What to Expect: Week One
What to Expect: Week One
Welcoming your newborn in their first week is a beautiful, transformative experience filled with awe and new responsibilities. During these early days, it’s essential to establish a strong foundation of care, not just for your baby but for yourself as well. This time is about creating those first bonds through gentle touch, soothing words, and tender care. As you navigate feeding, sleeping, and safety, you’re also learning the rhythm of your new life together, setting the tone for the weeks and months ahead.
SELF CARE CHECK-IN
In these first days, your well-being is as important as your baby’s. Prioritizing rest when your baby sleeps, asking for help from loved ones, and taking moments for yourself are vital. This time is both exhilarating and exhausting, and it's okay to lean on your support system. Caring for yourself allows you to be the best version of yourself for your baby, ensuring you can provide them with the love and attention they need.
When possible, sleep when your baby sleeps
Ask friends and family for help
Spend time with your other children.
CARING FOR YOUR BABY
FEEDING
During this week, feeding is a central focus. Whether you choose breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure that your baby is fed on demand and recognize signs of hunger and fullness. Establishing a solid feeding routine early on is key to your baby’s growth.
Feed your baby breastmilk or iron-fortified formula. Nothing else until 4 to 6 months old.
Position your baby so that you can see each other during feeding.
Help your baby wake and stay awake for feedings by patting them, changing their diaper, and undressing them.
Feed your baby on demand. Feed them when they are hungry. Stop feeding them when they show signs of being full.
Signs your baby is hungry:
Bringing hand to mouth
Rooting
Sucking
Fussiness
Crying
Signs your baby is full:
Turns away
Closes their mouth
Relaxes hands and arms
Your baby is getting enough to eat if they:
Are gaining weight properly
Have 5+ wet diapers per day
Have 3+ soft stools per day
Burp your baby during breaks in feeding
Formula Feeding Babies:
Prepare and store formulas safely. Mix according to package directions. Ask your child’s healthcare provider if you need help.
Offer 2-3 ounces of iron-fortified formula every 2 to 3 hours. If your baby seems hungry after, offer additional ounces
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400 IU) until they are consuming at least 32 ounces of formula, which may be after the first few months, but every baby is different.
Hold the bottle for your baby. Never prop a bottle.
Breastfeeding Babies:
Feed on demand—generally every 1 to 3 hours during the day and every 3 hours at night. Expect at least 8-12 feedings per day.
Lactation consultants can help a nursing parent.
Nursing parents should take a daily prenatal vitamin with iron
Eat a healthy diet; avoid high-mercury fish
Your baby will need vitamin D drops daily (400IU)
If also using a bottle, do not prop the bottle. Always hold it for your baby.
BATHING
During the first week, your baby’s umbilical cord stump is still attached, so full baths are not recommended. Instead, give your baby a sponge bath, keeping the cord area dry and clean. Here's how to bathe your newborn:
Sponge Bathing: Gently wash your baby using a soft washcloth dipped in warm water. Start by cleaning the face and work your way down the body, being mindful of any folds or creases. Keep your baby warm by covering areas you are not washing with a soft towel.
Umbilical Cord Care: Keep the umbilical stump clean and dry. Avoid submerging it in water until it falls off, usually between 1-2 weeks after birth. If it becomes dirty, gently clean it with a damp cloth and pat it dry.
Water Temperature: Ensure the water is comfortably warm, but not too hot (around 100°F or 37.8°C).
PLAYING
Even at this early stage, interaction is important. Talk, sing, and read to your baby to begin fostering a bond and supporting their cognitive development.
Read, sing, and talk to your baby. Avoid TV and digital media.
Calm your baby by rocking or massaging them.
NEVER hit or shake your baby.
SLEEPING
Safe sleep practices are essential. Always place your baby on their back in a crib with no soft objects or loose items. Keeping the crib in your room is recommended for the first few months.
Always put your baby to sleep on their back, in their own crib.
Put your baby’s crib in your room for the first couple of months
Do not put soft objects or any loose items in bed with your baby—no blankets, pillows, bumper pads, or stuffed animals.
SAFETY CHECK-IN
Safety is a top priority during the first week. Ensure your baby’s car seat is rear-facing and securely installed in the back seat. Maintain a safe home environment by keeping hazardous materials out of reach and being prepared for emergencies.
Safety In The Car and on the Road
Always buckle your baby in a rear-facing-only car seat in the back seat of the vehicle.
Do not take your baby out of the car seat while the vehicle is moving.
Find a safe place to stop the car and then attend to your little one
Always wear your lap/shoulder belt Do NOT drive under the influence.
Do NOT text while driving. Do NOT drive under the influence.
Infants are especially vulnerable to high temperatures and low temperatures. So, Do NOT EVER leave your baby in a vehicle unattended, even for a few minutes.
Start a habit that prevents you from leaving your child in the car, such as leaving your phone in the backseat
Never put a baby in the front seat of a vehicle that has passenger airbags.
Safety Around Water, Sun, and Chemicals
Keep hot liquids out of reach of your baby.
Prevent tap water burns. Set your water heater to 1200F/490C
Avoid sun exposure for your baby
Tobacco-free environments only
Avoid using pesticides in or around your home.
Safety in the Home and Emergency Planning
Purchase a first aid kit
take a first aid and infant CPR class.
Keep your home and car smoke-free. Don’t smoke or use e-cigarettes.
Make sure their crib meets the most recent safety standards.
Illness Prevention and Care
Wash your hands often with soap and water.
Use a rectal thermometer to take your baby’s temperature, not an ear, forehead, or another thermometer. A rectal temperature of 100.40 F or higher is considered a fever.
If your child has a fever, call their healthcare provider.
Avoid crowds and make sure others wash their hands before touching the baby.
Conclusion
The first week with your baby is a time of profound change, where every moment feels new and significant. By focusing on essential care practices, nurturing your baby, and taking care of yourself, you’re laying the groundwork for a healthy, loving relationship. Remember, this journey is just beginning, and the love and care you provide now will shape your baby’s world as they grow. Embrace these early days with patience, tenderness, and the knowledge that you are doing an amazing job.
