The First Week with Your Newborn: What to Expect

10 February 2026

Bringing your newborn home from the hospital can feel like stepping into a completely new world. One minute you're celebrating your baby's arrival, and the next, you're knee-deep in diapers, cluster feeding, and trying to decode every little sound they make. The first week with your newborn is a beautiful blur of love, learning, and (let’s be real) a bit of chaos.

So, what can you actually expect during those first seven days? Let’s break it down so you can feel more confident and prepared for this wild and wonderful ride.

That First Ride Home: A Mix of Emotions

Leaving the hospital can feel like someone just handed you the keys to a spaceship and said, “Good luck!” You’re excited, nervous, maybe a little terrified—and you’re not alone. Every new parent feels like they’re winging it at first. The drive home probably feels slower than ever (safety first!), and you might obsess over whether the car seat is installed just right.

Guess what? That’s totally normal. Your instincts are already kicking in, and that’s a great sign.

Days 1–2: Getting to Know Each Other

Skin-to-Skin Magic

One of the most important things you can do early on is keep your baby close—literally. Skin-to-skin contact helps regulate your newborn’s temperature, heart rate, and even blood sugar. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to bond. Don’t be surprised if your baby seems most content lying on your chest—they just spent nine months inside you, after all!

Feeding Around the Clock

Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, expect to feed your newborn every 2–3 hours—yes, even at night. Newborns have tiny tummies (about the size of a cherry!), so they need small, frequent meals. Feeding can be challenging at first, especially if you're breastfeeding and both of you are still figuring it out.

Pro tip: Don’t hesitate to reach out to a lactation consultant for help. They’re like the baby whisperers of the boob world.

Days 3–4: The Real Homecoming Begins

Baby Blues (And That’s OK)

Around day 3 or 4, you might start feeling a little emotional. One minute you’re crying because your baby yawned (so cute!), and the next, you’re overwhelmed by everything. Hormonal shifts, lack of sleep, and the huge life change all pile up.

It’s called the “baby blues,” and it happens to roughly 70-80% of new moms. It’s totally normal and usually fades within a week or two. But if you’re feeling hopeless, anxious, or not like yourself, reach out to your doctor—postpartum depression is real, and you don’t have to go through it alone.

Feeding Troubles? You’re Not Failing

If feeding isn’t going smoothly right away, please know—it’s not your fault. Latching issues, low milk supply, or even just the stress of it all can throw a wrench in your plans. Keep asking for help, and don’t let anyone pressure you into one "right" way to feed your baby. Fed is best, always.

Diapers, Diapers, and More Diapers

By the end of the first week, expect to be a diapering pro. Your newborn will go through about 6–10 diapers a day. That’s a lot of diaper changes!

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- Pee: 6+ wet diapers a day
- Poop: Varies, but at least 3–4 times a day (especially if breastfeeding)

The color and consistency will change too. Don’t panic if you see black, tar-like poop at first (that’s meconium—totally normal). It lightens up over the week.

Sleep (Or Lack Thereof)

Let’s talk sleep, or rather, the lack of it. Newborns sleep about 16–18 hours a day, but in very short stretches. Think 2–3 hours max. That means you’ll be waking up often, which can be rough.

But here’s the good part: This phase doesn’t last forever. Sleep comes in waves, and eventually you’ll bank a few solid hours. For now, sleep when your baby sleeps—even if it’s only a catnap. Laundry can wait.

Baby's First Check-Up

Usually, your baby's first doctor appointment is within a few days of birth, especially if you leave the hospital early. Expect your pediatrician to:
- Check baby’s weight (they often lose a little at first)
- Look at jaundice levels
- Assess feeding and diaper output
- Go over safety, sleep, and general newborn care

Have questions? Bring them all. No question is too small or silly.

Your Baby’s Appearance: Expect the Unexpected

Okay, so newborns don’t always look like the Gerber baby right off the bat. Their heads might be a little cone-shaped, their skin could be flaky, and they might have swollen eyes or puffy genitals. Totally normal. Birth is a pretty intense journey!

In the first week, your baby’s features will start to settle. Skin coloring may shift slightly (watch for yellowing—it could signal jaundice) and any swelling usually fades.

Also: Baby acne, dry skin, and little white bumps on the nose? All normal.

Umbilical Cord Care

Your baby's umbilical cord stump will usually fall off within 1–2 weeks. Until then:
- Keep it dry (no full baths)
- Avoid covering it with tight diapers
- Don’t worry if it looks weird or crusty—just keep an eye out for redness or an unpleasant smell (could be an infection)

Your First Bath-Time Adventure

You probably won’t give your newborn a full bath during the first week, but you can do gentle sponge baths. Focus on the face, neck, and diaper area. Choose a time when your baby is calm and not hungry—and have everything ready beforehand. Nothing says “new parent panic” like a naked, screaming baby and no towel in sight!

Listening to Your Gut

One of the hardest things during the first week is the constant second-guessing. Is the baby eating enough? Is that cry normal? Does this look okay?

Trust yourself. Seriously.

You are the expert on your baby. Your instincts are smarter than any parenting book or app. And if something feels off, it’s okay to call the pediatrician. That’s literally why they’re there.

Bonding and Emotional Rollercoasters

Bonding with your newborn isn’t always instant. Movies make it seem like love at first sight, but for many parents, it takes days or even weeks to really feel the connection. Holding, feeding, cuddling, singing—it all helps. Give yourself grace. You're both getting to know each other.

Emotionally? Expect highs and lows. One day you’re staring at your baby in awe, the next you’re barely hanging on. That’s the ride. Hold on tight, and don’t forget to breathe.

Partner Involvement: They’re Not Just On Diaper Duty

Your partner might feel unsure about how to help at first. Encourage them to get involved:
- Diaper changes
- Bottle feeding or burping
- Skin-to-skin snuggles
- Soothing and rocking

Let them build their own bond with the baby. This is a team effort, and you both bring something special to the table.

Essential Tips for Surviving (and Thriving) That First Week

Here are a few quick survival tips that can make a big difference:

- Say yes to help: Meals, laundry, baby-holding while you shower—take it all.
- Stock up on snacks: Newborns snack all day, and you should too.
- Sleep in shifts: If possible, trade off night duties.
- Lower your expectations: The house doesn’t need to be clean. You don’t need to entertain guests. You’re keeping a tiny human alive—that’s more than enough.
- Prioritize your recovery: If you had a vaginal or C-section birth, you’re healing too. Rest, hydrate, and ask for help when you need it.

When to Call the Doctor

While most newborn quirks are nothing to worry about, here are some signs to call your pediatrician ASAP:
- Trouble breathing
- Inconsolable crying for hours
- No wet diapers for more than 8 hours
- A fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes
- Not feeding well or frequent vomiting

You’ve got this—just keep your eyes open and don’t be afraid to advocate for your baby.

The Bottom Line

The first week with your newborn is like jumping into the deep end of the pool. Some moments feel like a dream, others like a sleepless fog. It’s overwhelming, emotional, exhausting—and also incredibly beautiful.

You won’t have all the answers right away. But you will learn what every cry means, how your baby likes to be held, and when they’re ready to eat. You’ll find your rhythm.

So take it one day at a time. Snuggle more. Stress less. And remember—you're doing better than you think.