Get prepared for the emotional and physical challenges in your baby’s first week of life
The moment you hold your baby for the first time, your world changes. It’s beautiful. It’s intense. It’s also completely overwhelming — and that’s okay. The first week with a newborn is a rollercoaster of emotions, sleepless nights, and physical recovery — for both your baby and you.
This guide is here to help you prepare mentally and physically for what’s ahead, so you can navigate the chaos with a little more clarity and confidence.
🍼 Day-by-Day: What Happens in the First Week?
🗓️ Day 1: Birth
- Skin-to-skin contact is encouraged immediately to promote bonding and regulate baby’s temperature, breathing, and heart rate.
- The baby will likely sleep a lot and feed only a little at first — this is normal.
- First poop (called meconium) will be sticky, black, and tar-like.
🗓️ Day 2–3: Cluster Feeding Begins
- Expect frequent feeding (every 1–2 hours), especially if breastfeeding.
- Baby may cry more and seem unsettled — this is often a sign of cluster feeding, helping stimulate milk production.
- You may feel tired, emotional, or unsure — welcome to the baby blues, experienced by up to 80% of new moms.
🗓️ Day 4–5: Milk Comes In
- Your breasts may feel full, warm, even painful as milk replaces colostrum.
- Baby’s weight may drop slightly — this is normal (up to 10% is okay).
- Expect more wet and dirty diapers as baby starts to feed more efficiently.
🗓️ Day 6–7: Settling In (Sort Of)
- You might start recognizing feeding cues and baby’s different cries.
- Sleep patterns remain irregular — newborns sleep up to 16–18 hours/day, but in short bursts.
- Your baby is beginning to adapt to the outside world — and so are you.
🤱 What Newborns Need in the First Week
- Warmth & touch: Your baby needs physical closeness to feel secure.
- Frequent feeding: Whether breastfeeding or formula-feeding, newborns eat every 2–3 hours.
- Clean diapers: Expect 6+ wet diapers and 3–4 dirty diapers per day by the end of the week.
- Check-ups: Pediatric visits are typically scheduled within the first 3–5 days for weight check, jaundice screening, and general health.
🧠 What You Might Be Feeling
😴 Exhaustion
You’re probably running on adrenaline and no sleep. Rest when the baby sleeps (yes, really), and accept help when offered.
😢 Emotional Whirlwind
Mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability are normal — your hormones are adjusting rapidly. However, if feelings of sadness or anxiety persist or worsen, talk to your doctor — it could be postpartum depression.
😵💫 Overwhelmed
You’re learning how to feed, burp, soothe, and swaddle a tiny human — that’s a lot. Give yourself permission to be a beginner.
🩺 Health Concerns to Watch For
- Jaundice: Yellowing of skin or eyes; mild cases are common, but moderate/severe cases need phototherapy.
- Fever: Any temperature over 100.4°F (38°C) in a newborn is urgent. Seek medical care immediately.
- Poor feeding or no wet diapers: Contact your pediatrician.
📚 Useful References
- NHS – Your Baby’s First Days
- HealthyChildren.org – First Week Home with Baby
- La Leche League – Breastfeeding in the Early Days
💡 Tips to Stay Sane
- Create a simple routine (but be flexible). Feed, burp, change diaper, cuddle, nap — repeat.
- Keep the lights low at night to teach day/night rhythm.
- Don’t compare your baby or recovery to others. Every family’s journey is different.
❤️ Final Thought
The first week can feel like a blur — and that’s perfectly normal. You’re doing one of the hardest and most meaningful jobs in the world: keeping a brand-new human alive while recovering from birth. That takes strength, patience, and grace.
Be kind to yourself. You’ve got this. 💪
