Congrats on Your New Arrival!
Congratulations! You've just welcomed a little one into the world! While this first week is likely filled with immense joy, it's perfectly normal to feel unsure about certain things. Both you and your baby are experiencing new beginnings—you're learning the ropes of parenthood, and your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb.
It's natural to have many questions now. You might be curious about how much your baby should sleep or whether their diaper contents look as they should. (Yes, you might find yourself spending quite a bit of time inspecting diapers!)
We're here to offer some guidance on your baby’s growth, development, feeding, and sleeping, along with some tried-and-true tips for care and safety.
1-Week-Old Baby Development
At this stage, your baby is all about settling into their new surroundings and getting the hang of feeding, whether by breast or bottle. Plus, there’s lots of snuggling involved!
Your little one's movements and reactions are driven by natural reflexes. Some of these include rooting, suckling, grasping, stepping, and startling. [1] For example, if you gently touch your baby's cheek or mouth, they will instinctively turn towards it, ready to find the breast or bottle. Place a nipple or your finger in their mouth, and the suckling reflex kicks in. It's quite incredible!
Your baby’s world looks a bit blurry, with the focus best on things close by. At this point, they rely more on their keen senses of smell and touch. So, spend plenty of time holding them close, skin-to-skin. [2]
Expect lots of sleep from your newborn. [3] Their days are largely about eating and snoozing, which is completely normal. Use this restful time to catch a few Zs yourself!
It’s also normal for your baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the beginning. By the time they're 10 to 14 days old, they should start gaining it back. [4]
1-Week-Old Baby Milestones
At one week old, don't expect a long list of milestones. Your baby is mostly governed by reflexes, spending most of their time eating and sleeping.
During their brief awake moments, you may notice your baby looking directly at you if you hold them a few inches away. They are already starting to recognize light and dark, especially high-contrast visuals like black, white, and gray. [5]
Your newborn might sometimes appear cross-eyed, which is quite normal. The eye muscles are still strengthening, which can cause this temporary condition. [5]
A full-blown social smile is still a little while off. However, you might catch a glimpse of reflexive smiles, especially during sleep. Look forward to those infectious social smiles at about 1 or 2 months old. . PLOS One, 2015'>[6]
1-Week-Old Baby Feeding
Feeding your 1-week-old can be a worry for new parents. Concerns about sufficient feeding, frequency, or overfeeding are common. Remember, your baby is still learning the ropes, just like you.
Frequent feedings are the order of the day for your newborn, but don’t anticipate a strict schedule just yet. Formula-fed babies might consume 1-2 ounces every 3-4 hours, increasing to 2-4 ounces by week’s end. [7] Breastfed babies often eat smaller amounts more frequently, nursing 8-12 times a day, with cluster feeding being quite common. [8]
Breastfeeding can be challenging initially, as positioning and latching might take some practice. [9] In these first few days, you’ll produce colostrum: a nutrient- and immunity-rich fluid. This transitions to mature milk around days 3-5. . American Academy of Pediatrics, 2024'>[10] Monitor diaper output (about six wet and three to four poopy ones daily) to gauge if your baby is getting enough.
Patience is key, as both you and your baby adapt. Seek advice from your pediatrician or a lactation consultant if needed.
1-Week-Old Baby Sleep
Your newborn will sleep a lot, typically between 14 to 17 hours a day. [3] Embrace this time to rest, too, especially if you need to recover post-birth.
Safe sleep practices are crucial. Always place your baby on their back on a firm, uncluttered surface like a crib or bassinet. Avoid pillows, blankets, toys, or loose bedding. [11] While sharing a room is recommended for the first six months, bed-sharing isn't advised. [11]
It’s normal to notice irregular breathing while your baby sleeps. However, consult your doctor if you have concerns. [12]
1-Week-Old Baby Schedule
If your baby seems to have no consistent schedule, you're not alone. At one week, their body clock or circadian rhythms haven’t developed yet, and they haven’t started producing melatonin, which makes nighttime sleepiness possible. [13]
Lack of structure may feel overwhelming, so getting support and help can be vital.
1-Week-Old Baby Health and Safety
This week typically includes your baby’s first doctor’s visit for a weigh-in and check-up. It’s the perfect opportunity to ask any questions you have regarding feeding, sleep, or development.
In the hospital, your baby will receive their Hepatitis B shot. [14] Your car seat will likely be checked to ensure it's installed correctly—a rear-facing car seat is essential, and make sure your baby is harnessed in safely. [15]
While full babyproofing isn’t necessary yet, creating a safe home environment is. Keep the home at a comfortable temperature, ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working, and place the crib securely away from windows, cords, and other hazards. [16]
Avoid smoking near your baby as this increases the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). [3]
1-Week-Old Baby Care Basics
First-time parents often have a lot of questions, but your newborn doesn't need much beyond feeding, sleep, and cuddles. Here are a few things to know:
It’s no longer recommended to clean your baby's umbilical cord stump with alcohol. Instead, let nature take its course, and it should fall off by itself within about a week. [17]
During the healing of the umbilical cord, avoid immersing your baby in water—stick to sponge baths with mild soap and warm water. [18]
Your baby’s poop will tell you a lot about their progress. Initially black and tarry, it will become greenish before settling into a yellowish or brownish hue.
And yes, there will be a lot of pooping, often after every feed.
What Else to Know About Your 1-Week-Old Baby
Feeling a bit lost as you navigate these early days is completely normal. If you're recovering from giving birth, remember that your body is also adjusting. Focus on your well-being by staying hydrated and eating properly.
It might be overwhelming to think about the future, like when you’ll next get a full night’s sleep, but remember to take one day at a time and savor the precious moments with your newborn.
