First and foremost you will begin to notice just how rapidly your child develops physically within their first few weeks. Newborns experience rapid growth in both size and weight fight after birth. Monitoring these changes and understanding the basics about this time is essential for parents and guardians. On average, within the first few weeks your baby should be gaining about 5-7 ounces or 170 grams per week.

When supporting your baby’s physical development, nutrition plays a crucial role. It is highly important to provide nourishment at regular intervals, whether breastfeeding or giving formula. The nutrients and antibodies found in breast milk support both your baby’s growth as well as the development and strengthening of their immune system. Make sure to feed your child the correct amount as to avoid over or underfeeding them during this stage. Try providing around 1-2 ounces of milk or formula 8-12 times a day for the first couple of weeks, gradually increasing to 2-3 ounces within the second couple of weeks. With time, the amount you feed will increase whereas the amount of feeding times will decrease. Make sure to note your baby’s cues for hunger like fussiness, lip-smacking or crying as well.

A good night’s sleep is just as important for a newborn’s overall health as good nutrition. Laying out a steady rest schedule, establishing a helpful rest climate, and perceiving the indications of sluggishness are key parts of advancing sound rest designs in babies.