01/30/2026
Things to know about your newborn đ¤
đź Newborn basics (whatâs normal)
- They sleep a LOT: 14â17 hours a day, but in short chunks. Day/night confusion is totally normal.
- Crying is communication: hunger, diaper, gas, being overstimulated, or âI just want to be held.â
- Irregular breathing: fastâslowâpause patterns can look scary but are usually normal.
- They may look⌠strange at first đ
: cone-shaped head, swollen eyelids, crossed eyes, peeling skin.
đ§ Development stuff
- Vision is blurry: they see best 8â12 inches away (aka your face while feeding).
- They love contrast: black-and-white patterns are more interesting than bright colors.
- Reflexes rule: rooting, startle (Moro), graspâthese are automatic and fade over time.
- No spoiling: responding quickly builds security. You canât âover-holdâ a newborn.
𧡠Feeding & diapers
- Feeding is frequent: every 2â3 hours (sometimes cluster feeding = totally normal).
- Wet diapers matter: roughly 6+ wet diapers a day once feeding is established.
- P**p varies wildly: color, frequency, and texture can change oftenâmany versions are normal.
- Spit-up happens: small amounts are common and usually harmless.
đĄď¸ Health & safety
- Temperature regulation is weak: dress them in roughly one more layer than youâre wearing.
- Umbilical cord care: keep it clean and dry; it usually falls off in 1â2 weeks.
- Safe sleep = ABCs: Alone, on their Back, in a Crib (no loose items).
- Trust your instincts: if something feels off, itâs always okay to call your pediatrician.
đ You matter too
- Recovery is real: physically and emotionallyâbe gentle with yourself.
- Baby blues are common: intense sadness, anxiety, or numbness lasting more than 2 weeks is worth talking to a doctor about.
- Accept help: meals, laundry, holding the baby while you showerâsay yes.
Newborn life is messy, beautiful, exhausting, and fleeting.
Take the pictures. Accept the help. Trust yourself. đŤś
⨠Youâre doing better than you think â¨