What to expect during your first week with a newborn

What to expect during your baby’s first week? bringing a newborn home is such a beautiful experience. There are so many emotions around you, happiness, exhaustion, anxiety, and relief. The first few days and weeks are a huge adjustment for baby and parents, it can be overwhelming as you both are new to this life and trying to figure out what the baby needs. I am a mother of three beautiful energetic children and I am going to share some of my experiences with you along in this article. As a new mother, I would always tend to hear stories of how exhausting and crazy it can be for the first few weeks with a newborn, but as time went on I learned that you will eventually get used to it and it will get easier with time.

There are so many new things you will learn about your little bundle of joy and to be honest, you will learn a lot about yourself as well and what it takes to be a mother. There are lots of new things you’ll be doing for the first time as a mom, like changing diapers and giving baths. You may feel like you’re not doing it right or that you’re not a good mother because you’re not getting enough sleep or you just don’t feel like yourself, but that’s all completely normal! It takes time to get into a new routine and feel comfortable with everything, so just take it one day at a time. You got this MAMA!

Here are some things you can expect during your first week home with your newborn baby.

Feeding a newborn: Frequent feedings

Newborns typically eat 8 to 12 times a day, for 10-15 minutes every 2-3 hours. It is important to keep track of feeding times, you can do this by creating a feeding chart. This will help you notice if you are overfeeding or not feeding enough throughout the day. Newborns do tend to spit up after each feeding. To help with the spitting up, you will want to burp your baby often. Feeding a newborn can be one of the most challenging things for a new mom, whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding. It’s an experience mothers learn to cope with, I remember bringing my third child home as a newborn, the first week was exhausting. My newborn would wake up almost every other hour crying at night and I would feed and burp her when needed and she would not go back to sleep until an hour later still fussing. In general, that’s what moms mean when they say feeding a newborn can be challenging because every day can be different one day it’s easier and the next day it’s harder! If you are a first-time mom or a mom with multiple children, either way, it will be challenging and exhausting the first week!

If you are breastfeeding, your baby will need to eat more often in the beginning because they digest breast milk faster than formula. It is important to watch for hunger cues such as rooting and sucking on their hands. Crying is usually a sign that a baby could be hungry.

Signs of baby wanting to feed:

Fussing or Crying
Smacking their lips
Putting their fist in their mouth
Sticking out their tongue

If your baby starts to show any of these signs it’s probably time to feed them. You can also try burping your baby after each feeding, this will help with gas pains that cause them to be uncomfortable.

Newborns Burping

Super important!, Be sure to burp your baby after each feeding. This will help to prevent gas and discomfort. I would burp my newborn after every feeding and I’m not going to lie sometimes it would take 10-15 minutes and even up to 20-30 minutes of just padding her back waiting for her to burp. A newborn eats every 2 to 3 hours and they do tend to spit up after each feeding. Don’t worry this is normal, my children would spit up here and there from the age of infant to about 3-4 months and I would even take them to the pediatrician to reassure myself that they were ok. To help with the spitting up, you will want to burp the baby often.

Newborn Hiccups

Newborn hiccups are very common, my children would get the hiccups all the time when they were infants. There are a few things you can do to help them, such as burping often or sitting them upright during feedings. Some mothers will even give their baby a pacifier after feedings to help with the hiccups. If you are worried about the hiccups ask your baby’s pediatrician at your next appointment.

Spitting up in newborns

Spitting up is normal for newborns, it is because their stomach muscles are still developing and they have a small stomach. They also tend to eat more often which can also lead to spitting up. To help with the spitting up, you will want to burp your baby after each feeding. Feeding in smaller amounts also helps the baby with spit-up, for example, I would feed my baby 1 ounce of milk stop and burp them, and then feed them the other 1 ounce which equals 2 ounces total so that they don’t take all the feeding at one time. Here are some other helpful tips for spit-up.

Feed baby in smaller amounts
Avoid overfeeding
Burp after feeding
Have baby elevated for about 30 minutes

When should you worry about spitting up: Not normal

If your baby is spitting up large amounts, has projectile vomiting, or is refusing to eat then you will want to contact your pediatrician. Other signs to look for!

Spits up blood
Spits up yellow or green fluid
Spits up forcefully
Coughing and choking
Difficulty breathing
Forceful vomiting
Diarrhea
Weight loss or failure to gain weight

These are all signs that you need to contact your pediatrician right away.

Newborns Peeing and Pooping: Wet and Dirty diapers

Newborns typically poop after each feeding. The first few days may be very frequent, but it will start to slow down after that. You may also notice that your baby’s poop is greenish-black and sticky. This is called meconium and it is perfectly normal. As for urination, newborns will wet their diapers frequently. A good rule of thumb is that a newborn should have at least 6 to 8 wet diapers per day. It is important to keep track of how many diapers your baby is having each day, keep a chart with you and mark down every time they pee and poop.

Quick Storytime! with my first child, I remember sitting on the couch changing his diaper, and all of a sudden I felt warmness on my leg and I realized that my newborn pooped on me, and that’s when I learned that you have to be pretty quick when it comes to changing diapers, that’s a memory I won’t forget!

Newborn weight change

Most babies lose weight in the first week due to having extra fluid in their bodies. It is normal for a newborn to lose 7% to 10% of body weight in the first week. After the first week, weight gain should be steady. Weight loss in newborns can also be caused by inadequate feeding, so if you are concerned about your baby’s weight loss, please contact your pediatrician. A lot of newborns will have their weight checked at the pediatrician’s office a few days after they are born, and again a week later to make sure they are on track.

Newborn Sleeping

Newborns sleep a lot! They typically sleep 16-17 hours a day. However, they do not sleep through the night. You can expect to be up every 2-3 hours during the night for feedings. During the day, the baby will want to be held a lot. They may not want to be put down at all! This is perfectly normal as they are used to being in a curled position. The best way to keep a newborn comfy is to make sure they are swaddled and laying on their backs in a bassinet, crib, or swing and they should stay sleeping until a diaper change is needed or it’s feeding time.

One thing you can do to help ease the transition is to establish a bedtime routine for both you and your baby. This will help signal to the baby that it is time to start winding down for the night. A bedtime routine could be something as simple as reading a book, singing a song, or giving a bath. For example, my bedtime routine with one of my newborns was to bathe him, put on his PJs, feed him, and then rock him in the rocking chair until he fell asleep. Once he was asleep I would lay him in his bassinet. He would sleep until it was time to feed or change his diaper. If you’re consistent with a bedtime routine, it will help your baby know when it is time to sleep and make everyone’s life a little bit easier. The good news is that as your baby gets older, they will start sleeping for longer periods.

Newborn breathing

A Newborns breathing rate is much faster than adults. A newborn’s breathing rate can range from 40 to 60 breaths per minute. Normal newborns will also have what’s called periodic breathing, which is when they stop breathing for a few seconds and then take a few deep breaths. This is normal and nothing to be concerned about. It does freak you out at first because you think the baby has stopped breathing, but it is perfectly normal.

If you are concerned about your baby’s breathing, please contact your pediatrician.

Newborn crying

Crying is normal for newborns! They cry to communicate their needs. Crying is the only way they can communicate, so don’t be discouraged if it seems as if all your baby does is cry. There are different types of cries, and you will start to learn the difference between them. A hungry cry sounds like a whimper or a mewling sound. A tired cry sounds like a whining sound. And a wet or dirty diaper cry sounds like a wailing sound. Once you learn the difference between the cries, it will be easier to take care of your baby’s needs.

It is also important to remember that all babies cry, and it does not mean that there is something wrong. Sometimes, babies just need to cry it out. This can be frustrating for parents, but it is important to let them cry for a little bit before picking them up.

Settling a fussy Newborn

There are many reasons why your newborn may be fussy. They may be hungry, tired, wet, or have gas. The best way to settle a fussy baby is to figure out what the problem is and then fix it. For example, if your baby is hungry you will want to feed them. If they are tired, you will want to put them down for a nap. If they are wet, you will want to change their diaper. And if they have gas, you will want to help them burp.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, your baby will still be fussy. This is normal and it is okay to let them cry for a little bit. They will eventually settle down on their own. However, if the crying goes on for more than a few hours or days, it is important to contact your pediatrician as this could be a sign of colic. Newborns need a lot of care, but they are also a lot of fun! Getting to know your new baby is an amazing and rewarding experience.

Breastfeeding a Newborn

If you are breastfeeding, you will want to feed the baby every 2-3 hours. Newborns tend to eat for 10-15 minutes at each feeding. It is important to let the baby eat until they are finished.

You may be wondering how you will know when the baby is finished eating. They will typically stop sucking and may fall asleep at the breast. You can also look for cues that the baby is finished, such as turning their head away from the breast or pushing away from the breast. Breastfeeding is very beneficial for both the baby and the mother. It helps the baby bond with the mother and it also provides the baby with nutrients that are essential for their growth and development.

It is important to remember that breastfeeding can be difficult at first and it may take a little bit of time to get the hang of it. If you are having trouble, please reach out to a lactation consultant or your pediatrician for help.

Pumping breast milk for newborn

If you are pumping, you will want to pump every 2-3 hours. You should pump for 15-20 minutes each time. Pumping can be difficult in the beginning, but it does get easier with practice. You may want to try different positions to find one that is comfortable for you. You may also want to invest in a hands-free pumping bra so that you can pump and do other things at the same time.

Pumping machines can be expensive, but there are many ways to get them for free or at a reduced cost. WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) provides pumps for free to low-income mothers. Some insurance companies will also cover the cost of a pump.

Pumping is important because it allows you to store milk for future feedings. It’s also important to store breastmilk in breastmilk storage bags or glass food-grade containers. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water before storing the milk. Check out this helpful chart on how to store breastmilk, click link down below!

source: cdc-guideline-breastmilk.pdf

Pumping is also beneficial if you want to return to work or if you want to have a night out. It allows you to have someone else feed the baby your milk so that you can have a break.

Formula feeding a newborn

Formula feeding a newborn is a little bit different than breastfeeding, but it is still very important to feed them every 2-3 hours. Newborns typically eat 2-3 ounces of formula at each feeding. The formula comes in powder, liquid concentrate, and ready-to-feed forms. You will need to sterilize all of your baby’s bottles and nipples before using them.

You can sterilize your baby’s bottles and nipples by boiling them for 5 minutes or by using a bottle sterilizer. You will also need to wash your hands with soap and water before preparing the formula.

It is important to follow the directions on the formula can for how much to feed your baby. Following instructions with the scoops and ounces of distilled water depending on if you are using powder formula is extremely important. Make sure to follow the correct ratio they give you. You should also avoid giving your baby cow’s milk until they are at least 1 year old.

Formula feeding is beneficial because it allows someone else to feed the baby if you need a break. It is also helpful for working mothers who cannot breastfeed. It is important to burp the baby after each feeding. You will also want to burp your baby after each feeding. This will help prevent gas and colic. You can burp the baby by sitting them upright on your lap and gently patting their back. Formula feeding is less messy than breastfeeding, but it is more expensive.

Bathing a Newborn

Bathing newborns can be a little bit tricky, but it is important to do it at least once a week. You will want to use mild, unscented baby soap and warm water. Avoid using any lotions or oils on the baby’s skin.

You will also want to avoid using any sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. When you are ready to bathe your baby, you will want to fill a sink with warm water. You will then wet a washcloth with the water and gently wash the baby’s face and body. When the umbilical cord does fall off wait a couple of days and if the belly button looks normal you can then sponge bath your baby.

In my experience with bathing my newborns, it felt as if any movement I made, I was going to hurt them that’s how delicate newborn babies are. Although I didn’t let that scare me, I took all my babies a bath myself, I would take my newborns a bath every 3-4 days in the beginning. I would lay them carefully in a bath chair or lay them on top of towels and gently wash their bodies and around their umbilical cord. After I was done, I would wrap them up like a little cute burrito and get them changed. My favorite body wash is Aveeno body wash and shampoo, make sure it’s hypoallergenic and fragrance-free. I love this wash because it’s unscented and it does not irritate my baby’s skin. After a couple of weeks, I would take them a bath more often since their skin would mature over time.

It is important to support the baby’s head when you are bathing them. You should also avoid getting water in their ears and nose. When you are finished bathing the baby, you will want to wrap them in a towel and pat them dry.

Some great advice would be is to have all your essentials next to you. This will make it easier for you to wash your newborn and not have to get up to find each item during bath time.

Bathing newborn tips:

Use warm water
Hold head upright if using a baby tub/ sink
Use a hypoallergenic and fragrance-free body wash
Use a cloth
Start with face then body
Go slow there’s no rush
Avoid umbilical cord
Pat dry and change
Avoid scented lotions

These are tips that will help you take your newborn a bath.

Newborn bath essentials
Bath chairs, and tubs are optional, it depends on what you feel comfortable using for your newborns during bath time.

These are the essentials you need to take your newborn a bath. Remember to bathe your newborn with care!

Caring for the Umbilical Cord

The umbilical cord is the connection between the baby and the placenta. It typically falls off within 10 days of birth. Until it falls off, you will need to take special care of it. You will want to keep the area clean and dry. You can do this by wiping it with a clean, wet washcloth. You will also want to avoid using any lotions or oils on the area. It is important to never pull on the umbilical cord or pick at the scab. Doing this can cause the cord to bleed or become infected. The umbilical cord will eventually fall off on its own. Once it falls off, you will need to continue cleaning the area. You can do this by washing it with soap and water. Caring for a newborn can be a lot of work, but it is also very rewarding. It is important to feed them every 2-3 hours, bathe them at least once a week, and take care of their umbilical cord until it falls off.

Lotions for newborns

You should not use scented lotions for newborns. You want to avoid using any lotions or oils on the umbilical cord area. The reason being is that you don’t want to irritate the skin. Also, some scented lotions can contain toxic chemicals that can be harmful to your newborn. It is best to use unscented hypoallergenic lotions for your newborn. Before rubbing lotion all over your newborn’s body, I recommend doing a patch test. A patch test is rubbing lotion on one spot on the body to see if the skin becomes irritated. If it does become red and irritated Do Not Use the lotion. If you see no symptoms of irritation then use a small amount on the baby.

Recommended Ointments
These are my favorite ointments to use on my newborns for the first couple of weeks since their skin is dry and sensitive. I also use these ointments on myself I also have dry skin so I do trust these ointments.

I Do Not Recommend these for newborns
You do not want to use scented products on your newborn, their skin is very sensitive. You also want to avoid using products that contain toxic chemicals.

Dove scented lotion
Vaseline Intensive Care Cocoa Radiant Lotion
Jergens Original Scent Dry Skin Moisturizer
Jergens Wet Skin Moisturizer Coconut Oil
Cetaphil Gentle Vegan Body Lotion for Sensitive Skin
Johnsons products
Lavender scented products
Baby Magic products

Please be cautious of scented products with your newborn baby’s skin. We want your baby to be happy and feel comfortable.

Newborn clothes

Newborn clothing should be comfortable and not too tight. You also want to make sure that the clothes are not scratchy. Newborns have very sensitive skin so you want to make sure that the clothing is soft. You also want to make sure that the clothes are not too big or bulky. You don’t want the clothes to be too big because it can rub against their skin causing irritation. You also don’t want the clothes to be too small because they can be uncomfortable and too tight causing the baby to cry.

Bibs
You will want to have a few bibs on hand to protect your newborn’s clothes from spit-up. Bibs are also great for protecting their clothes when they are eating. I recommend getting
Onesies
Onesies are a must-have for newborns. They are comfortable and easy to put on. They also have snaps that make it easy to change diapers.
Sleepers
Sleepers are another must-have for newborns. They are comfortable and keep your baby warm. They also have snaps that make it easy to change diapers.
Mittens
Mittens are a major must-have, newborns have nails that are sharp and can scratch their face. Mittens protect their face from getting scratched.
Socks
Socks are great for keeping your baby’s feet warm. They also help keep them from slipping in their socks.
Hats
Hats are great for protecting your baby’s head from the sun. They also help keep them warm.
Swaddles
Swaddles are great for newborns. They help them feel secure and comfortable. They also help keep them from scratching their face with their nails.
Booties
Booties are great for keeping your baby’s feet warm. They also help keep them from slipping

Jaundice in Newborns

What is Jaundice? Jaundice is when your baby’s skin and eyes start to turn yellow. Jaundice is common in newborns, it is caused by a build-up of bilirubin in the blood and can make a baby’s skin and eyes look yellow. Bilirubin is a yellow pigment that is formed when red blood cells break down. Jaundice is common in newborns and usually appears on the second or third day after birth. Jaundice usually goes away on its own within 2 weeks. In my experience, the first thing I do is take my newborn to the pediatrician to make sure there is no need to go to the hospital. The next best way to see the results of jaundice going away is to take your newborn baby outside or sit by a window and let them get some sun for 5-10 minutes throughout the day so that they can soak up some vitamin D. Another way to see results of jaundice going away is by making sure newborns are peeing and pooping. Newborns having bowel movements help get rid of jaundice. Keep monitoring your newborn’s eyes and skin and check if the yellowness is getting less day by day. If you think your baby has jaundice, contact your pediatrician immediately!

FAQs

What to do when you first get home with a newborn?

The first few days home with a baby can be overwhelming. You will be tired, emotional, and somewhat hysterical. The baby will need to be fed every 2-3 hours, which means you will be frequently feeding your newborn. In my experience to make things easier, the first thing I do when I get home with a newborn is to make sure they are fed and burped, then I swaddle them and lay them down in the middle of my bed surrounded by pillows or I lay them in their bassinet so they can sleep. They look so cute and peaceful!

The next thing I do is make sure my other children are comfortable, fed, hydrated, and happy. Don’t worry this only applies to you if you have more than one child. If you only have your newborn, I suggest the next thing you do is rest with your newborn and sleep as they sleep. Then I get to organize everything I brought from the hospital, from clothes, and toiletries, to documents and other items. I start cleaning out my bags and storing everything away because this mama knows all this will pile up if I don’t!

Another thing I do is organize all of my newborn’s essentials on a three-tier rolling utility cart. I use it for diapering essentials and it’s not hard to put assemble. You can place these carts by a dresser or by a changing table with diapering essentials or have them in the kitchen with all of your baby’s bottle-feeding essentials. You can also store baby bath time essentials, shoes, and accessories, mostly anything. I can personally say that these carts come in handy since they are mobile, you can roll them anywhere in the house. Here is a list of some newborn essentials that you can organize on a three-tier rolling utility cart.

Newborn essentials

The ideas are endless when using the three-tier rolling utility carts. I strongly recommend having one!

How to handle a newborn alone?

Being alone with a newborn can be scary, but you can do it! Here are some tips that may help you feel more comfortable. The first thing you need to do is take a deep breath and relax. I know it’s easier said than done, but try your best to stay calm. The next thing you need to do is make sure your baby is safe. You will want to create a safe space for your baby to sleep in. This could be a bassinet, crib, or playpen that is placed in an area that is away from any hazards. Once you have a safe space for your baby, you will want to gather all of the essentials you need. A rolling cart or an organizer caddy is a great example to keep things together, this helps so that you don’t have to leave your baby alone. It’s easier to have your essentials in one place so you won’t have to go back and forth. Some essentials may include diapers, wipes, onesies, etc.

What to do if your baby has jaundice?

If your baby has jaundice, the first thing you should do is contact your pediatrician. They will be able to give you the best course of action. Depending on the severity of jaundice, they may recommend that you bring your baby in for a bilirubin test. This is a simple blood test that will help them determine how much jaundice is present. If the levels are high, they may recommend treatment options such as phototherapy or exchange transfusions.

What to do with sleep deprivation?

If you are sleep deprived, the first thing you should do is try to get some rest. I know it’s easier said than done, but your body needs time to recover. Sleep when your baby sleeps. This may not be possible all the time, but if you can, take advantage of it. If you find that you are still struggling with sleep deprivation, contact your doctor. They may be able to prescribe a sleep aid or refer you to a sleep specialist. In conclusion, the first week home with your newborn can be overwhelming, but it’s important to relax and take things one day at a time. Be sure to have all of your essentials organized and within reach so that you don’t have to leave your baby alone.

How many hours do newborns sleep?

Most newborns sleep anywhere from 16 to 20 hours per day. This includes naps and nighttime sleep. They will usually have several naps during the day, which may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. It’s normal for newborns to wake up frequently at night, but they should eventually start sleeping for longer stretches. If you find that your baby is not sleeping well, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

Is a newborn hard to take care of?

No, a newborn is not hard to take care of. They may require some extra care and attention, but they are not difficult to take care of. You will want to make sure you have all of the essentials on hand so that you can take care of your baby without having to leave them alone. Some essentials may include diapers, wipes, onesies, etc. You will also want to create a safe space for your baby to sleep in. This could be a bassinet, crib, or playpen that is placed in an area that is away from any hazards. If you have any questions or concerns about taking care of your newborn, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

What are some signs that a newborn is sick?

Some signs that a newborn is sick may include a fever, difficulty breathing, being irritable or fussy, and having a decreased appetite. If you notice any of these signs, be sure to contact your pediatrician. They will be able to determine if your baby is sick and what the best course of action is.

What if my newborn is breathing too fast?

If your newborn is breathing too fast, the first thing you should do is contact your pediatrician. They will be able to determine if there is a medical reason for the rapid breathing and give you the best course of action. In some cases, they may recommend that you bring your baby in for a checkup.

What should I do if my newborn has diarrhea?

If your newborn has diarrhea, the first thing you should do is contact your pediatrician. They will be able to determine if there is a medical reason for diarrhea and give you the best course of action. Depending on the severity, they may recommend over-the-counter medication or home remedies such as increased fluids and rest.

How often should I feed my newborn?

Newborns should be fed every 2-3 hours. They may not eat very much at each feeding, but it’s important to keep them on a regular schedule. If you find that your baby is not eating as often as they should or is having difficulty gaining weight, be sure to contact your pediatrician.

What if my newborn’s lips, hands, and feet turn blueish/ purple?

If your newborn’s lips, hands, and feet turn blueish/ purple, the first thing you should do is contact your pediatrician. They also might recommend you just call the ambulance if you see rapid or very slow breathing. They will be able to determine if there is a medical reason for the discoloration and give you the best course of action. In some cases, they may recommend that you bring your baby in for a checkup.

What should I do if my newborn has a cold?

If your newborn has a cold, the first thing you should do is contact your pediatrician. They will be able to determine if there is a medical reason for the cold and give you the best course of action. Depending on the severity, they may recommend over-the-counter medication or home remedies such as increased fluids and rest.

When should I call the doctor for my newborn?

You should always call the doctor if you are concerned about your newborn’s health or well-being. If you are not sure whether or not you should call, it is better to err on the side of caution and make the call. The doctor will be able to determine if there is a problem and give you the best course of action.

Some other reasons you may want to call the doctor include:

If your baby has a fever
If your baby is not eating or drinking
If your baby is not gaining weight
If your baby has diarrhea or vomiting
If your baby has difficulty breathing

Never be afraid to ask questions about newborns. As a mother, we learn and we grow together with our newborns. That’s the beauty of being a mommy, we do it with love!

The first week home with your newborn can be both exhausting and exciting. A Newborn is a blessing, and bringing a new life into the World is an amazing experience. The first week home with your newborn can be both joyful and overwhelming. There are so many new things to learn and adjust to. Just take it one day at a time and enjoy all the snuggles! Congratulations on your new arrival!

I hope you enjoyed this information and FAQs on what to expect during your first week with a newborn. Don’t forget to leave a comment!