One Week Old Baby- What To Expect – You have had your baby and your life has begun as a parent. Here is what to expect in the first week of your baby’s birth: from feeding to sleep, development and more. We have even focus on some care tips that you do not want to miss. Let’s dive into everything that you can expect with your one week old baby.
How Your 1-Week-Old Baby Is Developing
Your baby has just arrived but in the coming weeks, they will make huge changes. This usually surprises most new parents! Let’s dive into all of the changes your baby will be having in the first week:
Reflexes You’ll Notice
How can a baby so small move so much? You may be surprised with your child’s reflexes! Your newborn arrives with essential reflexes that support feeding and survival:
- Rooting reflex: Turns head toward cheek touch—helps with breastfeeding.
- Moro (startle) reflex: Sudden flailing when startled—normal neurological response.
- Grasp reflex: Holds onto your finger—heart-melting and healthy.
Vision & Interaction
Your baby has begun to visualize but with some restrictions. Learn how your baby sees in the first week:
- Newborns focus best 8–12 inches away, just enough to see your face while feeding.
- They are attracted to high-contrast shapes and respond to your voice.
- Expect brief alert periods alternating with sleep.
Feeding Your 1-Week-Old
The hours blend together and you are either sleeping or feeding your new baby. Here is what a typical feeding looks like in your first week.
Typical Feeding Patterns
Here are some typical feeds for both a breastfed baby and a bottle fed baby:
- Breastfed baby: 8–12 feeds per 24 hours
- Formula-fed baby: 1.5–3 oz (45–90 mL) every 2–3 hours
Feed on demand, following hunger cues like rooting, hand-to-mouth motions, or fussing.
Diaper & Wetness Expectations
Can you believe how many times you change your newborn’s diaper? Check out what you should be expecting in your one week old’s diaper:
- Wet diapers: 6+ per day
- Stool: 3+ yellow, seedy poops daily for breastfed babies; formula-fed may vary
If fewer than 3 wet diapers in 24 hours, contact your healthcare provider.
Cluster Feeding & Sleepy Feeds
Some babies do cluster feed, here is when you can expect it:
- Cluster feeding, especially in evenings, is normal.
- After large feeds, babies may sleep longer—this helps them adjust and grow.
Sleep & Safe Sleep Tips
Your baby sleeps a lot! Here are some sleep and safety tips for your baby’s first week after birth:
Typical Sleep Patterns
Here are some typical sleep patterns:
- 14–17 hours per 24 hours, usually in 30-minute to 3-hour stretches.
- Waking for feeds is expected.
Safe Sleep Practices
There are some safe sleep practices that all parents should know:
Always follow the ABCs:
- Alone
- Back
- Crib (or bassinet)
Use a firm mattress, fitted sheet, no pillows, blankets, bumpers, or toys.
Baby’s Appearance & Umbilical Cord Care
Sometimes, parents can be surprised about the appearance of their baby in the first few days. Parents are concerned about skin peeling, baby acne and even umbilical cord care. Here are some things that may surprise you about your baby’s appearance.
Common Normal Findings
These are normal findings with your newborn baby:
- Peeling or dry skin
- Puffy eyelids
- Baby acne or milia
- Soft spot (fontanelle)
- Slightly curled legs
Umbilical Cord Care
The umbilical cord on your newborn is a big concern and caution for parents. Let us put you at ease on umbilical cord care. Here are some facts to look at:
- Stump usually falls off between 7–21 days
- Keep dry, fold diaper down, avoid touching
- Small bleeding is normal; foul smell, spreading redness, or yellow discharge requires medical attention
Bonding & Comfort
Bonding between you and your baby is integral. These moments are precious for you and for your baby it means bonding, learning, observing and growing. Here are a few common moments that are helping your child learn and grow!
Skin-to-Skin & Eye Contact
- Regulates temperature, heart rate, and breathing
- Strengthens emotional connection
Talking, Singing & Gentle Rocking
- Your voice is soothing and familiar
- Helps with early communication and bonding
When to Contact Your Healthcare Provider
Call if your baby has:
- Fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher)
- Trouble feeding or refusing feeds
- No wet diapers for 8+ hours
- Blue lips or difficulty breathing
- Worsening jaundice
- Lethargy or limpness
What Parents Usually Feel at One Week
You may be experiencing a wide range of feelings and emotions that are completely normal. These feelings matter. Here are some common ones that parents feel in that first week:
- Emotional, protective, or teary
- Overwhelmed or sleep-deprived
- Deeply connected to your baby
- Adjusting to new routines is normal—give yourself grace
Quick Checklist for Week One
Here is a quick checklist for your first week to help you keep on track and put you at ease:
- ✅ Track feeds & diaper counts
- ✅ Practice safe sleep (ABC’s)
- ✅ Keep umbilical stump dry
- ✅ Daily skin-to-skin bonding
- ✅ Schedule newborn checkup
- ✅ Watch for jaundice or feeding concerns
- ✅ Take short rest breaks for yourself
Congratulations on your first week as a new parent to your newborn. There is a lot to take in. You are doing a great job and just take it one moment at a time. There will be feelings of joy and overwhelm, sadness and serenity. It is all valid.
References (APA Style)
- American Academy of Pediatrics. (2023). Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5. Bantam.
- Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024). Newborn care: 1-week-old baby. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/newborn/art-20046186
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Newborn health. https://www.cdc.gov/babies/health
