
Table of Contents
Day 1-2: The First 48 Hours
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! Your little one has just entered the world and is experiencing a whole new environment. During the first 48 hours of life, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. You may notice your baby sleeping often and waking up to feed every 2-3 hours. Your baby’s first bowel movements, called meconium, will be dark and sticky. Your baby’s skin may also appear to be dry and flaky, but this is normal and will improve over time.
Day 3-4: Developing Senses
At 3-4 days old, your baby’s senses are beginning to develop. Your baby can see up to 12 inches away and can distinguish between light and dark. Your baby’s hearing is also developing, and they can recognize your voice. Your little one may start to have longer periods of alertness and may even try to lift their head briefly during tummy time.
Day 5-6: Stronger Muscles
By day 5-6, your baby’s muscles are getting stronger, and they may start to move their arms and legs more frequently. Your baby’s sleep patterns may start to become more regular, and they may sleep for longer periods at night. Your little one’s reflexes, such as the grasp reflex, are also becoming more apparent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should my 6-day-old baby be eating?
A: It’s normal for your baby to eat every 2-3 hours, and they should be consuming around 1-3 ounces of breast milk or formula per feeding.
Q: How often should I change my baby’s diaper?
A: You should change your baby’s diaper every 2-3 hours or as needed. It’s important to keep your baby clean and dry to prevent diaper rash.
Q: When should I start tummy time with my baby?
A: You can start tummy time with your baby as soon as they come home from the hospital. Aim for 3-5 minutes at a time, 2-3 times per day. Tummy time helps to strengthen your baby’s neck and back muscles and promotes development.
Conclusion
Watching your little one develop and grow is an exciting and rewarding experience. Remember to enjoy every moment, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns or questions.
Sources:
- https://www.healthline.com/health/parenting/6-day-old-baby-development#day-5-6
- https://raisingchildren.net.au/newborns/development/newborn-development-week-by-week/week-1
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How much should my 6-day-old baby be eating?
- How often should I change my baby’s diaper?
- When should I start tummy time with my baby?
- When will my baby begin to smile?
- Is it normal for my baby to have dry skin?