What to Expect in Your Baby's First Week
Feeding Focus
Frequent feeding every 1-3 hours as baby's stomach is tiny and milk supply establishes.
Diaper Patterns
Gradual increase in wet and dirty diapers as feeding increases and systems mature.
Sleep Cycles
Lots of sleep (14-20 hours) with short wake periods, primarily for feeding.
Feeding Patterns by Day
Understanding how feeding patterns evolve during the first week helps set realistic expectations.
Day 1-2
Colostrum feeding period
Frequency: 8-12 times per day
Amount: 1-2 teaspoons per feeding
Stomach Size: Stomach size of a marble
Day 3-4
Transitional milk begins
Frequency: 8-12 times per day
Amount: 1-2 tablespoons per feeding
Stomach Size: Stomach size of a ping pong ball
Day 5-7
Mature milk established
Frequency: 8-12 times per day
Amount: 2-3 ounces per feeding
Stomach Size: Stomach size of an egg
Diaper Output Expectations
Monitoring diaper output is crucial for ensuring proper hydration and nutrition.
Day 1
First bowel movements are meconium
1-2
Wet Diapers
1-2
Dirty Diapers
Meconium (black, tarry)
Stool Type
Day 2-3
Stools begin to change color
2-3
Wet Diapers
2-3
Dirty Diapers
Transitional (greenish-brown)
Stool Type
Day 4-5
Normal newborn stool pattern established
4-5
Wet Diapers
3-4
Dirty Diapers
Yellow, seedy (breastfed) or tan (formula)
Stool Type
Day 6-7
Regular pattern established
6+
Wet Diapers
3-4+
Dirty Diapers
Consistent with feeding type
Stool Type
Sleep Patterns During Week One
Days 1-2
16-20 hours
Total Sleep
1-3 hours
Feed Interval
2-4 hours
Longest Stretch
Days 3-4
15-18 hours
Total Sleep
2-3 hours
Feed Interval
2-4 hours
Longest Stretch
Days 5-7
14-17 hours
Total Sleep
2-4 hours
Feed Interval
3-5 hours
Longest Stretch
First Week Developmental Milestones
Physical Development
- Reflexes present (rooting, sucking, grasping)
- Umbilical cord healing
- Weight loss of 5-10% normal
- Regaining birth weight by day 10-14
Sensory Development
- Can see 8-12 inches clearly
- Recognizes mother's voice
- Responds to familiar sounds
- Prefers high contrast patterns
Behavioral Signs
- Shows hunger and satiety cues
- Different cries for different needs
- Brief periods of alertness
- Beginning social awareness
Warning Signs to Watch For
Feeding Concerns
Call Doctor Soon
Diaper Output Concerns
Monitor Closely
Emergency Signs
Call 911
Practical Care Tips for Week One
Feeding Success
- Feed on demand, watch for hunger cues
- Burp baby during and after feeds
- Keep feeding log to track patterns
- Skin-to-skin contact helps bonding
- Don't worry about schedules yet
- Get help with latching if breastfeeding
Diaper Management
- Change diapers frequently to prevent rash
- Clean gently with warm water
- Pat dry, don't rub sensitive skin
- Apply barrier cream if needed
- Track wet and dirty diapers
- Check diaper fit to prevent leaks
Sleep Support
- Follow safe sleep guidelines (back sleeping)
- Room-share but not bed-share
- Swaddle for comfort and security
- White noise may help soothe
- Accept that night waking is normal
- Sleep when baby sleeps
General Care
- Wash hands before handling baby
- Support head and neck when holding
- Keep umbilical cord clean and dry
- Monitor temperature (98-100°F normal)
- Limit visitors to reduce infection risk
- Trust your instincts about baby's needs
Sample Daily Schedule (Flexible Guide)
Remember: This is just an example. Follow your baby's cues rather than strict schedules.
| Time | Activity | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12:00 AM | Night feeding | 30-45 min | Keep lights dim, minimal interaction |
| 3:00 AM | Night feeding | 30-45 min | Quick diaper change if needed |
| 6:00 AM | Morning feeding | 30-45 min | Diaper change, brief interaction |
| 9:00 AM | Feeding + tummy time | 45-60 min | Short alert period, gentle play |
| 12:00 PM | Midday feeding | 30-45 min | Skin-to-skin time |
| 3:00 PM | Feeding + bath | 60 min | Every 2-3 days for baths |
| 6:00 PM | Evening feeding | 30-45 min | Cluster feeding may begin |
| 9:00 PM | Night routine | 45-60 min | Swaddle, dim lights, prepare for night |
Common First Week Concerns
Baby seems to eat constantly
Why This Happens:
Cluster feeding is normal, especially in evenings
What You Can Do:
This helps establish milk supply and is temporary
Timeline:
Usually improves by 6-8 weeks
Baby cries a lot
Why This Happens:
Crying is baby's only way to communicate needs
What You Can Do:
Check feeding, diaper, temperature, need for comfort
Timeline:
Peak crying typically occurs around 6 weeks
Not enough wet diapers
Why This Happens:
Kidney function is maturing in first few days
What You Can Do:
Should increase daily; call doctor if concerned
Timeline:
Should have 6+ wet diapers by day 6
Baby sleeps too much/too little
Why This Happens:
Sleep patterns vary widely in newborns
What You Can Do:
Follow baby's cues, ensure feeding needs are met
Timeline:
Patterns become more predictable after 6-8 weeks
Remember: You're Doing Great!
Trust Your Instincts:
You know your baby best. If something feels wrong, don't hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Every Baby is Different:
These are general guidelines. Your baby may have slightly different patterns, and that's perfectly normal.
Ask for Help:
Don't hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or professionals for support during this transition.
Take Care of Yourself:
Rest when you can, eat well, and remember that recovery takes time for both you and baby.
Track Your Baby's Progress
Use our baby tracking tools to monitor feeding, diapers, and development. Continue learning with our week-by-week development guides.