Baby Milestones

Your month-by-month companion

Newborn (Birth)

This month is about recovery, bonding, and establishing feeding. Everything else can wait.

Quick Reference

Sleep

16-17 hours

Feeding

On-demand, 1-3 oz (30-90 ml) per feeding

Naps

Many short naps (no schedule)

Wake Window

45-90 minutes

Talk to your doctor if baby...

•Does not respond to loud sounds
•Does not watch things as they move
•Does not bring hands toward face
•Seems very floppy or very stiff
•Does not feed well or is losing weight
ExpectedWhat most babies do
  • •Turn head side to side when lying down
  • •Hands stay in fists most of the time
  • •Startle at loud sounds
  • •Focus on faces and objects 8-12 inches away
  • •Cry to communicate needs
  • •Calm when held or spoken to softly
VariesWhat some babies do
  • •Briefly lift head during tummy time
  • •Show hints of smiles during sleep
  • •Begin tracking moving objects with eyes

What's Next

Month 1 · Around 4-6 weeks, many babies begin developing a social smile. It is worth the wait.