Newborn Baby Month 1: Crying, Sleep and Growth in Early Days

During the first month, you may feel tense as you are still learning to look after your baby. That is normal. Try to enjoy this time and worry a little less.
There is a lot to do for a baby besides feeding and keeping him or her warm, and you can trust your instincts for many things. Your newborn is also taking in a lot of new things, like new smells, light, touch and your love. Start building a bond with your baby by talking to him or her often.

Crying

Babies cry often, because it is the only way they can talk in their early days. It is their way of saying that they need you. They cry when they feel hungry, tired, overwhelmed, cold, lonely or bored. So, whenever your baby cries, check if the diaper is wet and if your baby is hungry. Help your baby settle down by patting, holding or rocking them and making soft shh sounds.

Some babies have colic. They seem to cry all the time, for no clear reason. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says about one fifth of all babies get colic, usually between the second and fourth weeks. It usually stops by 3 to 4 months, but it can last until 6 months. Normal fussing usually peaks at about 3 hours a day by 6 weeks old. A crying baby is one of the most common reasons parents call the doctor in the first few months, and a checkup can ease your worries. Call your baby's doctor if the crying does not stop, if your baby seems sick or if you are worried. Read more in our post on why babies cry.

Sleeping

Babies sleep a lot in the first few months. All they seem to do in the first month is eat, sleep, cry and sleep again. A growing baby needs lots of rest. The AAP says newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours a day, but they may only sleep 1 or 2 hours at a time.

Always place your baby on their back to sleep, for naps and at night. The AAP says babies who sleep on their backs are much less likely to die suddenly and unexpectedly than babies who sleep on their stomachs or sides.

How much will baby grow?

Your baby will become stronger and more expressive each day. During the first month, the neck muscles are still weak, so your baby needs you to support their head. The AAP says a baby this age can move their head from side to side while lying on their stomach, but the head flops backward if it is not supported.
Tummy time helps make the neck and shoulders stronger. The AAP says to start with a short amount of tummy time soon after you get home from the hospital. An awake adult should always watch. Slowly add more time until your baby does at least 15 to 30 minutes a day by 7 weeks old.
In the first month, your baby has strong reflexes and keeps their hands in tight fists. If you put your finger in their palm, they will grab it. Your baby is still learning about their arms and legs. Playing with your baby helps them learn.
Your baby can see best at about 8 to 12 inches away, about the distance to your face when you hold them. The AAP says hearing is fully mature by the end of the first month, and your baby may turn toward familiar voices. Singing to your baby and playing gentle bedtime lullabies for newborns is a sweet way to bond.
How fast your baby grows depends on many things, like weight at birth. Babies born early grow at different speeds. Your doctor will track your baby's growth at each visit. The growth of a premature baby is measured by their corrected age.

Songs to sing with your newborn

Your voice is your baby's favorite sound. Try Go To Sleep Lullaby, with the soft words "Hush my baby don't weep," or Rockabye Baby Lullaby, where mother sits near in her rocking chair. Twinkle Twinkle Little Star is another calm classic. You can find more calm baby music on our music page.

Questions Parents Ask About Newborn Month 1

How many hours does a newborn sleep?

The AAP says newborns sleep about 16 to 17 hours a day, often only 1 or 2 hours at a time.

When does colic start and stop?

The AAP says colic usually starts between the second and fourth weeks and stops by 3 to 4 months. It can last until 6 months.

When can I start tummy time?

Soon after you get home from the hospital. Start with short sessions and always watch your baby.

How far can a newborn see?

About 8 to 12 inches, which is about the distance to your face while you hold them.

This post is for general information only. It is not medical advice. If you have questions about your child's health, please talk to your child's doctor.