Welcome to the World!

The first month is intense and beautiful. Your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb, and you are getting to know each other through closeness, scent, and voice.

Development

Reflexes control everything: Sucking reflex, grasping reflex, and startle reflex (Moro reflex)
Sees best at 20–30 cm — exactly the distance to your face when you hold your baby
Recognizes your voice from birth
Tummy time: Start with a few minutes daily to strengthen the neck muscles

Growth

Boys: Average 7.5 lbs / 20.5 in (3.5 kg / 52 cm) at birth
Girls: Average 7.1 lbs / 19.7 in (3.2 kg / 50 cm) at birth
May lose 5–10% of birth weight in the first days, but should be back to birth weight within 2 weeks

Sleep

14–17 hours per day, split into 2–3 hour stretches
Does not yet distinguish between day and night
Safe sleep: Always on the back, in their own sleep surface, in the same room as you

Feeding

Breastfeeding: 8–12 times per day, baby-led
At least 6 wet diapers per day means sufficient milk intake
Vitamin D: 400 IU (10 micrograms) daily from around 1 week of age (recommended through the first year and beyond — check with your pediatrician)

Good to Know

Jaundice: Common in newborns (60–80%), usually resolves within 1–2 weeks
Umbilical cord stump: Falls off after 8–12 days. Keep clean with lukewarm water
Colic: Can start now. Carrying, white noise, and massage may help
Well-baby visits: A home visit or early check-up is often scheduled within the first 1–2 weeks, followed by a 4-week and 6-week visit including weight check, measurements, and a conversation with your pediatrician or health visitor

Activity Tips

Skin-to-skin contact is the best thing you can do right now. Lay your baby on your chest — it provides warmth, security, and strengthens the bond between you.

Explore on Babysential

Sleep Tracker — Track your baby's sleep patterns from day one
Milestones — Follow your baby's development
Baby — All baby guides and tools

Tip: Sleep when the baby sleeps. Everything else can wait.