Your Newborn Baby's Development and Milestones

Curious about what’s typical in your baby’s very first month? From night feeds and nap routines to the first little smiles and rapid changes, your newborn is going through enormous adjustments, and it’s completely normal to have questions along the way. Whether you’re wondering about milestones of newborn growth, feeding, or sleep, understanding your baby’s development week by week can help you confidently support this special stage.

This guide covers everything you need to know in your baby’s first few weeks, with straightforward, practical information to help you feel confident and at ease about the milestones of newborn growth and care.

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

Those early days are a whirlwind of change for you and your baby alike. From instinctive reflexes to sleep patterns, your little one is busy adapting to life outside the womb. Each tiny milestone may feel modest, but it marks a big step in your baby's development week by week.

As you watch your baby grow week by week, you’ll spot new gestures and responses. Each baby is different, of course, but here’s a handy summary of early newborn milestones you may notice, from a 1-week-old baby to a 4-week-old baby.

Physical Development and Growth: It’s Normal for Newborns to Look a Bit 'Different'

Your baby’s appearance and size will change rapidly in these first weeks. Most babies drop around ten percent of their birth weight by day five, then steadily regain it over the next five days. By about week 3, they’re usually back to or above their birth weight. It's important not to worry too much about your baby's size by week, as every baby is different. Your GP will track your baby’s growth by regularly measuring their length, weight and head circumference during check-ups. These measurements help monitor your baby’s rate of growth over time. For more on how your GP uses baby growth charts, check out this resource on tracking your baby’s growth.

You’ll spend a lot of time gazing at your new baby, and while you’ll fall in love with every inch of them, you might notice some physical features that seem a little unusual at first. Your baby is still adjusting to life outside the uterus, so it’s completely normal to spot these differences in their appearance during the first few weeks:

• Lanugo, that fine, soft hair, may be present at birth and will usually disappear on its own quite soon.

• Peeling skin. Your newborn’s skin may look dry or even peel a little. It’s best to avoid using creams or lotions during this stage to prevent skin irritation.

• Red birthmarks. You might notice reddish areas on your baby’s face or neck known as ‘salmon patches’ or ‘stork marks.’ These marks usually fade within a few months. Dark red, slightly raised marks called ‘strawberry marks’ may appear shortly after birth and could get larger before gradually fading over time.

• Swollen genitals and breasts are common, a normal effect of hormones from pregnancy, and this usually resolves naturally.Soft spots.

• You may feel two soft spots, called the fontanelles, on top of your baby’s head. These spots are where the skull bones are still fusing, but a thick membrane provides protection.

• Odd-shaped heads can happen after vaginal birth, as the skull bones temporarily adjust during delivery; the shape will round out in the next weeks.

All of these are perfectly normal, whether your baby is one week old or four, and most changes fade with time. If you have any concerns, your midwife, health visitor or GP is always the best person to ask during your 2-week newborn checkup or other appointments.

Movement: Instincts and Reflexes in Newborns

In the first few weeks, your 1-week-old newborn may have movements that seem jerky or uncoordinated, but over the coming months, these will gradually become more controlled. Here are some of the common reflexes your baby may have at birth:

• Rooting. When you gently stroke your baby’s cheek or mouth, they will turn their head toward your finger in search of food. This is an instinctive reflex that helps with feeding.

• Sucking: Newborns can instinctively suck, but coordinating sucking and breathing is a skill that takes a bit of practice. Over the first few days, your baby will improve at this, especially when nursing.

• Moro reflex. If your baby is startled by a sudden noise or shift in the position of their head, they may react by extending their arms and legs before quickly pulling them close again.

• Strong grip. When you touch your baby’s palm, you’ll notice the newborn grip in action as they instinctively hold your finger tightly. However, be mindful not to rely on this newborn grip to support your little one, as they have no control over it and might suddenly let go.

• Stepping. When you hold your newborn in a standing position with the soles of their feet touching a surface, you might notice them make a stepping or walking motion.

Cognitive Development, Senses and Social Skills

Even as a newborn, your baby is starting to discover the world in simple but meaningful ways. One of the most important senses for your newborn is touch, and they can even sense your mood through the way you hold and touch them. Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly valuable for both the parent and baby, helping to strengthen the bond and provide comfort. These can help encourage cognitive development of a newborn.

Holding and carrying your 1,2,3 or 4-week-old baby gives them a sense of security. Always support their head and neck so it doesn’t flop from side to side or front to back. Gently rocking your baby can help soothe and calm them, and baby massages may also be a wonderful way for you both to bond.

You might be wondering, 'What can babies see at 1, 2, 3 or 4 weeks? Normally, a newborn baby can only see very little, but this means your baby can see your face as you hold them close. Their own hands will also interest them as they pass by in front of them. By the time your newborn is around 2 weeks old, you might notice them following your face or colourful objects that are around 20cm away.

Sensory highlights in your newborn’s first month include:

• Focuses on objects around 20cm away. Roughly the distance from your face when you’re holding them.

• Fascination with faces, especially yours, and simple visual patterns.

• Wandering or crossed eyes as their muscles gain strength. This is normal in the early weeks.

• Their hearing is already developed and they’ll likely recognise voices and turn to sounds, especially if it’s you talking. Babies respond well to both high-pitched and soft voices, so enjoy these exchanges as they help stimulate their growing senses.

When wondering how do newborns communicate, remember that crying is still a newborn's main way of telling you if they need food, are uncomfortable or just overstimulated. You’ll soon learn to recognise the difference between a hungry cry, a tired cry, or one that just means 'cuddle me!' As they become more alert, you might even hear a soft coo or grunt, especially as they try out their new voice in these early milestones of newborn behaviour.

If your newborn is fussing but doesn’t need feeding, burping or a nappy change, they may simply want a cuddle or some gentle soothing. If your baby’s crying is prolonged or unusually intense, especially alongside other symptoms, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your health visitor or GP.

With every chat, cuddle, or moment of eye contact, your baby is learning that you are their safe place, forming foundations for communication and healthy emotional development.

Behaviour: Nothing Compares to That First Real Smile

In those earliest weeks, you might spot your baby smiling in their sleep. These are usually reflex smiles, not yet social, but they offer a gorgeous glimpse of things to come. So, when do newborns start to smile? As your newborn gets to know you, genuine smiles often appear by week four or into the second month, especially when you talk, smile or make eye contact with them. Few baby milestones by week warm the heart like that wonderful first newborn smile!

You might also see hints of your baby’s temperament: Are they quick to fuss, or settled between feeds? Do they startle easily, or seem calm in new situations? Even in these first few weeks, the little details help you get to know your baby’s unique personality. Each new behaviour is another small milestone on their journey.

Celebrate every milestone and get rewarded with Pampers Club points—download the app now!

How Do You Bathe a Newborn Baby?

Until the umbilical cord stump dries out and falls off a 1 or 2-week-old baby, it’s best to keep that area dry. During this time, you can give your baby a gentle clean by ‘topping and tailing’, using damp cotton wool to wash their face, neck, hands and bottom without fully submerging them in water.

Once the cord area has healed, you can start giving your baby a bath in a baby bathtub or the sink. If you’re wondering how often to bathe a newborn, bathing about three times a week is usually enough for the first year. However, some babies may enjoy a daily bath. Generally, as long as you’re thoroughly cleaning the nappy area at each change, fewer baths are fine.

Here are some tips to help with how to bathe a newborn during their first few weeks:

• Ensure the water is at the ideal bath temp for newborn – it should feel comfortably warm, never hot, when you test it against your wrist or elbow.

• Have all the supplies you’ll need on hand, so you don’t ever leave your baby unattended.

• Bathe your baby right after undressing them to avoid them getting cold, and make sure the room is warm.

• Support your baby’s head and neck as you place them in the sink or bath, as well as throughout the time you are bathing them. Keep their head and most of their body well above the water level for safety.

• To clean your baby’s face, use soft, damp cotton wool. For the first month, plain water is best without using any cleansers.

• If your newborn baby is circumcised, your GP can give you directions on cleaning and protecting the area until it heals.

• After bathing, gently pat your baby dry carefully paying attention to any folds in their skin.

Read more about how to bathe your newborn and you’ll have a handle on it soon enough!

What Can You Do With a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Baby?

It may seem like all your baby does is eat, sleep and need changing (and you’re not far wrong!). But there are lots of gentle, enjoyable ways to bond and support their development from the very beginning. If you’re ever unsure about a particular activity, your health visitor can offer tailored advice. Looking for activities to do with newborn? Try these straightforward ideas below!

Why not try these simple, baby-friendly activities during your newborn’s first month for development tips for your baby’s first month?

All these activities for newborns help set the stage for the next milestones of development.

Even a tiny glance, a wriggle at tummy time, or turning toward your voice is a big milestone at this age. These shared moments are the foundations for all the learning and growth to come. Incorporate these development tips for your baby’s first month as part of your daily routine.

Development Tips for Your Baby's First Month

Here are a few tips that can help strengthen the bond between you and your little one in these early days and weeks:

A Day in the Life of Your Newborn Baby

No two days with a newborn look exactly alike, but most babies settle into a rhythm involving plenty of sleep, frequent feeds, regular nappy changes and short stretches of alert time. Understanding what’s 'standard' helps you set gentle routines that fit your family and support your baby’s growth and milestones by week.

Here’s what a typical newborn day might look like:

A bit of flexibility and patience is key. Go with the flow, and know that even a midnight feed or a daytime cuddle is helping your baby thrive and deepen your bond together.

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

The good news is that you don’t need to follow a strict newborn feeding schedule. Instead, watch for hunger cues like rooting (as mentioned above), lip-smacking or sucking on their fist. Crying can also signal hunger, but it’s best to feed your baby before they get too upset.

Wondering how often do newborns feed? In the first few weeks, it’s usually about eight times or even more within 24 hours. During the first days, your newborn feeding might happen every hour, but soon they will space out feeds with longer breaks in between. You’ll likely be feeding your baby both day and night.

Signs that your baby is full include looking sleepy or falling asleep during or after a feed. Growth spurts, often around the end of week two and between weeks three and six, might make your baby hungrier than usual.

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

Whether your baby is breastfed, formula-fed, or a combination of both, it’s a good idea to consult your baby’s GP about potential dietary supplements. In some cases, vitamin D and iron supplements may be recommended until your baby reaches 12 months.

Changing Nappies for a 1-, 2-, 3-, or 4-Week-Old Newborn

Wondering if your baby is getting enough food? Tracking nappy changes can be a helpful way to monitor their newborn feeding amount.

In the first few days, don’t be surprised if your newborn baby’s poos are thick and dark green or black — these are your baby’s normal first bowel movements, called meconium. After this meconium has passed, the stools will switch to a yellow colour, and become softer and runnier. Each baby is unique, but when it comes to how many nappies you need per day for a newborn, you can usually expect at least six wet nappies and two dirty ones daily. Wondering how often you should change a newborn's nappy? It’s best to change them as soon as they’re wet or soiled to keep your little one comfortable.

Other signs your baby is eating enough include hearing them swallow during feeds and seeing contentment after eating. Over time, your GP will track your baby’s growth to ensure they’re receiving enough nourishment. Although those first few nappy changes can be tricky, you’ll quickly get the hang of it!

How Much Sleep Does a Newborn Need?

Wondering how long do newborns sleep? In those early weeks, your newborn might rest for about 16 hours a day, usually split into three or four naps. They typically sleep in shorter blocks since their stomach can only hold small amounts of milk. You may need to wake your baby for feeds during the night if they don’t wake on their own.

If you’re struggling with a newborn that won’t sleep, remember that although your little one doesn’t yet know the difference between day and night, you can gently help them learn by keeping nighttime feeds calm. Avoid bright lights, keep nappy changes brief, and put your baby back to sleep on their back right after. During active sleep, your newborn may move, grunt or make sounds, which is all perfectly normal at this stage.

Safe Sleep Practices for Babies

For the first year, always settle your baby to sleep on their back in a cot, rather than co-sleeping with newborn, as this is the safest option recommended in the UK. Keep the cot free of clutter like loose sheets, blankets, bumper pads, pillows and toys, and place the cot in your room. It’s also important to ensure your baby isn’t too hot or cold – keep the room at around 18°C at night. These steps help reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), an unexplained death of a healthy baby in the first year of life.

Read more about how to reduce the risk of SIDS and remember the ABCs of safe sleep. Your baby should always sleep:

• ALONE

• on their BACK

• in a COT.

Your Baby’s Health

Here are some general baby health conditions and common concerns at this stage:

• Is it safe to have visitors? It's common to want family and friends to meet your baby, but during the first month, it's wise to limit visitors. Ensure visitors are healthy, and ask them to wash their hands before holding or touching your baby to reduce the risk of infection.

• Jaundice. If your baby’s skin has a yellowish tinge, they may have jaundice, a condition that develops when the liver isn't mature enough to remove a yellowish pigment called bilirubin from the blood. Your baby’s healthcare provider will diagnose and treat this condition.

• Fever. A normal temperature for a baby is about 36.4°C. A fever is considered 38°C or higher. If your baby is under 12 weeks and has a fever, seek urgent medical attention.

• Caring for a circumcised penis. Keep the area clean with mild soap and water. Redness and a yellow secretion are normal in the first week. However, if there is swelling or unusual discharge, consult your GP.

First Month Check-up and Vaccinations

Your baby’s first newborn checkup usually takes place within the very first week. At this appointment, a healthcare professional will check weight, length, and head circumference, assess reflexes, observe feeding and nappy patterns, and chat with you about how you’re coping as a parent.

When it comes to vaccinations, in the UK routine immunisations don’t begin in the first month for most healthy newborns. Instead, the first dose of the routine immunisation schedule is offered at around 8 weeks old (not immediately at birth). At this 8‑week visit, babies are offered the combined '6‑in‑1' vaccine (which protects against diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis (whooping‑cough), polio, Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and hepatitis B), the first dose of the rotavirus vaccine (by mouth), and the first dose of meningococcal B (MenB) vaccine.

From that point, the schedule continues with further doses at around 12 weeks and 16 weeks.

However, a hepatitis B vaccine at birth is only routinely offered in specific circumstances (for example, if the mother is hepatitis B positive or the baby is considered at higher risk) rather than for all newborns.

Your healthcare team will explain your baby’s personalised newborn checkup schedule, so you’ll know exactly what to expect next when it comes to immunisations and early developmental milestones.

Newborn Milestones Checklist: 0–4 Weeks

Every baby develops at their own pace, but here are some common milestones of newborn development many parents spot during the first month - whether you have a 2, 3 or 4 week old baby:

• Calms to touch, enjoys cuddles

• Moves arms and legs in reflex jerks

• Holds your finger if placed in their palm (marks newborn grip)

• Turns head toward familiar voices or sounds

• Stares at faces or bold, simple shapes

• Can focus on objects 20cm away

• Cries to communicate hunger, discomfort or overstimulation - early signs of how newborns communicate

• Begins to show first hints of social engagement (eye contact)

• Several wet and dirty nappies daily.

If you ever have a worry or question about your baby’s progress, ask your health visitor or GP. They’re always happy to help and can support you on your baby’s unique milestones journey week by week.

To-Do List and Essentials for the First Month

The Bottom Line

Your baby’s first month brings a whirlwind of new emotions, discoveries and routines for you both. From tiny reflexes and sleepy feeds to first cuddles and newborn smiles, every day brings something new. These early weeks weave the start of your bond.

Remember, there’s no one 'right' way. Take things day by day, rest when you can, accept help when it’s offered, and be kind to yourself. You are already all your baby needs, even on the trickiest days, every moment brings your little one closer to the next milestone.

And for those endless nappy changes, let Pampers give you a helping hand. The Pampers Club App makes it simple to earn Pampers rewards every time you buy.