WeMoms
2 Apr 2024

Baby's first weeks

Baby's First Weeks
The first weeks of your baby's life are filled with wonder, joy, and the joyous challenges of getting to know your little one.
As a new parent, you'll experience a whirlwind of emotions as you navigate the early days of caring for your baby.
From feeding and sleep to bonding and development, here's a glimpse into what to expect and how to nurture your baby during their first weeks.
Feeding and Nourishing Your Baby
  1. Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding: Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, focus on creating a peaceful and comfortable feeding environment. Hold your baby close, maintain eye contact, and respond to their hunger cues.
  2. Frequent Feeding: Newborns have small stomachs and need to feed frequently, typically every 2-3 hours. Pay attention to your baby's hunger cues, such as rooting or sucking on their hands, and offer them nourishment.
  3. Burping: After each feeding, gently pat or rub your baby's back to help them release any swallowed air. This can minimize discomfort and reduce the likelihood of spit-up.
Bonding and Building Connections
  1. Skin-to-Skin Contact: Engage in skin-to-skin contact by holding your baby against your bare chest. This practice promotes bonding, regulates their body temperature, and encourages breastfeeding.
  2. Eye Contact and Talking: Look into your baby's eyes, smile, and talk to them. Your voice and presence provide comfort and help establish a strong emotional connection.
  3. Cuddling and Soothing: Embrace the power of touch by cuddling and soothing your baby. Gentle rocking, swaying, or softly singing can create a calming and secure environment.
Sleep and Comfort
  1. Sleep Patterns: Newborns sleep for short periods throughout the day and night. Follow your baby's cues and create a calm and cozy sleep environment. Place your baby on their back to sleep and ensure a firm and safe sleep surface.
  2. Establishing a Routine: While newborns don't adhere to strict schedules, establishing a gentle routine can help your baby distinguish between day and night. Create a soothing bedtime routine that includes dimming lights, gentle music, and quiet activities.
  3. Comfort Measures: Swaddling, using a pacifier, or employing white noise machines can provide comfort and aid in your baby's sleep. Experiment with different techniques to find what works best for your little one.
Development and Stimulation
  1. Tummy Time: Give your baby supervised tummy time each day to promote their development. Place them on their tummy on a firm surface to strengthen their neck, shoulder, and back muscles.
  2. Visual Stimulation: Introduce simple patterns, contrasting colors, and toys with different textures to engage your baby's developing vision. They will gradually become more responsive and curious about their surroundings.
  3. Gentle Play and Singing: Engage in gentle play by singing lullabies, using soft rattles, or providing age-appropriate toys. These activities stimulate your baby's senses and encourage cognitive development.
Self-Care for Parents
  1. Rest and Nourishment: As you care for your baby, remember to prioritize your own well-being. Rest when your baby sleeps, eat nutritious meals, and stay hydrated. Taking care of yourself allows you to better care for your baby.
  2. Accept Help and Support: Reach out to your partner, family, or friends for assistance. Accepting help with household tasks or childcare can relieve some of the stress and provide you with much-needed breaks.
  3. Emotional Well-being: Embrace your emotions and seek emotional support when needed. Talk openly with your partner, join support groups, or connect with other parents who are going through similar experiences.
Dive deeper with related reads
K
Katee
1 Oct 2023

First sonogram found out I’m 8 weeks and due may 10th , this is my first baby . Excited and scared at same time , :)

4 comments
TeeTee
Congrats 👏🎉 hun wishing you all the best on your pregnancy
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
K
Katee
Thank you so much
27 Mar 2024

Answer


J
Jameria
30 Aug 2023

Hello !! I am 6 weeks and this is my first baby I am excited and scared. Any other first time mommies ?

7 comments
M
Mari
Same here first apt tomorrow!
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

R
Rayne
29 Jun 2023

Finally baby is looking like a baby!☺️ first time mom at 8 weeks 4 days and first ultra sound is tomorrow!!! Anyone have tips for the first trimester? Super excited!

17 comments
J
Jasmine
Congratulations.. please keep us updated. First time mom here also. My first appt is 8/1 I’m super excited and nervous as well.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
R
Rayne
Congrats! Definitely will and wishing you all the luck too!
27 Mar 2024

Answer


C
Cori
19 Jun 2023

Baby's first ultrasound today 🥰 8 weeks and 5 days very healthy! 👶🍼💖💙✨

1 comments
C
Cori
My kids are super excited to be big siblings ❤️
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

T
Toni
3 Jun 2023

First baby, first ultrasound at 9 weeks.. how is she so cute already (According to SneakPeek we’re having a girl🥰)

3 comments
K
Kyndsey
Im doing sneak peak too haha im excited
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
T
Toni
Ive heard it’s very accurate!! It’s supposedly difficult to get a girl result because any form of male DNA can contaminate it even like a male animal hair Let us know how it goes! ❤️😊
27 Mar 2024

Answer


c
courtney
26 Apr 2023

My first ultrasound! My first baby after miscarriage Baby is 10 weeks due date nov 23rd ☺️

7 comments
E
Elizabeth
🎉 my due date is November 19
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
C
Cynthia
Congratulations I just went thru a miscarriage friday 😥, hope I get my rainbow 🌈 baby
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Amber
17 Feb 2023

Our little peanut! 9 weeks 1 day when we had our first ultrasound this past Monday. It’s our first baby so we’re extremely excited! Currently 9 weeks and 5 days now.

45 comments
T
Tameka
What are your symptoms do you have some
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
A
Amber
Sore breasts, hungry a lot and having some cravings already, nausea now and then but not often and no vomiting, I’m tired a lot sometimes i can’t stay awake, and very slight mood changes especially if I see someone else crying then I start to tear up. That’s about all my symptoms right now.
27 Mar 2024

Answer


A
Ariana
15 Jan 2023

35 weeks. 3rd baby… first 2 were boys and this baby will be my 1st girl!💗🙈

1 comments
E
Erica
My first two were boys then I also got my baby girl. Now I'm having a little baby boy.
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments

F
Felicia
26 Dec 2022

33 weeks with baby girl 🎀 Baby boys first Christmas and first birthday!! 🎄🧸🎄

2 comments
L
Leah
oh you waisted no time! they gonna be besties ♡
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
F
Felicia
I feel like I been pregnant for two years 😂
27 Mar 2024

Answer


S
Sarah
1 Jun 2022

My first time seeing baby ! I’m between 7-8 weeks. Baby’s heart rate was 161 BPM 😁

10 comments
M
Mary
Mine was 174in 8 weeks n 4 days
27 Mar 2024

Answer

See more comments
M
Marisela
Oh yay!! Congratulations!! We seen our baby for the 1st time today too. I am 8wks 2 days due Jan 9th. Our heart rate was 164 bpm today
27 Mar 2024

Answer


Related articles

Hot topics