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Your baby's development: week one
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One week old baby
Your new little bundle of joy may only be one week old but there is a lot going on in her tiny body. Here are some things you can expect to see, hear, and experience in her first week of life.
Most babies will lose approximately five to seven percent of their birth weight, but by the end of their first week they usually regain this weight loss.
Peeing and pooping is probably your baby's number one skill at this point and it is most likely happening all day long. Be sure to keep a changing pad close because it is going to come in very handy.
You will notice your baby blinking her eyes this week; this is because everything is so much brighter than what she is used to. While those little eyes are blinking you may also begin to wonder what color her eyes will be. Most newborns' eyes begin as grey or blue, but you probably won't know her true eye color until she is about six months old. Your baby can focus between eight and fourteen inches away now.
Most new mothers wonder when and how often to feed their baby but she will definitely let you know. You may notice her rooting (looking for your breast or the bottle), sucking on her hands, and more than likely, crying. Pay attention to your baby's signals as well as your instincts.
More than anything else this week, your baby will cry...a lot. This is your baby's only way of communicating with you. Crying is her way of making sure you meet her basic needs. All this crying will probably wear on your nerves, patience, and sleep schedule. Don't be afraid to ask for help. You will benefit from having your spouse, mother, or friend lend a hand so you can get a few minutes of peace and quiet. Consider her cries as a special language between the two of you, ultimately you are one of the only people who knows what each of her cries mean.
Join me each week to learn more about your baby's development and growth.
NEW MOM TIP: Swaddle your baby. Swaddling allows your baby to feel like she is in the womb again because she is wrapped snug and warm in a blanket. Swaddling can decrease the amount of crying your baby does.
**The information provided in this article should not be considered as medical advice; any questions or advice you seek should be directed to a doctor.
**The contents of this article are based solely on the opinions and experience of the author.
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