Normal Newborn Behavior
Congratulations on your new arrival! Understanding your newborn’s behavior can help you feel more confident in caring for your little one. Here’s what to expect and where to go if you have questions or need support:
Feeding Patterns
- Signs of Hunger: Watch for early feeding cues like stirring, stretching, lip smacking, sucking on hands, and rooting. Crying is a late sign of hunger.
- Frequency: Newborns typically feed 8 to 12 times per day, but not always at consistent intervals. Most feedings will be about every 1.5 to 3 hours (from the start of one feeding until the start of the next).
- Length of Feedings: Offer both breasts at each feeding. Babies will typically nurse longer on the first side, but a good rule of thumb is about 10 to 20 minutes on each side at every feeding.
- Cluster Feedings: Many babies will have a period of time during the day (often in the late afternoon or evening) when they cluster their feedings more closely together; sometimes feeding every hour (or more!) for several hours straight. This is very normal.
- One Longer Stretch: If your baby is feeding at least 8 to 12 times per day, having plenty of wet and dirty diapers, and gaining well, it’s ok to let them sleep up to one 4 to 5 hour stretch once per day.
Sleep Patterns
- Sleep Duration: Newborns sleep around 16 to 18 hours a day but wake frequently (at least 8-12 times per day) for feeds.
- Sleep Cycles: They have shorter sleep cycles and spend more time in REM sleep than adults and older children.
- Day and Night: Newborns may have their days and nights mixed up for the first few weeks. They may be more alert at night and sleep more soundly during the day. To minimize sleep deprivation, parents should try to sleep whenever they can!
- Sleeping Through the Night: Most breastfed babies will not sleep all night (6 or more hours) for many months and possibly not until they are at least 6 months old, and sometimes longer.
Crying Patterns
- Normal Behavior: Crying is the primary way newborns communicate. Babies can cry for many reasons or what may seem like no reason at all! Crying can indicate hunger, discomfort, fatigue, or the need for comfort. With time, you may begin to understand what their different cries mean.
- Coping Strategies: Try breastfeeding, swaddling, rocking, or using music or white noise to soothe your baby. It’s okay if you can’t always figure out why they’re crying.
- Colic: This is defined as excessive crying usually starting around 3 weeks, crying up to 3 hours per day, and improving by the time the baby is around 3 months old. While colic has been blamed on many things such as reflux, food sensitivities, and over stimulation, there is no known cause.
Awake Time
- Alertness: Newborns may have short periods of alertness (“wake windows”), generally lasting only 30 to 60 minutes once or twice per day at the beginning. During these times, engage with your baby through gentle talking, singing, or tummy time.
- Tummy Time: This helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles and prevent flat spots on the baby’s head. Start with short periods while your baby is awake, gradually increasing the time as they get older.
Developmental Milestones
- Reflexes: Expect to see the rooting reflex, grasp reflex, and startle reflex in the first few weeks.
- Visual Focus: Newborns can only see about 8 to 12 inches away (about the distance from your breast to their face while nursing) and are drawn to high-contrast patterns and faces.
Social Interaction
- Skin-to-Skin Contact: Holding your baby skin-to-skin can promote bonding, regulate their temperature, and improve feeding success.
- Bonding: Respond to your baby’s coos and gurgles. This encourages bonding and social interactions and development.
- Smiling: All of your hard work is soon to pay off! You can expect baby’s first smile by the time they are about 6 weeks old.
Gassiness and Discomfort
- Common Issue: Many newborns experience gas, leading to fussiness. Gentle bicycle leg exercises or tummy massage can help alleviate discomfort.
- Burping: Burping may or may not help much with gas or spitting up. Recent research shows that burping may lead to more reflux and minimal improvement in fussy or colicky events in babies up to 3 months old.
- Over-the-Counter Remedies: If your baby seems to be especially uncomfortable, you can ask your pediatrician about over-the-counter remedies such as Gripe Water, Probiotics, or Gas Drops. These may offer some babies relief.
- Food Sensitivities: While most babies tolerate their mother’s diets without any noticeable behavior changes, some may be sensitive to certain foods. If you notice that your baby exhibits fussiness or reflux symptoms after you consume a specific item, consider discussing a temporary elimination diet with your healthcare provider or lactation consultant.
Recognizing Signs of Distress
- When to Seek Help: If your baby has a persistent high-pitched cry, refuses to feed, shows signs of dehydration (like fewer wet diapers), or has a temperature above 100.4°F, contact your pediatrician or go to the closest Emergency Department.
Self-Care for Parents
- Sleep When the Baby Sleeps: It’s popular advice for good reason. Sleep deprivation can make even the normal course of breastfeeding and the first few weeks of parenthood feel overwhelming. It can also make issues like postpartum depression or anxiety more intense. Prioritize your need for sleep by napping when baby naps.
- Self Care: It’s vital for your well-being to take short breaks when you can. Even a long shower, a walk outside, or a cup of tea with a friend (hopefully while they bring you a meal and some TP) can feel refreshing. Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask for help from family and friends.
- Trust Your Instincts: Every baby is different. Trust your instincts and reach out for support when needed.
- Breastfeeding Help: A Lactation Consultant can provide invaluable support in overcoming breastfeeding challenges and help you achieve your breastfeeding goals. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions or need support.
Adjusting to life with a newborn is a journey filled with ups and downs. Understanding these behaviors can help you feel more prepared. Always remember that it’s okay to seek help and ask questions along the way. Enjoy this precious time with your little one.
What If I Have Questions?
If you are interested in learning more, these Aeroflow classes expand on some of the topics discussed above:
- Babycare for the Breastfed Baby
- Sleep for the Breastfed Baby
- It Takes a Village
To register for these classes, log into your portal or click here.
Want More Info?
For a directory of Aeroflow’s other Care Guides offering information on pregnancy, baby care, and more, browse our comprehensive list of titles:
https://www.hersourcehealth.com/aeroflow-care-guides/
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