Newborns naturally lose weight in the first week due to fluid loss, which is normal and doesn’t require treatment—continue breastfeeding. They typically regain the lost weight within the next 7–10 days.

Due to this fluctuation, weight gain may not be noticeable, but if weight loss exceeds 10%, consult a lactation expert.

Key Milestones:

• Motor Development:
  • Reflexes: Strong rooting, sucking, and grasping reflexes are essential for feeding and initial interactions with the environment, marking early motor skill development.
  • Moro Reflex: The startle response to sudden sounds or movements, causing flailing arms and legs, is a normal reflex indicating neurological health.
  • Tummy Time: Engaging in daily tummy time helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles, preparing for future motor milestones like crawling.
  • Head Lifting: Briefly lifting the head during tummy time shows developing neck muscle control.
  • Wiggling: Gentle rocking movements suggest the early stages of muscle coordination necessary for rolling over.
• Cognitive Development:
  • Tracking Movement: The ability to follow slow-moving objects with their eyes indicates the development of visual tracking skills, a key aspect of cognitive processing.
  • Hand Movements: Opening hands occasionally to grasp nearby objects demonstrates early problem-solving and interaction with the environment, reflecting cognitive growth.
• Communication and Language Development:
  • Response to Voices: Turning towards familiar voices or quieting down upon hearing them shows the infant's recognition and understanding of auditory stimuli, foundational to language development.
  • Early Sounds: Engaging in cooing and gurgling represents the initial stages of verbal communication, where infants experiment with sounds.

• Social and Emotional Development:

  • Eye Contact: Focusing on faces and nearby objects is crucial for social engagement and bonding, indicating the infant's interest in social interactions.

  Each of these milestones indicates your baby's progress in the right direction.

Baby Feeding Techniques

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, as it provides optimal nutrition and immunity for infants.

Breastfeeding is also considered the best option for oral development, as it promotes proper jaw alignment and tongue placement through the natural sucking motion.

• Breastfeeding:
  • Hold your baby close with their head slightly tilted back to allow proper latching.
  • Ensure your baby's mouth covers the entire nipple and part of the areola to prevent soreness.
  • Alternate breasts during feeds to maintain balanced milk production.
• Bottle Feeding:
  • Use a slow-flow nipple for controlled feeding.
  • Hold the bottle upright during feeds.

Potential Impacts of Bottle Feeding

Whether formula or pre-expressed breast milk, it is important to understand the potential impacts of bottle feeding on oral development.

Improper technique or nipple flow can impact oral development during bottle feeding:

• Excessive sucking pressure: Fast-flowing nipples can cause a strong sucking reflex, potentially affecting jaw development.
• Passive feeding: Bottle feeding can reduce active oral involvement, which may affect oral motor skills.
• Improper tongue placement: Incorrect positioning during bottle feeding can hinder tongue movement, which may later influence speech development.

Note: While breastfeeding is highly recommended, formula feeding using a bottle may sometimes be necessary. Consult a specialist for the best guidance.

Milk Supply in the First Month

• For Breastfeeding Mothers:
  • Milk supply works on demand; the more your baby nurses, the more milk you produce.
  • Signs of adequate milk supply include regular wet diapers (6-8 per day) and steady weight gain.
  • Stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get rest to maintain a healthy milk supply.

If breastfeeding alone isn't meeting the baby's full nutritional needs, you can supplement with formula to ensure they get the right nutrition.

• For Formula Feeding:
  • Follow your paediatrician’s recommendations when choosing and preparing formula.
  • Sterilise bottles properly to prevent infections.

Newborns have small stomachs, so frequent feeding is necessary:

Age: 0-1 months
What: Breast milk
How much: Nurse every 2-3 hours
How often: Feed 8-12 times a day. Continue to feed on demand.

Age: 0-1 months
What: Formula
How much: 30-60 ml feed approximately
How often: As required, apart from breastfeeding.

Signs Your Baby is Hungry:

• Rooting or turning their head towards the breast or bottle.
• Sucking on their hands or smacking their lips.
• Crying (a late hunger cue).

Signs Your Baby is Full:

• Relaxed hands and body.
• Turning away from the breast or bottle.
• Falling asleep after feeding. 

Sleep Patterns in the First Month

• Babies sleep for 16-18 hours daily, mostly in short stretches.
• Establish a routine by dimming lights and reducing noise at night.
• Ensure a safe sleep environment:
• You can use a firm mattress.
• Place the baby on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome).

Baby Vaccine Schedule

• Ensure your baby receives the BCG, Hepatitis B, and OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine) at birth.

Newborn Baby Essentials

• Soft clothes, nappies, and burp cloths.
• A firm crib or bassinet.
• Sterilisation kits for bottles.
• Baby-safe skincare products.

Baby Bath

While daily baths aren't necessary for babies, oil massages before bathing are a cherished tradition in Indian culture. It's recommended to bathe your baby after the massage.

• Bathe your baby 2-3 times a week with lukewarm water.
• Use gentle, fragrance-free baby soap.