A Week-by-Week Guide to Newborn Development
Week 1:
It’s only been a week, but your newborn already knows they can rely on you. By now, they can recognize your voice, which helps them adjust to the new environment. As they’re learning how to live in the world, they’ll also be sleeping for up to 16-18 hours a day. Your baby will be eating from 8-12 times a day if breastfeeding and every 2-3 hours if using formula. It is normal for your baby to lose weight during the first few days of life and then regain it within 7 days. After they reach their birth weight again, 1-week-old babies gain weight very quickly- about 4 to 7 ounces per week for the first several months.
Week 2:
In the second week, your baby can start focusing on objects 8 to 14 inches away- about the distance between his eyes and yours during nursing. As you feed your little one, move your head slowly from side to side and see if his eyes follow you. This helps build his eye muscles and tracking skills. Your baby’s first growth spurt will begin around day seven, therefore they may be a little more fussy, hear loud noises, cry when uncomfortable or hungry, eat more, and nap for longer periods of time. As your baby continues to sleep for up to 18 hours a day, you can start incorporating a sleep routine. Don’t forget to take a look at their nails- they’ll probably need a trim!
Week 3:
Though their movements are still random and jerky, your baby can start snuggling by week three. At 3 weeks old, your baby’s daily routine should include regular tummy time. It is an important way to start building their neck muscles to encourage proper development. If you’re breastfeeding, you will need to give your baby vitamin D supplements since it is not found in breast milk. Formula-fed babies have adequate levels of vitamin D in their formula. Colic tends to start around 3 weeks old, so keep track of how long your baby is crying and when it tends to happen.
Week 4:
Your baby may coo and make “ahh” sounds this week, especially when they see mom or dad. Babies learn by mimicking, so replay their sounds back to them. Also, this week their hair will fully develop and their vision will improve. Now that your baby is getting a little older, your doctor will measure them against their own growth curve. This allows the doctor to make sure they are still developing appropriately.
Week 5:
At 5 weeks old, your newborn officially becomes an infant. They’ll be more alert during the day and begin to sleep for longer periods at night. This week, those random jerky motions begin to disappear and your baby’s movements become smoother and more purposeful. Babies will normally gain around 200 grams this week, so expect a hungrier baby and more nappy changes!
Week 6:
Don’t forget to check in with yourself this week. Symptoms of postpartum depression can start sometime between weeks 5 and 6. At 6 weeks, your baby will have gained about 4lbs since birth. Babies will also usually show their first smile around this time, so don’t forget to enjoy this exciting moment!
Week 7:
At this age, your baby will start to understand their senses; they’ll look at a rattle and connect it to the sound it makes. You’ll notice that your baby will also begin to track objects and people with their eyes. For babies who have been fussy, especially at nighttime, this can be a welcome time of relief for new parents.
Week 8:
While your little one’s head is still wobbly, those neck muscles are getting stronger by the day. In fact, your baby can probably lift their head about 45 degrees. By two months, your baby will have grown about two inches and you should notice fat pads on your baby’s cheeks as their muscles get used to all that feeding.
Week 9:
You’ve made it through some of the toughest weeks of parenting and there is light at the end of the tunnel this month! Your baby will start to sleep through the night at around 12 weeks old. Sounds fascinate your baby, especially high tones and pitches. They’re also interested in hearing you talk, and will stare intently at your mouth as you speak to them.
Week 10:
Around week 10, your baby can pick out their parents’ faces in a group. They’re ready to hone their social skills, so include them in family activities- for example, bringing them to the table during dinner. They should show signs of excitement when they see you. Your baby will also start to realise they can use their arms and hands, therefore they’ll be lots of grabbing at things this week.
Week 11:
As your baby starts kicking and punching, you’ll notice they have more control. Now is a good time to prepare for that first immunisation appointment. Be sure your little one has all of the recommended vaccines so they’re on track to stay healthy from the very beginning. Your baby will also stay awake for longer periods of time now.
Week 12:
At this age, your baby will start to sleep through the night. You’re also in for another growth spurt, which means crankiness, restlessness and a hungrier baby. This week your baby has discovered an endless source of enchantment: their hands. They’ll realize that those fingers and thumbs are separate objects. They’ll also bring their hands together and get their first set of jabs. At the end of 3 months, your baby may be laughing, chuckling, and babbling.
4th Month Sleep Regression
At 4 months old, you might encounter a frustrating experience with your infant, thanks to a sleep regression. Sleep regressions happen during different stages of infancy, with the first one occurring around 4 months. Your baby may have settled into a predictable pattern of sleep by now and suddenly show signs such as:
Waking up more frequently at night
Refusing sleep or naps
Increased irritability
This is a result of a “growth spurt”, so to deal with sleep regression, continue to be consistent with your baby’s routine and sleep patterns. Some helpful sleep habits to keep in mind at this age include: laying your baby down awake, allow pacifier use for naps and bedtime, and to keep on napping.
