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Home > My Baby > My baby’s development stage by stage > Newborn baby
Newborn baby
Once you’ve brought your baby home, the next step is for you to both start discovering each other and for them to get used to their new home! They’ll be able to see your face (though they won’t be able to focus on it yet) and understand the sensation of touch through your cuddles! They’ll also come to understand that when they cry it means you’ll respond to them – so already the relationship is building between you.
Eileen, paediatric nurse and mum
Feeding your baby
You will no doubt have discussed your feeding options with your midwife by the time your baby arrives. Your newborn baby will be getting all of their nutritional needs from milk whether you are breastfeeding or bottlefeeding.
Breastfeeding - your newborn baby will need frequent feeds every two to three hours in the early days. This is because breastmilk is very easily digested and their stomachs are quite small. But don’t try to stick to a schedule yet, just feed your baby on demand. They’ll let you know how much they need! Generally, if your baby is feeding well, they will let go of your breast once they’re full. But if you’re worried about whether your baby is getting enough milk, try feeding them more regularly.
Your baby’s development
The first few weeks
Your newborn baby has spent months snuggled up inside the relative peace and quiet of your womb. So it’s no surprise that most of their first week is spent getting used to the amazing new wide world around them!
Natural reflex actions
Your baby is born with natural reflex actions which they’ll rely on until their eyesight improves and muscles strengthen. They will tightly grasp anything you place in their hand, instinctively turn towards anything that brushes their cheek, and suck on any soft object placed in their mouth.
Did you know?
Your newborn’s tummy is the size of an eggcup. It’s not surprising then that they need to feed little and often.
Communicating
It won’t come as a surprise to hear that your baby’s main means of communication at this stage is crying! By responding quickly, you let them know they’re being listened to and give them a sense of safety and security. You’ll find that you’ll soon learn to work out why your baby is crying.
Eyesight
Your newborn’s eyesight is quite blurry. They can only focus on objects eight to ten inches away – roughly where your face is when you’re feeding or holding them close. It’ll take between four and six months before your baby’s eyesight is fully developed with depth of field and colour vision.
Massaging your newborn baby
Massage is a great way to help your newborn baby relax and develop a deep emotional bond between you – most babies love to be caressed!
Don’t worry about whether there’s a ‘right way’. Trust your instincts. Start by applying a little gentle pressure – your baby will let you know if they’re uncomfortable. They’ll often fall asleep during or straight after the massage, so it’s perfect before a nap or just after their bath.
Remember, there’s a chance that your baby may ingest some of the oil, so only use pure organic oils like sunflower or virgin olive oil. They’re safe, gentle on your baby’s skin and most importantly, they’re edible.
Important notice
Breastfeeding is best for babies and provides many benefits. It is important that, in preparation for and during breastfeeding, you eat a healthy, balanced diet. Combined breast and bottle feeding in the first weeks of life may reduce the supply of your own breastmilk, and reversing the decision not to breastfeed is difficult. The social and financial implications of using an infant milk should be considered. Improper use of an infant milk or inappropriate foods or feeding methods may present a health hazard. If you use an infant milk, you should follow manufacturer’s instructions for use carefully – failure to follow the instructions may make your baby ill. Always consult your doctor, midwife or health visitor for advice about feeding your baby.
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