It's completely normal for newborns to lose some weight in the first few days after birth. Most babies lose between 5% to 10% of their birth weight within the first week. This initial drop is mostly due to the loss of excess fluids and is part of the natural adjustment as your baby adapts to feeding outside the womb. Generally, babies begin to regain this weight within a few days and are back to their birth weight by about two weeks of age.
Newborns need to eat often—typically every 2 to 3 hours, amounting to around 8 to 12 feedings in a 24-hour period. Their small stomachs can't hold much milk at a time, and breastfed babies may feed more frequently because breast milk, which is quickly digested due to its natural enzymes, moves faster through the digestive system. If you're formula feeding, you might notice slightly longer intervals between feedings, but it's important not to stretch beyond 4 hours, particularly while your baby is still regaining their birth weight. Though the frequent feedings may seem daunting, they are crucial for your baby's development and growth.
Newborns often sleep up to 16 to 17 hours a day, but this sleep is sporadic, spread throughout the day and night. Their sleep cycles are shorter and more irregular than those of adults, and it's typical for newborns to wake frequently for feedings and comfort. Some newborns may even mix up day and night, staying awake longer at night and sleeping more during the day. Parental sleep deprivation is a real challenge and often not discussed enough.
The startle reflex, or Moro reflex, is an instinctive reaction to loud sounds or sudden movements. You might see your baby suddenly throw back their head, extend their arms and legs, cry, and then pull everything back in. This reflex is present from birth and usually fades by the time they are 2 to 4 months old. Among other reflexes, the Moro reflex is notable as it can disrupt sleep. This is why I'm a proponent of using swaddles—they help manage this reflex, allowing babies (and parents!) to enjoy longer stretches of sleep by keeping the arms secured and minimizing the reflex's impact.
Newborns sneeze frequently to clear their nasal and respiratory passages of congestion and airborne particles. This frequent sneezing is a normal reflex and not typically indicative of an infection or cold. It helps keep their airways clear, as newborns are still learning to effectively use their nasal passages.
Many newborns have eyes that may cross or drift apart, particularly during the first few months. This condition, known as strabismus, is usually due to an underdeveloped neuromuscular control of the eye. As their visual system matures and eye muscles strengthen, this generally resolves without intervention.
It's common for newborns' breathing to be noisy—grunts, whistles, or wheezy sounds might make it sound like there's a small farm in the house! Newborns are obligate nasal breathers, meaning they breathe exclusively through their noses instead of their mouths. This is crucial because it allows them to breathe while sucking and swallowing—vital for feeding. As they grow, babies gradually outgrow this phase and can start breathing through their mouths as well, which usually coincides with fewer noisy breathing episodes. However, any signs of respiratory distress, such as continuous wheezing or difficulty breathing, should prompt a consultation with a healthcare provider.
Hiccups and spit-ups are common in newborns, often related to their developing digestive systems. Hiccups can occur when the diaphragm becomes irritated, often after feeding or due to rapid swallowing of air. Spit-ups may happen due to overfeeding, swallowing air, or a still-maturing lower esophageal sphincter. These are generally not concerning unless the spit-ups are frequent, voluminous, or forcefully ejected, which might suggest reflux or another issue requiring medical attention.
During the first few days after birth, your newborn’s kidney function is just beginning to fully operate, and their fluid intake might be low as they learn to feed effectively. Therefore, the number of wet diapers typically increases as the days go by. Initially, you might notice only one or two wet diapers a day. By the second day, expect at least two to three wet diapers, which aligns with the increasing intake of colostrum or formula.
As your baby's feeding becomes more established around the third day, and especially after your milk comes in, the number of wet diapers should increase. By the end of the first week, six or more wet diapers per day generally indicate that the baby is consuming enough fluid from breast milk or formula. This progression is a good indicator of adequate hydration and functioning kidneys.
Meconium, your newborn's first stool, is thick, sticky, and dark colored. It's composed of everything ingested during the time in the womb. Within a few days post-birth, as your baby starts feeding, the stools will transition to a lighter color and softer texture. For breastfed babies, this means mustard-yellow, soft, and slightly runny stools, which is perfectly normal. The changing stools are a sign that your baby’s digestive system is working as it should.
Constipation in newborns can often be a normal part of their development due to their immature gastrointestinal (GI) tract. As newborns adjust to feeding and their bodies learn to process nutrients, their bowel movements can vary significantly. It's not uncommon for a newborn's digestive system to take a few days to function smoothly, and in some cases, babies can go up to a week without having a bowel movement. This can be particularly true when they are exclusively breastfed, as breast milk is very efficiently digested and might leave little waste to be excreted. While it might be concerning to see your baby not passing stools frequently, occasional constipation does not usually signify a serious issue. However, it's important to monitor their discomfort level and look for other symptoms such as hard, dry stools or a firm, bloated belly. If your baby appears to be uncomfortable or the constipation persists, consulting with a pediatrician is recommended.
Newborns can exhibit a variety of skin conditions that are generally harmless and temporary:
The umbilical stump is a small but significant reminder of the connection your baby had with you in the womb. After birth, this stump will dry out and fall off, typically within 1 to 3 weeks. It’s vital to keep this area clean and dry to prevent infection. Gently fold your baby’s diaper away from the stump to avoid irritation and cover the area. If the stump becomes sticky or visibly dirty, carefully clean around it with a soft, damp cloth and then let it air dry. Observing the stump fall off is one of the first milestones in your newborn’s life, signaling that they’re healing properly.
Crying is how newborns communicate their needs, whether they’re hungry, uncomfortable, or just need some sleep. As parents, interpreting these cries can be one of the most challenging and, at times, frustrating aspects of early parenthood. It’s not just about feeling tired from the constant demands; it’s often the helplessness that comes with not immediately understanding what your baby needs that can be particularly distressing.
To help soothe your newborn, consider these effective methods:
It's important to approach this with empathy and patience. Remember, your baby is not crying to cause frustration—they simply have no other way to tell you what they need. Over time, you'll become more attuned to their different cries, which can strengthen your bond and make it easier to respond effectively.
