Your 1 Week Old: What to Expect

Your baby has finally arrived! After months of anticipation, you’re holding that sweet little bundle of joy. While you might not have expected the slightly puffy eyes or the soft wrinkles, it makes sense after their long stay in your womb and the journey through the birth canal, especially if you had a vaginal delivery.

Rest assured, your baby is beautiful, and over the coming weeks, the newborn appearance will gradually transform, revealing even more of their adorable features.

This is the perfect time to enjoy those early snuggles, feedings, and moments of skin-to-skin bonding. It’s important to remember that bonding doesn’t always happen instantly. For many parents, it’s a process that unfolds over the first few weeks or months.

So, what can you expect during your baby’s first week? Here’s a quick overview:

Your Baby’s First Week

During the first few days, your newborn may seem a bit sleepy, recovering from the effort of birth. This is perfectly normal, so don’t worry if they’re extra drowsy.

Newborns typically sleep for 14 to 17 hours a day, waking every two to four hours for feedings. Breastfed babies should be fed on demand, while formula-fed babies may consume 16 to 24 ounces in 24 hours.

Your baby may also lose a bit of weight in the first few days. Nearly all newborns do, but they’ll begin to gain it back over the next couple of weeks, especially with regular feedings.

What Can Your Baby Do?

In their first week, your baby will likely lift their head briefly during tummy time and focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away — just the right distance for gazing at your face. You’ll also notice reflexes like the rooting reflex, which helps them find the breast or bottle, and the startle reflex.

It’s important to rest when your baby is resting. As the weeks pass, they’ll become more alert, giving you more opportunities to bond and engage.

Growth and Development

Most newborns weigh between 5½ and 9½ pounds and are about 18 to 22 inches long. Don’t be concerned if your baby is outside this range; various factors, including genetics, can affect birth weight and size.

Health Checkups and Umbilical Cord Care

At Kids Central Pediatrics, your baby will receive their first well-baby visit around one week old. This visit will include health screenings, a check of the umbilical cord, and advice for the weeks ahead. Keep an eye on your baby’s appearance, and contact us if you notice signs of jaundice or other concerns.