# The First Weeks with a Newborn

> An overview of feeding, sleep and crying in the first weeks.

Stage: newborn - Topic: First days - Page: https://www.askcladle.com/guides/newborn/newborn-first-weeks

Grounded in: the What to Expect series (*What to Expect the First Year*) and American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance, with the respectful-care lens of Janet Lansbury. General information; the pediatrician knows the actual baby.

## TLDR

- Newborns feed often (8-12 times a day if breastfed) and diapers are the best sign they're getting enough.
- They sleep 14-17 hours a day in short stretches; follow safe sleep every time. Crying often peaks at 6-8 weeks.
- Under 3 months, a rectal temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher means call right away. Baby blues past 2 weeks need a doctor.

## Feeding

- Newborns typically feed often - roughly every 2-3 hours for breastfed babies (8-12 times in 24
  hours), a bit less often for formula-fed babies. Feeding on cue is the usual advice.
- Wet and dirty diapers are one of the best signs a newborn is getting enough; the pediatrician
  will check weight at early visits.

## Sleep

- Newborns sleep a lot (often 14-17 hours a day) in short stretches, day and night. Long
  stretches come later and on very different timelines for different babies.
- Safe sleep matters every time - see the safe-sleep card.

## Crying

- Crying often peaks around 6-8 weeks. Check the basics (hunger, diaper, temperature, burping),
  then try holding, rocking, white noise, a walk.
- If you feel you might lose control, put the baby down safely in the crib and step away for a
  few minutes. Never shake a baby.

## When to check in

Call the pediatrician right away if:
- A baby under 3 months has a rectal temperature of 100.4 °F (38 °C) or higher.
- There's trouble breathing, bluish lips, or unusual floppiness or unresponsiveness (call 911).
- There are fewer wet diapers than expected, poor feeding, or yellow skin that is spreading or
  worsening.

## Caring for the parent

Baby blues (tearfulness, mood swings) in the first two weeks are common. Symptoms that last
longer or are severe - hopelessness, anxiety, not being able to sleep even when the baby does,
thoughts of harm - are postpartum depression or anxiety, which is common and treatable. Tell a
doctor or midwife, and see the warning-signs card for hotlines.