Newborn & 1-Week-Old Baby: First Cries, First Cuddles & What Really Happens in Week 1
In This Article
- How much weight should my newborn lose in the first week?
- What does normal newborn sleep look like?
- When will the umbilical cord stump fall off?
- How do I care for jaundice at home?
- What are the key newborn reflexes I should watch for?
- How can I bond with baby when I'm exhausted?
Hello, World! 🍼
One week ago I met the tiniest, loudest roommate I’ve ever had. She arrived with puffy eyes, a cone-shaped head and a scream that could restart a stopped heart. If your little nugget looks more alien than angel right now, breathe. That “newborn look” fades fast—usually by month three [^1].
- 👶Sleep Goal14–17 hours in 24 h, 2–4 h stretches [^2]
- 🔗Cord CountdownStump dries & drops off in 1–3 weeks [^4]
First-Week Feeding: Teaspoons to Ounces
Whether breast or bottle, newborns take in only teaspoons of colostrum at first. By day 5–7 most are drinking 16–24 oz (480–720 ml) over 24 hours [^5]. Feed on demand—tiny tummies empty fast.
Sleep Reality Check
My baby’s longest nap so far is the length of one shower. Newborns cycle through sleep every 50 minutes and wake every 2–4 hours to eat [^2]. Swaddling and room-sharing (but not bed-sharing) reduce SIDS risk [^6].
The Cone, the Cord & the Colour
Cone head: Normal after vaginal birth; rounds out in days [^7].Umbilical cord: Keep it clean & dry. A spot of blood or funky smell means call the doctor [^4].Jaundice: Yellow tinge peaks days 2–3 and clears by day 10 in 60 % of babies [^8]. Place baby near a sunny window (not in direct sun) and watch for deeper yellowing or lethargy.
Built-In Reflexes (Baby’s Superpowers)
Stroke her cheek and she’ll turn like a GPS toward the breast—that’s the rooting reflex. Loud noise? Arms fly out in the Moro reflex. These disappear by 4–6 months [^9].
Postpartum Me: Aches, Leaks & Love
My first postpartum poop felt like a sequel to labour. Stool softeners, water and fibre saved me [^10]. My eyes looked like I’d lost a boxing match—harmless burst blood vessels from pushing fade in days [^11].
Breast engorgement hit on day 3. Warm compresses before feeds and cold cabbage leaves after helped more than any fancy gadget.
Bonding When You’re Beyond Tired
Skin-to-skin isn’t just for golden hour. Ten minutes before each nap works wonders. If you don’t feel an instant bond, that’s okay. Love grows one diaper, one 3 a.m. feed, one accidental smile at a time.
When to Call the Doctor
Fewer than 6 wet diapers after day 4
Jaundice spreading to arms & legs
Fever ≥38 °C (100.4 °F) [^12]
The joke that broke our group chat:What’s a newborn’s favourite exercise?The milk-drunk sit-up—they raise their head for 0.3 seconds and then nap on your chest.
You’re doing great, even if the soundtrack is mostly crying and the décor is burp cloths. Week one is survival mode; week two gets easier.
Disclaimer
Please note: Baby Journey Canada and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
