Medically Reviewed by: Charlie Blyth
The first week with your baby can feel like a mix of wonder, exhaustion, and lots of learning. It may seem like just yesterday you were meeting your newborn for the first time, and now you’re beginning to notice those tiny but important first milestones.
At one week old, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. You’ll see early reflexes, frequent feeds, unpredictable sleep, and plenty of nappy changes. It’s also normal to feel a range of emotions as you recover from birth and begin to settle into your new routine.
In this guide, you’ll find expert-backed information on your baby’s physical and sensory development, sleeping and feeding patterns, typical health concerns, and practical advice for caring for both your baby and yourself. We’re here to reassure you that every high and low of this week is part of the journey, and you’re doing an amazing job.
Development milestones for 1-week-old baby
At one week old, your baby is already busy developing core survival skills. While they may not be fully aware of their surroundings, key milestones are quietly unfolding:
Reflexes
At this age, your baby will show several natural reflexes that are completely normal and important for their development.
“At this age, your baby will have several reflexes such as the rooting reflex (for example, when their cheek is stroked, they will react and turn in that direction) which helps them locate the breast or bottle to feed, and the startle reflex when they hear a sudden noise or feel a sudden movement,” explains Susan Hogan, midwife and co-founder of The Baby Academy.
Another common one is the grasp reflex — when you place a finger in your baby’s palm, they’ll instinctively grasp it. This simple action helps your baby connect with you and feel safe.
Movement
In the early days your baby might have some involuntary movements and may appear very jumpy – this is normal. It is common for them to sneeze, stretch and hiccup.
Head control
Charlie Blythe, Founder and CEO of The Healthy Child Co. and a specialist public health nurse says, "Lying a baby on their tummy on your chest, especially when you're reclined, counts as tummy time. This early stage of tummy time helps babies build their neck, back, and shoulder strength by engaging their muscles as they lift their heads and look around.
It's a great way to start tummy time, as it provides a safe and comforting environment for the baby to practice these movements whilst looking at your face."
Vision
"Their vision is still developing, so they will mostly see high-contrast patterns, and prefer to look at faces," says Susan. They can see around 25cm in front of them.
1-week-old baby growth
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Don’t worry if your newborn doesn’t look like a Hollywood baby – wrinkled skin, squashed features, and blue-tinged hands or feet are completely normal.
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Most newborns lose weight in the first few days, especially breastfed babies. Most regain their birth weight by the end of the second week.
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Swollen genitals, vernix (a waxy coating), or elongated skulls from birth are all typical and temporary. Charlie adds, "Some baby girls can have a small bleed or a discharge from their vagina. This is because of maternal hormones which usually only lasts a few days."
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Their arms and legs may still curl like they did in the womb. Swaddling can help recreate that cosy, secure feeling.
Sleep patterns and routine for your 1-week-old baby
How much should a 1-week-old baby be sleeping?
Rosey Davidson, founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby Sleep, says, "At one week old, babies are still adjusting to life outside the womb. Their sleep is governed by basic biological needs – primarily feeding – rather than a structured pattern. Charlie adds that "contact naps are common."
Expect your baby to sleep between 16–18 hours over 24 hours, but in short bursts of 2–4 hours, both day and night. This is completely normal and helps them get the nourishment and care they need to grow and develop."
So don’t worry about routines yet — there’s no set sleep schedule at this age, and that’s exactly how it should be.
Baby sleep tips for week 1
Learn your baby’s sleepy cues: Yawning, rubbing eyes, zoning out.
Use short wake windows: 45–60 minutes max is plenty for newborns.
Create gentle sleep associations: Soft lighting, white noise, swaddling.
Understanding newborn sleep
According to Rosey, newborn sleep cycles are short, around 45–60 minutes, and include a lot of active sleep (REM). You might see your baby twitch, grunt, or move around. It can seem like they’re restless, but this is totally normal.
At this stage, your baby doesn’t know the difference between night and day. You can help them start to learn gently:
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Daytime: Keep the environment bright and slightly noisy. Open the curtains, talk to your baby, and go about normal activities.
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Nighttime: Keep things calm, quiet, and dim to begin creating a sense of night-time routine.
During this time, she suggests:
Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly helpful, it promotes bonding, helps your baby feel secure, and supports breastfeeding by boosting hormones that aid milk supply and reduce stress.
Follow safe sleep guidelines: Always place your baby on their back, on a firm, flat mattress, with no loose bedding or items in the crib.
Thinking about bedsharing? Make sure it’s done safely. The Lullaby Trust offers trusted, evidence-based guidance on how to do it properly, if it’s right for your family.
Sensory and cognitive development for your 1-week-old baby
• Baby can see up to 25cm, perfect for gazing at your face.
• They respond to sound and may turn towards your voice.
• Newborns love skin-to-skin time; it promotes bonding and regulates their body.
• Your baby can smell you and prefers your scent over others. Charlie advises, "Try to avoid perfumes or highly perfumed soaps at this time. As your smell helps baby to bond."
Growth curve and weighing
• Most babies are weighed at birth and then again around day 5–10.
• Midwives plot weight on a centile chart in your baby’s red book.
• Midwife clinics are only for the first week, ongoing monthly weights are completed by health visitors in child health clinics.
• If you’re unsure about weight gain, attend free baby clinics (check with your local GP or children’s centre) where health visitors (specialist public health nurses) weigh your baby monthly.
Feeding and nutrition for 1-week-old baby
Whether you're breastfeeding or formula feeding, your baby will likely be feeding 10–12 times per day. "Your one-week-old baby will likely feed 10-12 times a day," advises Susan. "And if formula feeding they will feed approx 1-2oz per feed."
Breastfeeding: What to expect
It’s normal to wonder if your baby is getting enough milk. Look for:
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Softening of the breast during feeds
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Audible swallowing
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A content baby post-feed
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A transition from dark meconium to soft yellow poos
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6–8 wet nappies a day
Feeds can last up to 40 minutes, and babies may spend varying times on each breast. Trust their cues, every baby is different.
What’s normal for poops?
Expect to change several nappies a day. The colour and consistency will evolve from sticky black (meconium) to yellow and seedy, especially in breastfed babies. Formula-fed babies tend to have firmer, tan-coloured poos.
Your baby's health and safety: tips for 1-week-old baby
Constipation
It’s normal to worry at first, especially during those early nappy changes. Signs of constipation include:
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Loss of appetite
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Crying or discomfort before doing a poo
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Fewer than three poos a week
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Dry or hard poo
If you notice these, contact your GP, they may be signs your baby is constipated.
Reflux
It’s totally normal for your baby to spit up after feeds. But if it’s happening all the time or seems excessive, it might be reflux. Speak to your GP if you're concerned.
Hiccups
Hiccups are very common in babies up to 12 months. They usually don’t bother your baby — many can sleep right through them! If you want to help, try gently burping your baby. Only check in with a doctor if the hiccups seem to upset your baby.
Skin peeling
Your baby may start peeling before you even leave the hospital — and that’s completely normal.
Babies shed the outer layer of their skin after birth, especially once the vernix (the white, creamy coating) has been wiped off.
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Less peeling = more vernix at birth
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Premature babies usually have more vernix, so they peel less
Cross-eyed
It’s common for newborns to look cross-eyed. They’re still learning how to focus and control their eye muscles. This can also be caused by extra skin on the eyelids (epicanthal folds), which usually goes away within the first year.
Fussy
Your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb — it’s a huge change. It’s normal for them to be unsettled, have trouble feeding, or cry for no clear reason. Don’t worry — it’s all part of the first week.
Jaundice
A yellow tint to your baby’s skin or eyes in the first few days is common and usually harmless. Your midwife or doctor will keep an eye on it.
Eyes rolling back
You might see your baby’s eyes roll back as they’re falling asleep or waking up. This is completely normal for newborns who are drowsy most of the time.
Sticky eye discharge
Many newborns get sticky eyes. Their tear ducts are still developing and can get blocked.
You can clean your baby’s eyes with:
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Cooled, boiled water
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Soft washcloth
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Clean hands
If the discharge is yellow or green, or if your baby’s eyes look red or swollen, contact your GP.
Vaccinations?
No vaccinations are due this week, but the heel-prick test will be done around day 5. This screens for rare conditions and only requires four drops of blood – quick, essential, and usually stress-free.
New baby tips
Survive the nights: Keep lights dim and interaction low to signal nighttime. Bright, noisy days help set their internal clock.
Leave the umbilical-cord stump alone: Let it dry and fall off naturally, usually by day 15.
Bathing: "It is not necessary to bathe your baby every day, once a week is perfect!" says Susan.
Hydration: Signs of dehydration include fewer wet nappies or dry lips, seek help if you’re worried
Don't fret over the heel-prick test: When your baby is five days old, they'll have the heel-prick test. These four drops of blood are taken to be tested for certain conditions, which are all very rare, so try not to worry.
Practical parenting tips – looking after yourself
You matter, too. Here are a few small things that can make a big difference:
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Emotional swings are normal. Let yourself feel it all – joy, tears, confusion, it’s part of the ride.
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Accept help. Let friends or family take over chores or bring food.
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Rest where you can. Don’t wait for nighttime, nap when your baby naps.
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Eat well. You need fuel to heal and function, even if it’s one-handed snacks at odd hours.
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Talk it out. Whether it’s a partner, a midwife, or a friend, sharing how you’re feeling helps.
1-week-old baby FAQs
What should a 1-week-old baby be doing?
At one week old, your baby is mostly sleeping, feeding, and adjusting to life outside the womb. They’ll show natural reflexes like rooting (turning toward a touch on the cheek), the startle reflex, and grasping. Their movements may seem jerky, but they’re gradually gaining muscle control. You might also notice brief moments of alertness, perfect for bonding time.
Charlie Blythe, Founder and CEO of The Healthy Child Co. and a specialist public health nurse, recommends, "Use this time to get to know your baby by watching them and learning their different cues and communications."
When to worry about newborn poo?
While newborn poop can vary, there are a few signs to watch for. Contact your GP if your baby:
- Has fewer than 3 poos a week (after the first few days)
- Has white, very pale, or red-tinged poo
- Shows signs of pain, bloating, or hard pellet-like stools
- Goes from regular dirty nappies to suddenly none at all for over 24 hours (if formula-fed) or over a week (if breastfed, but still seems well)
The transition from meconium to yellow or tan poo is normal and expected in the first week.
What should I do with a 1-week-old baby?
Right now, your focus should be on:
- Feeding on demand (around 10–12 times a day)
- Nappy changes and hygiene
- Cuddling and skin-to-skin time
- Short tummy time sessions (a few minutes, always supervised)
Simply responding to their cues – comfort, soothing, and gentle talking all support bonding and development.
Don’t stress about routines yet, just focus on connection and care
Can a 1-week-old baby play?
Yes, but play looks different at this age. It’s all about sensory stimulation and bonding, not toys or games. Try:
• Talking, singing, and making eye contact
• Gentle touch and baby massage
• Showing black-and-white high-contrast cards (their vision is still developing)
• A few minutes of tummy time to build head and neck strength
Even your voice and your face are “toys” to your baby right now**.**
About the expert
Charlie Blyth has also provided her expert advice and medically reviewed this article. Charlie is the founder of The Healthy Child Co and a dedicated specialist public health nurse (Health Visitor) with over 13 years of experience in the NHS, including 9 years as a health visitor, where she supported hundreds of families in the community. With a deep commitment to child health and development, Charlie is passionate about challenging outdated parenting methods and advocating for evidence-based practices to promote responsive parenting and positive child growth.
Susan Hogan is a midwife and co-founder of The Baby Academy. Her mission is to support new families by helping them feel confident, informed, and in control throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early stages of parenthood.
Rosey Davidson is founder and CEO of Just Chill Baby sleep, an infant sleep consultancy focused on providing straight forward, no-nonsense sleep advice to parents. As a successful businesswoman and content creator with a large social media following (@just_chill_mama), Rosey gives an insight into her work as a sleep consultant, entrepreneur, and busy parent to her three young children, based in London.
About the author
Anne Lora Scagliusi is a Senior Digital Writer at Mother & Baby. She is a Scotland-based journalist with over a decade of international writing experience, specialising in women’s health, maternal mental health, and wellness. Her work has been featured in Vanity Fair, Marie Claire, and Glamour and has appeared on several Vogue global editions. She is mum to a one-year-old bambino and lives between Italy and the UK.