Baby's First Year
Month 1 — Hello, World
Baby This Month
about 50cm and 3–4kg at birth, growing rapidly
Your newborn is running entirely on instinct right now — and those instincts are impressive. They can root for the breast or bottle, suck, swallow, grasp your finger tightly without thinking about it, and startle at loud sounds. Vision is blurry beyond about 20–30cm, which is exactly the distance from your face to theirs when feeding — not a coincidence. They already recognise your voice, your smell, and your heartbeat from months of listening in the womb. Tummy time should start from day one, just a minute or two at a time while awake and supervised, to build the neck and shoulder strength they'll need for every milestone that follows.
Your baby's first newborn check happens at the hospital, and a follow-up with your GP or paediatrician should happen around Day 5 and again at 4–6 weeks. The heel prick screening test checks for rare but treatable conditions and is done between Days 3–5. Feeding is the main focus this month — whether breastfeeding or formula, feeding on demand (8–12 times per 24 hours) is normal. Expect weight loss of up to 10% in the first few days, then a return to birth weight by around 2 weeks. Yellow skin (jaundice) in the first week is very common and usually resolves on its own.
Your newborn has been breathing for less than a month, but they already prefer your face over any other. Studies show that within hours of birth, babies can distinguish their mother's face from a stranger's — not because they can see clearly, but because they recognise the outline, hairline, and general features they glimpsed during birth. You are already the most interesting thing in their world, before you've done a single thing to earn it.
Skin-to-skin contact isn't just lovely — it's genuinely therapeutic. It regulates your baby's temperature, heart rate, and breathing, reduces stress hormones, encourages feeding, and boosts your milk supply if you're breastfeeding. Try to do at least one dedicated skin-to-skin session daily, even after the newborn stage passes. It works for partners too, not just birthing parents.
If breastfeeding, continue taking your prenatal vitamin — your nutrition directly affects breast milk quality. Stay well hydrated (aim for 3+ litres per day) as breastfeeding is thirsty work.
This content is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Read full disclaimer
Take the night feeds seriously. Even if you're not feeding, being present, doing nappy changes, and resettling the baby after feeds gives your partner a chance to sleep between feeds. Sleep deprivation at this stage is extreme — share it.
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