familiar sounds, especially your voice. By now, most babies have surpassed their birth weight and are gaining about 5-7 ounces per week.

Following safe sleep guidelines is crucial for reducing the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and other sleep-related infant deaths:

• Back to sleep: Always place your baby on their back for every sleep period
• Firm surface: Use a firm, flat sleep surface covered by a fitted sheet
• Empty crib: No pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys in the sleep area
• Room sharing: Keep baby in your room (but not in your bed) for at least the first 6 months
• Temperature: Dress baby in no more than one layer more than you would wear

Breastfeeding Basics

• Frequency: 8-12 times per 24 hours
• Duration: 10-30 minutes per feeding
• Signs of good feeding: 6-8 wet diapers daily, regular weight gain, content after feeding
• Positioning: Ensure proper latch with baby’s mouth covering areola, not just nipple

Breastfed babies often cluster feed (feed very frequently over a few hours) during growth spurts. This is normal and helps increase your milk supply.

Formula Feeding Guidelines

• Amount: 1.5-3 oz per feeding
• Frequency: Every 2-3 hours, 8-10 feedings per day
• Preparation: Always follow manufacturer’s instructions exactly
• Storage: Prepared formula can be refrigerated for 24 hours

Formula-fed babies typically eat less frequently than breastfed babies because formula takes longer to digest. By the end of the first month, they may take 3-4 ounces per feeding.

Burping helps release air bubbles that can cause discomfort. Try these positions:

1. Over the shoulder: Hold baby upright with their head on your shoulder, supporting their bottom, and gently pat their back
2. Sitting on lap: Sit baby on your lap, support their chest and head with one hand, and pat their back with the other
3. Across lap: Lay baby face down across your lap, supporting their head, and gently pat their back

Burp your baby during natural pauses in feeding and after each feeding session. Some babies need more frequent burping than others.

What You’ll Need:

• Clean diapers
• Gentle wipes or warm water and cotton
• Changing pad or towel
• Diaper cream for rash prevention
• Clean clothes if needed

Diaper Change Steps:

1. Wash your hands before starting
2. Place baby on a clean, flat surface
3. Open the clean diaper and place it under baby before removing the soiled one
4. Clean from front to back (especially for girls)
5. Allow skin to dry completely before applying cream and closing the new diaper

At birth, babies can only see objects 8-12 inches from their face—approximately the distance to a parent’s face during feeding. Their vision is blurry, and they see best in black, white, and shades of gray.

By the end of the first month, your baby may begin to focus with both eyes and follow moving objects. They’re particularly drawn to faces and high-contrast patterns.

Stimulate your baby’s visual development with high-contrast black and white patterns. Simple face-like designs, checkerboards, and spirals are particularly engaging for newborns.

1. Gather all supplies before starting
2. Fill the basin with 2-3 inches of warm water (100°F/38°C)
3. Support baby’s head and shoulders with one arm
4. Wash from clean to dirty areas (face first, diaper area last)
5. Keep baby warm throughout and dry thoroughly after

Until the umbilical cord stump falls off, stick to sponge baths. Bathe your newborn 2-3 times per week—more frequent bathing can dry their sensitive skin.

Physical Milestones

• Regains or exceeds birth weight
• Grows about 1-1.5 inches in length
• Head circumference increases by about 0.5 inches
• Can briefly lift head during tummy time
• Makes smoother movements with arms and legs
• May turn head from side to side when lying on back

Cognitive & Social Milestones

• Focuses on faces and high-contrast objects
• Follows objects briefly with eyes
• Recognizes parents’ voices
• Responds to loud sounds by startling
• May show early reflexive smiles
• Makes small sounds other than crying