Bringing a newborn home is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming experience for new parents. We get it – it can be downright scary. Understanding what’s normal for a newborn is crucial for peace of mind and ensuring your little one is thriving. Let’s take a look at some insights into various aspects of newborn health and development, and highlight common behaviors, physical characteristics, and changes you can expect in the first weeks of life.
Feeding Patterns. Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours, whether breastfed or bottle-fed. In fact, the frequency of feeding is one of the most surprising things for new parents, who might expect longer breaks between sessions. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), breastfed babies should be nursed 8-12 times per day, while formula-fed infants usually take 1.5-3 ounces per feeding.
Dr. Jennifer Trachtenberg, a pediatrician, emphasizes, “It’s completely normal for newborns to feed often. Their stomachs are small, and breast milk or formula is digested quickly, which means they need to eat frequently to get the necessary calories.” She advises parents not to worry if their baby seems hungry more often during growth spurts, which typically occur around 2-3 weeks, 6 weeks, and again at 3 months.
Sleep Cycles. Newborns sleep a lot—usually around 16 to 18 hours a day. However, their sleep comes in short bursts, typically lasting 2-4 hours at a time. This pattern can be exhausting for parents, but it’s helpful to know that this fragmented sleep is completely normal for the early weeks of life.
“Newborns don’t follow the same sleep cycles as adults,” explains Dr. William Sears, a pediatrician and author of numerous parenting books. “Their sleep-wake patterns are based more on feeding needs than circadian rhythms.” Sears reassures parents that by around 3 to 4 months of age, babies begin to sleep for longer stretches as their internal clocks start to develop.
Crying. Crying is the primary form of communication for a newborn. It’s common for babies to cry for 2-3 hours a day during the first few weeks of life, and it doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Dr. Harvey Karp, renowned pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block, states, “Crying peaks around 6 weeks of age, but it’s important to understand that crying is a way for babies to express hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or a need to be close to their parents.”
Karp recommends techniques like swaddling, shushing, and gentle rocking to help soothe a fussy baby, often referred to as the “5 S’s”—a method that many parents find effective in calming their newborns. (See below if you want to know more!)
Skin and Appearance. Newborns often surprise parents with how different they look from day to day. Many infants are born with a layer of fine hair called lanugo, which typically falls out within the first few weeks. In addition, skin conditions such as baby acne, peeling skin, and jaundice (a yellow tint) are common in the early days.
“Newborn skin is delicate and will change over time,” says Dr. Elizabeth Murray, a pediatric emergency physician. “Baby acne is normal and usually clears up on its own. Mild jaundice can also be common in newborns, but it’s always a good idea to have your pediatrician evaluate it to ensure it’s within a safe range.”
Reflexes. One of the most fascinating aspects of newborn development is their reflexes. These automatic responses are essential for survival and are key indicators of healthy neurological development.
Dr. Heidi Murkoff, author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting, explains, “Newborn reflexes, like the Moro reflex (startle response) or rooting reflex (turning their head toward a touch on the cheek), are vital and completely normal. These reflexes will gradually fade as the baby’s nervous system matures.”
The newborn stage can be both beautiful and bewildering, but understanding what’s normal for a newborn helps to reassure parents during this transformative time. As Dr. Trachtenberg concludes, “Trust your instincts, but also remember that babies are incredibly resilient. When in doubt, your pediatrician is always there to guide you through the journey of your baby’s early development.”
If you have any concerns about your newborn’s health, don’t hesitate to reach out to us here at KidMed. Every baby is different, and while the general guidelines apply to most, we can provide advice tailored to your little one’s unique needs.
The 5 S Method
The 5 S Method is a popular technique for soothing fussy or colicky babies, developed by Dr. Harvey Karp, a pediatrician and author of The Happiest Baby on the Block. The method is based on recreating the conditions of the womb, which helps calm newborns, especially in the first few months of life. The “5 S’s” stand for Swaddling, Side/Stomach Position, Shushing, Swinging, and Sucking, each designed to comfort babies and help them feel secure.
Here’s a breakdown of the 5 S’s:
Swaddling. Swaddling involves wrapping the baby snugly in a blanket with their arms down, recreating the feeling of being in the womb. Swaddling can help prevent the startle reflex, which often wakes babies up. Dr. Karp notes, “Babies are used to tight quarters in the womb, so swaddling helps them feel more secure, calm, and comfortable.”
Side or Stomach Position. Holding the baby on their side or stomach (but not for sleeping) helps calm their reflexes. Babies tend to feel uneasy when placed on their backs during fussy moments, as it can trigger their startle reflex. The side or stomach position works by providing a sense of support, much like the fetal position in the womb.
Shushing. Making a loud “shhh” sound imitates the whooshing noises babies hear in the womb, which are often louder than people realize. This noise is believed to be soothing because it mimics the familiar background sound of blood flow through the placenta. Dr. Karp suggests that “shushing should be as loud as the baby’s crying to get their attention, then gradually soften as they calm down.”
Swinging. Gentle, rhythmic movements help soothe babies by mimicking the motion they experienced in the womb when the mother moved. Swinging, rocking, or bouncing provides the motion babies are accustomed to, which helps to calm them. The key is to use small, jiggly movements while supporting the baby’s head and neck.
Sucking. Sucking, whether on a pacifier, a bottle, or breastfeeding, is one of the most comforting reflexes for babies. It helps them relax and self-soothe. Dr. Karp explains that sucking releases chemicals in the brain that promote a sense of calm and well-being in newborns.
How the 5 S’s Work Together. The 5 S’s are often most effective when used in combination. For example, swaddling the baby, holding them on their side, and simultaneously using a shushing sound and gentle swinging can rapidly calm a crying newborn. Dr. Karp’s method is based on the idea that young infants have a “calming reflex,” which can be triggered by these five strategies. It can be particularly helpful for parents dealing with colicky or excessively fussy babies, providing a structured, step-by-step approach to comfort their newborns during those difficult early weeks.