Your Newborn Baby’s Development and Milestones

Wondering what’s normal in your baby’s first month? From sleep schedules and feeding needs to physical changes and developmental milestones, your newborn is growing and adapting fast, and it’s normal to have questions.

Here’s a quick look at what you can expect in weeks 1, 2, 3, and 4:

• Feeding. Newborns typically eat 8–12 times per day, including at night. Watch for hunger cues, such as rooting or sucking on their fists.

• Sleep. Expect 14–17 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, but in short bursts. Newborns don’t yet have a sense of day and night.

• Growth: Most babies regain birth weight by day 10. By 4 weeks, many grow 1.5–2 inches and gain nearly 2 pounds.

• Development: By the end of the month, your little one may start making eye contact, reacting to your voice, and even smile.

• Diaper changes: You’ll likely change 6+ wet diapers and 3–4 dirty ones daily. Expect changes in the color and texture of the stool.

• Care tips: Sponge baths are recommended until the umbilical stump falls off. Keep their skin clean and dry.

This guide breaks down everything you need to know—simply and clearly—so you can feel more confident during your baby’s first weeks. 

Your Newborn’s First 4 Weeks: What to Expect Week by Week

In the first few weeks of life, your baby is adjusting to their new world—and so are you. From reflexes to sleep patterns, your little one is already making progress. These early newborn milestones may seem small, but they mark important first steps in your baby’s development.

As you watch your baby grow through weeks one to four, you might notice subtle changes in how they move, react, and interact with their surroundings. While every baby is different, here’s a look at some of the weekly milestones for newborns that may unfold during this time.

Physical Development and Growth: It’s Normal for a Newborn to Look a Little “Odd”

Your newborn is growing and changing every day, and in these early weeks, that can look a little different from what you might expect. Most babies lose about ten percent of their birth weight in the first five days, then gradually regain it over the next five. By around day 10, most have regained their birth weight. After that, they often grow quickly, especially during growth spurts around the first week, and again between the second, and between the third and sixth weeks.

Commonly, your newborn at 4 weeks will have gained about 1.5 to 2 inches in length and weigh close to 10 pounds. Boys often weigh slightly more and measure somewhat longer than girls at this stage, although the differences tend to be small.

At each checkup, your little one’s healthcare provider will measure their weight, length, and head size to track how they’re growing. These numbers are added to baby growth charts to look at your baby’s progress over time.

You might also notice that your newborn looks a little unusual at first. That’s expected and temporary. These early weeks bring a lot of visible changes, including:

• Fine hair called lanugo may be present at birth and usually sheds within the first few days or weeks.

• Peeling skin is common and tends to resolve on its own.

• Red marks, often called “salmon patches” or “stork bites,” may show up on the face or neck and usually fade in a few months. 

• Swollen genitals are typical and often caused by hormones passed on during pregnancy. This usually goes down on its own.

• Two soft spots, called fontanelles, may be felt at the top of your baby’s head. These are normal and protected by a thick membrane.

• A slightly misshapen head may be noticeable if your baby was born vaginally. This happens because the skull bones shift during delivery to help your newborn pass through the birth canal. The shape typically rounds out within a couple of weeks.

• A curled-up posture is common in the first few weeks. This fetal position reflects how your little one was positioned in the womb. As they grow and adjust, you’ll likely see them stretch out more and move more freely.

These are all common for a 1-week-old newborn through a 4-week-old baby, and most changes happen on their own. If you ever have questions or concerns, your baby’s healthcare provider is the best person to ask.

Movement: Your Newborn’s Instincts Are as Strong as Their Grip

In the first few weeks, your newborn’s movements might seem quick or sudden. That’s because many of their motions are still controlled by reflexes rather than purposeful actions. Over the next few months, those jerky movements will gradually become smoother and more intentional. Some of the early newborn milestones develop gradually week by week, including reflexes that help your baby interact with the world right from the start.

Here are a few you might notice:

• Rooting. When you gently stroke your baby’s cheek or mouth, they’ll turn their head in that direction. This helps them find the breast or bottle.

• Sucking. Babies are born with the instinct to suck, but it takes some coordination to learn how to suck, breathe, and swallow smoothly. That skill improves with time.

• Moro reflex. If your baby is startled by a loud noise or a sudden shift in position, you may see them fling their arms and legs outward, then quickly pull them back in.

• Strong grip. If you place a finger in your baby’s palm, they’ll hold on tightly. It’s a natural grip, but they don’t have control over it yet, so they may let go at any moment.

• Stepping. When you gently hold your baby upright with their feet touching a surface, you might notice them making a stepping motion. This reflex fades in the coming weeks as motor skills continue to develop.

Cognitive Development, Eyesight and Communication of a Newborn

In the early weeks, your newborn is starting to explore the world in small but meaningful ways. Touch is one of their most developed senses at birth, and the way you hold, carry, or gently rock them helps offer comfort and security. Over time, these daily interactions support bonding and social development.

When you hold your baby, make sure to support their head and neck—they’re not strong enough yet to hold it up on their own. Gentle rocking or even a light massage may help soothe them and deepen your connection.

During this stage, your infant is also developing key sensory abilities. Some common newborn milestones are their vision, hearing, smell, and touch, including:

• Focuses on objects 8 to 12 inches away, about the distance from your face when you hold them. This helps them recognize you during feeding or cuddling. 

• Prefers faces over other patterns, especially high-contrast or black-and-white visuals.

• Eyes may wander or briefly cross as muscles strengthen.

• Hearing is fully mature at birth. They may recognize familiar voices and even turn toward certain sounds.

• Prefers sweet smells and may already know the scent of your breastmilk.

• Dislikes rough handling but enjoys soft, gentle contact.

Although a 4-week-old newborn can’t yet see clearly at a distance or understand words just yet, they’re already detecting movement and light, and can distinguish shapes, voices, and faces up close. These sensory developments play a crucial role in how they begin to interact with you and their environment. 

Crying is still your baby’s main way of communicating needs, like hunger, discomfort, or overstimulation. You may even begin to notice different types of cries over time. As your baby becomes more alert, you might hear soft coos or grunts too, especially as they start exploring how to use their voice toward the end of the month.

If your newborn is crying and doesn’t seem to need a feeding, burp, or diaper change, they may just need to be held or soothed. Cuddling, rocking, or speaking gently can go a long way. If crying persists or becomes intense, it could be a sign of colic or another underlying issue. In that case, it’s a good idea to consult your baby’s healthcare provider.

As you talk to your baby, make eye contact, or comfort them, they’re beginning to recognize these patterns as signals of safety and connection. Newborns are especially tuned in to high-pitched voices and may turn toward the sound when you speak. This kind of response is a sign they’re beginning to recognize and connect with familiar voices, an early weekly milestone for newborns that supports emotional and cognitive growth.

Behavior of a Newborn: You’ll Never Forget That First Real Smile

In the early days, you may catch your baby smiling in their sleep. While this reflexive smile isn’t social just yet, it can be a heartwarming glimpse of what’s to come. Experts believe that these early smiles may be triggered by internal activity, rather than external cues.

A more deliberate smile—one that responds to your presence—may appear toward the end of this first month or sometime in the second. Your baby might smile when you talk to them, make eye contact, or simply smile back. This is one of the most heartwarming newborn milestones, as it marks the beginning of emotional connection and communication.

You might also start noticing patterns in your baby’s temperament. Do they fuss quickly or seem content between feeds? Do they startle easily, or stay calm in new situations? Even in the first few weeks, small behaviors may give you a sense of your child’s personality. Each baby is unique, but recognizing these early behaviors is another step in understanding your little one and navigating your baby’s newborn milestones week by week.

related baby tool

Baby Growth Chart Calculator

Keep an eye on your baby’s average growth by tracking height, weight, and head circumference with our simple tool.

Fill out your baby's details*:

What is your child*

Boy Girl

This is a mandatory field.

Age (between 0 and 24 months)

This is a mandatory field.

Weight (lbs.)

This is a mandatory field.

Height (in.)

This is a mandatory field.

Head circumference (in.)

This is a mandatory field.

Track your baby’s growth

*Input details of your baby’s last measurements. **Source: World Health Organization

How to Bathe a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Baby

Bathing your newborn may feel intimidating at first, but it gets easier with a bit of practice. During the first couple of weeks, it’s essential to keep the umbilical cord stump dry and clean. Until the area heals, which usually occurs by the time your newborn is about 1 to 3 weeks old, sponge baths are recommended.

Once the cord has fallen off and there’s no open skin, you can begin giving your baby a bath in a baby tub or a clean sink. Keep in mind that most newborns don’t need daily bathing. Two to three times a week is usually enough, especially if you're thoroughly cleaning the diaper area at each change.

Here are a few tips to help make those early bath times with your 1-week-old newborn to 4-week-old baby go smoothly:

• Check the water temperature by placing the inside of your wrist or elbow against it. It should feel warm, not hot.

• Gather all your supplies first, including a washcloth, mild baby cleanser, a towel, a clean clean diaper, such as Pampers Swaddlers with an umbilical cord notch to protect your newborn’s belly.

• Undress your newborn just before the bath so they don’t get cold.

• Support your little one’s head and neck while gently washing their body. If using a tub or sink, fill it with just 2 to 3 inches of water and keep most of their body out of the water.

• Use a soft washcloth with warm water and a small amount of gentle cleanser to wash your baby’s face and body. You can use baby shampoo once or twice a week if needed.

• For baby boys, clean the genitals with soapy water. If uncircumcised, there’s no need to retract the foreskin. Your healthcare provider can let you know when it’s appropriate to do so.

Read more about how to bathe your newborn. With a little practice, bath time can be fun for both of you!

What to Do with a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Baby?

You may be wondering what activities are appropriate—or even possible—at this early stage. While much of your newborn’s time is spent feeding, sleeping, and being changed, there are still simple ways to connect and support your baby’s development. If you're unsure about anything, your little one’s healthcare provider can offer personalized guidance.

Here are a few gentle, developmentally appropriate activities to try with your 1-week-old, 2-week-old, 3-week-old, or 4-week-old newborn baby:

• Skin-to-skin contact. Also called “kangaroo care,” this involves holding your baby bare-chested against your bare chest. It’s calming for your little one and can help regulate their breathing, body temperature, and heart rate, while strengthening your bond.

• Tummy time. Starting tummy time as early as the first week, even for just a minute or two at a time, can help build your baby’s neck and shoulder strength. Always supervise closely and keep the time short and comfortable for your baby.

• Visual tracking. Your baby’s distance vision is still developing, but they can focus best on objects 8 to 12 inches away. Slowly move a high-contrast toy or rattle side to side in front of them to help them practice following movement

• Gentle Play. You don’t need toys or games just yet. Talking, singing, and making soft facial expressions are simple ways to play and connect. If you're looking for ideas, these short video guides offer tips on newborn care, including play, teething, and gentle ways to stimulate your baby’s senses.

Even something as small as your little one turning toward your voice or watching your face during tummy time can be part of their weekly milestones. These moments of connection lay the foundation for future learning and offer you a chance to slow down and enjoy time together.

Development Tips for Your Baby’s First Month

Your little one is learning every day, and the small things you do together can make a big difference. Here are a few simple ways to support early newborn milestones while strengthening your bond:

• Interact with your little one. Even brief interactions like singing, talking, smiling, listening, and reading can help establish early communication and connection.

• Respond to their cues with comfort and care. This helps your baby feel safe and builds trust.

• Lean on support from friends, family, or local parent groups when you need it.

• Keep a simple routine for feeding, sleeping, and play. Sharing it with anyone who helps care for your baby can create consistency.

There’s no one right way to do things—your presence and care go a long way as your little one grows through their weekly milestones.

A Day in the Life of Your Newborn Baby

While no two days will look the same, most newborns follow a rhythm that includes sleeping, feeding, diaper changes, and short periods of wakefulness. Understanding what’s typical can help you build a simple routine that works for both of you, while supporting your newborn’s milestones week by week.

Here’s a look at what your newborn’s day may include:

Staying flexible while gently encouraging a sense of routine can help both you and your baby feel more settled. Whether it’s a quiet cuddle, a midnight feeding, or a few wide-eyed moments of play, these daily experiences all support your newborn’s healthy development and your growing bond.

Feeding Your Newborn: How Much Does a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Baby Eat?

There’s no need to follow a rigid feeding schedule during the first few weeks. Instead, watch for your baby’s hunger cues to get a sense of what’s typical for them. A 1-week-old baby or 4-week-old baby may show signs of hunger by rooting, smacking their lips, or sucking on their fist.

Crying can also be a late sign of hunger, but it’s better to feed your baby before they get to this stage, rather than waiting until they’re really upset. You'll likely feed your baby at least eight times in each 24 hours, both during the day and night.

During growth spurts, which occur at different times for different babies, but often at 1 week of age and between 3 and 6 weeks of age, your little one may be hungrier than usual. When they’re full, they may look tired or fall asleep.

If you’re breastfeeding and are concerned about your milk supply or wondering whether your baby is latching or nursing properly, ask your healthcare provider or a lactation consultant for help. You can also check out this go-to breastfeeding guide we’ve created just for you!

Even if your baby is feeding well, your healthcare provider may recommend a supplement. For example, vitamin D drops are recommended for breastfed babies, and iron supplements may be recommended depending on what you are feeding your baby and baby’s overall health. It’s always best to ask your baby’s provider what’s right for your situation. 

Diapering a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Newborn

It’s natural to wonder if your baby is getting enough to eat. One of the easiest ways to check is by paying attention to the diapers, how often you change their diaper, and what they contain.

In the first few days, your 1-week-old newborn will likely have thick, dark green or black bowel movements. This is called meconium, and it’s made up of the substances that filled your baby’s intestines before birth. After the meconium has passed, your baby’s stools will switch to a yellow-green color and become softer and runnier. Each baby is different, but you can probably expect at least six wet diapers and at least three or four poopy diapers a day.

Other signs your little one is feeding well include hearing them swallow while nursing or feeding, and noticing that they seem settled for a while afterward. Over time, your baby’s healthcare provider will also monitor their growth to make sure they’re getting enough nourishment.

How Much Sleep Does a Newborn Baby Need?

You might be wondering how much sleep your 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week-old baby needs—and the short answer is: a lot. In the first few weeks, most newborns sleep at least 16 hours in 24 hours, although the timing and length of each nap can vary from day to day and baby to baby.

Even though newborns can’t yet tell the difference between day and night, you can start to shape their sleep routine gently. Keep nighttime feedings quiet and brief. Use soft lighting, avoid play, and try to put your baby back to sleep right after feeding, always on their back. If you're wondering when your 4-week-old infant might sleep through the night, know that it’s still early. Most babies won't develop longer sleep stretches until a bit later. Patience, consistency, and safe habits go a long way.

Safe Sleep

To help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome), follow these safe sleep practices:

• Always place your baby on their back for naps and nighttime sleep.

• Your baby should sleep alone, not in bed with you.

• Use a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and fitted sheet—no pillows, blankets, toys, or bumpers.

It’s also recommended to keep your baby’s crib in your room for at least the first six months. This setup supports safe sleep while keeping your baby close for nighttime feeds and comfort.

Your Baby’s Health

During the first month, you may encounter a few common health concerns. Here’s what to keep in mind as you care for your 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-week-old baby:

• Visitors. It’s okay to welcome close family, but try to keep visits short and quiet so you and your baby can rest. Limit the number of visitors and ensure everyone is healthy, then have them wash their hands before holding your baby.

• Jaundice. If your baby’s skin or eyes look yellow, it could be jaundice—a common condition caused by high bilirubin levels. Your baby’s healthcare provider can assess if any treatment is needed.

• Fever. For newborns under 3 months, a fever can be serious. If your baby feels warm or seems off, take a rectal temperature. A reading of 100.4°F or higher warrants a call to your healthcare provider.

• Circumcision care. If your little one was circumcised, gently clean the area with mild soap and water. Some redness and yellow film are normal in the first week. Contact your provider if you notice swelling, crusting, or cloudy discharge.

The 0-Month Check-up and Vaccinations

Your baby will typically have a check-up within the first week after birth. During this visit, the healthcare provider will measure weight, length, and head circumference, check reflexes, and review feeding and diaper habits.

Around this time, your newborn may also receive their first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine, which is routinely recommended at birth. You might like to become familiar with the standard immunization schedule for babies and young children. Keep in mind that your baby’s healthcare provider will advise you on what immunizations are needed next for your baby.

0-Month-old Milestones Checklist

Every newborn is unique, and early development varies, but here are some common newborn milestones that many parents notice during their baby's first month. Use this list as a gentle guide to observe your little one’s progress and growth:

• Responds to touch and may calm down when held.

• Moves arms and legs with jerky, reflexive motion. 

• Grips your finger when placed in their palm.

• Turns head toward familiar voices or sounds.

• Stares at faces and high-contrast patterns.

• Focuses on objects 8 to 12 inches away.

• Cries to express needs like hunger or discomfort.

• Begins to show signs of social connection (like brief eye contact).

• Has several wet and dirty diapers each day.

• Begins to stretch out from curled fetal position.

If something seems off or you're unsure about your baby’s development, it’s always a good idea to check in with your baby’s healthcare provider.

To Do’s and Items You’ll Need This Month

• Schedule your baby’s 1-month checkup. If you have concerns about your baby, call your provider to see if your baby should be seen in the office. 

• Make a list of any questions or concerns to ask your baby’s healthcare provider, such as:

  • bowel movements (diarrhea and/or constipation)

  • vomiting

  • sleep or feeding issues

  • rashes or fevers

  • fevers and/or infections

  • weight gain or loss

  • hearing or vision concerns.

• Save important contacts in your phone and post them in a visible spot at home—like your baby’s doctor, poison control (1-800-222-1222), and emergency services (usually 911)

• Pick up a first-aid kit for quick access to basics at home

• Wondering when it’s time to size up? Check our diaper size and weight chart.

• Get milestone cards to celebrate your baby turning 1 month.

• Peek ahead to what’s coming next month. 

• Helpful items to have on hand:

  • Car seat

  • Bassinet or crib with fitted sheet

  • Diapers, wipes, and diaper rash cream

  • Changing pad and diaper pail

  • Swaddle blankets or sleeping sacks

  • Glider or rocking chair

  • Burp cloths

  • Diaper bag

  • Baby carrier or wrap

  • Stroller with a newborn insert

  • Breast pump and nursing bras (if breastfeeding)

  • Bottles, nipples, and bottle warmer (if bottle-feeding)

  • Rectal thermometer.

The Bottom Line

Your little one’s first 4 weeks are filled with new experiences—for both of you. From their first reflexes and feedings to those tiny sleepy stretches and occasional cries, every day brings something new to learn, love, and adapt to. These early moments, while sometimes overwhelming, are laying the foundation for your baby’s growth and your bond as a parent.

There’s no perfect way to navigate this stage, just your way. Try to rest when you can, ask for support when you need it, and give yourself grace. You’re doing more than enough, even if it doesn’t always feel like it.

And as you go through countless diapers and wipes, let Pampers lend a hand. The Pampers Rewards App makes it easy to earn Pampers cash for every purchase.

_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}