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    She's Your Friend » Baby Tips

    First Week with your newborn (what's it like?)

    by Joanna Stephens Published: Mar 26, 2020 · Updated: Apr 18, 2022 · This post may contain affiliate links. We earn commission from purchases made. ·

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    a mom with a newborn baby
    a mom with a newborn baby

    A helpful guide of the first week with your newborn, what to expect, and tips every new parent should know!

    a mom holding her newborn baby
    Jump to:
    • Newborn Care 101
    • Create a Routine in the first weeks
    • First few weeks with a newborn FAQ

    Newborn Care 101

    1. Calm the Crying
    2. Feeding your newborn
    3. Diaper changes
    4. Newborn sleep

    1. Calm the crying

    The most important thing to remember with newborns is that they cry. This is their way of communicating what they need.

    It’s up to you to figure out what they need. Stay calm, take a deep breath and check these:

    • Is baby hungry?
    • Does baby have a full diaper?
    • Did baby just poop? (newborn poop can be very irritating to their skin, so change it right away)
    • Is baby sleepy?
    • Could baby be gassy?

    2. Feeding your newborn

    Your baby will probably eat every 2-3 hours. This can vary depending on if you breast-feed or formula feed.

    3. Diaper changes

    A newborn baby should have at least 6-8 wet diapers every day in the beginning weeks.

    If not, it could be a sign they aren't getting enough milk. So, definitely keep track of this!

    4. Newborn sleep

    Newborn sleep is erratic because in the first few weeks all they mostly do is eat sleep and pee/poop.

    Related: Surviving the Sleepless Nights of Motherhood

    Create a Routine in the first weeks

    The best thing to do in the beginning is create a routine and write down when baby drinks milk, and when you change diapers.

    It helps you begin to see a pattern so you can plan for the next time baby might be hungry or sleepy.

    First few weeks with a newborn FAQ

    What is purple crying?

    Purple crying is when a baby has unexplained crying that is not helped by holding, feeding, changing diapers, or sleep-deprived.

    It’s important to note that if your baby keeps crying and you are getting frustrated, set your baby down in a safe place and take a minute to gather yourself.

    Should my newborn do tummy time?

    Yes! Tummy time can be started right away by laying baby on your tummy while he/she is also laying on their tummy.

    This is also a great bonding activity for both of you!

    Related: tummy time tips

    Do newborns play?

    It might look a little different, but yes!

    Playing with a baby can simply mean getting on the floor and encouraging baby while he or she is doing tummy time.

    Or baby talk!  It’s not really what you are doing so much as that you are simply making them a priority and giving them all your attention.

    See related content: 9 Activities to Play with your New Baby

    It will be hard, no doubt, but try to have fun and enjoy your little one.

    You might also enjoy reading:

    • Baby Proofing Checklist
    • How to Soothe a Teething Baby (and what the signs are)
    • Parents Guide to Helping a Baby With Gas Pain
    • Bringing your NICU baby home
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