Welcome to Your Baby’s First Year
Medically reviewed by Tyra Tennyson Francis, MD
The first year of your baby’s life is an exciting and sometimes overwhelming time. With new developments that happen day-by-day, week-by-week, and month-by-month, it can be hard to keep up!
As a new parent, you'll be busy learning to care for your baby and soaking in all of the wonders of the infant stage. While every baby's development varies, our guide can help you learn what to expect during their first year of life, and how to navigate the changes with your little one.
During each stage, our week-by-week and month-by-month guide will provide you with the following important information:
Your baby’s growth
Physical and developmental milestones
What to anticipate at your health care practitioner’s office
Special concerns and considerations
A day in the life with your baby
Feeding and nutrition tips
Sleep concerns
Baby care tips
“Must knows” for every stage
Our guide will walk you through your baby’s first year, sort through all of the confusing information available today, and help you make the decisions for you and your baby. Ready to get started? Let’s go!
Bailey Mariner
Week 1
Where do you even begin approaching life with a newborn? Overnight, your entire life has changed! This week is all about adjusting, surviving, and getting as much rest as possible as you settle into parenthood.
The first week, you can expect a lot of sleep from your newborn and plenty of time to heal if you've given birth. You can learn more about your baby's normal reflexes that may startle you at first, the irregular breathing patterns your newborn will have (especially while snoozing), and the safe sleep guidelines that will ensure their safety during the night.
Feeding your little one will be your primary focus this week, so you can prepare to supply your baby with breast milk, get help with common breastfeeding issues like poor latch and clogged ducts, and/or choose baby formula.
You can also find out what to do if your baby won't stop crying, determine how much milk they'll need, and learn how long to expect those hard-to-clean meconium diapers to last.
Week 2
During week two, you can learn your baby’s signs of hunger, decode the noises they make, and understand why they should return to their birth weight after losing a few ounces during the first week.
It might be time to break out the baby bathtub after their umbilical cord falls off and, thanks to your little one’s first growth spurt, you might experience the fun of cluster feeding as well.
Week two is also an important time to address any physical concerns that may have cropped up after the initial high of the first week—anything from dealing with mastitis to the "baby blues" to postpartum healing.
Week 3
For some babies, colic may set in this week, so learn how to cope, what to expect, and when your little one’s crying might be something more. At 3 weeks old, you can start introducing regular tummy time for your baby to develop the muscles they need to eventually hold their neck up.
If your infant has any skin issues, such as cradle cap or baby acne, you can try strategies such as extending the time between baths and using a gentle, baby-safe detergent.
Week 4
Dealing with diaper rash? Now is a great time to learn which diaper rash cream to buy for your baby and how to properly use it. You can also find out how to pump breast milk for storage if you’re working on building up a freezer supply.
During your infant’s 4-week or 1-month well-check visit, they may receive routine vaccinations, including the second dose of the hepatitis B vaccine. Talk with your doctor about any concerns and find out how to reduce your baby’s risk of SIDS.
Week 5
Your little one won't be able to use their baby toys during playtime just yet, but they're getting close! They should grasp a rattle and hit other important growth milestones this week.
If you’re planning on returning to work soon, you can get plenty of tips, advice, and inspiration from other parents who have been in the same situation.
Week 6
Many parents return to work around this time. You might have conflicting emotions, but no matter how you're feeling, you can prepare by learning how to store breast milk, juggle working from home, and more.
If you'll be having someone other than your partner care for the baby, make sure they enroll in an infant CPR class, and they're up to date on current safety standards.
Week 7
If you’re parenting with a partner, check in with each other as you adjust to parenthood together. If you're resuming physical intimacy, discuss birth control, if applicable.
Also, continue having open and honest conversations about the signs of postpartum depression. It’s important to have a plan for seeking help because, as with any medical condition, early intervention is key.
Make sure you’re giving your baby plenty of tummy time to strengthen those important muscles. As your baby grows, you may also need help choosing a daycare or getting the hang of your baby carrier (don’t worry, they're difficult for everyone at first).
Month 2
At your baby’s 2-month check-up, they'll receive important vaccines that protect them from certain diseases.
As your little one grows and leaves the house more, you should understand car safety concerns, like how to properly use a car seat Also, read up on strategies to decrease the risk of accidentally forgetting your baby in a hot car.
Month 3
Good news—you can expect your infant’s evening fussiness to subside this month, and your little one may even start sleeping through the night. Yes, really! As your baby grows, you'll notice that the color of their stool may change, so learn how to decode all of its various hues.
If you’re still breastfeeding, you might need support if you encounter a dropping milk supply, a lack of pumping resources, or health conditions requiring medications that aren't incompatible with breastfeeding.
Month 4
Your infant will enjoy their age-appropriate toys more and more. Encourage play by being a hands-on parent! Get down on the floor, narrate your activities during the day, and offer plenty of variety in toys.
You can also take steps to help your infant develop the necessary muscles to sit up on their own—a milestone that's coming before you know it.
Month 5
Wondering when your baby should stay home from daycare? Conditions like a fever, a constant cough difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea—plus contagious illnesses like whooping cough—are all valid reasons.
Sicknesses in babies can be difficult to manage, so learn strategies to bring their fever down naturally. Also, never give your baby aspirin, due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.
Month 6
You’ve reached the halfway point to your baby’s first year, which is no small feat considering how many sleepless nights you’ve probably endured by now. Celebrate by finding out if your baby is ready for solids this month, and try your hand at making your own baby food.
As your baby begins eating more solids, nursing parents may find that their menstrual cycle returns— or it might have returned far earlier. If you're not planning on another pregnancy anytime soon, discuss contraception with your partner, as you can get pregnant again sooner than you think.
Month 7
When should you introduce your baby to screens? You might be itching to get a parenting break by turning on cartoons, but the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screens for all children under 18 months.
By now, your baby has probably started teething, so implement dental hygiene as soon as possible. You can also find out how to deal with separation anxiety, brush up on babyproofing your home, and learn more about introducing table utensils, such as silverware and sippy cups. Oh, and maybe consider buying a new vacuum to go along with your baby’s newfound ability to toss food out of their high chair!
Month 8
Is your baby's weight normal for their age and stage? You can find out the average length and weight of infants, but keep in mind that all babies develop at different rates, and many factors play into their growth.
This month, focus on interactive toys during playtime— and don’t forget to get down on the floor and play with your little one too!
By month 8, your baby is probably eating more solids, and you've probably noticed changes in their bowel movements. If your little one is having trouble chewing and swallowing food, speak with your doctor to rule out any medical complications that may be causing the gagging.
Month 9
If you’re introducing more foods to your baby, watch for signs of a food allergy, which can include a rash, diarrhea, gassiness, spitting up, wheezing, and vomiting.
Sleep this month might be interrupted by teething or growth spurts, but don’t get discouraged! Stick to your regular bedtime routine and try new techniques for soothing your baby, like using a white noise machine.
Month 10
Ten-month-old babies are busy bees. As their activity level increases, so does their risk of getting into trouble—like putting, well, everything into their mouths.
Brush up on the common choking hazards for babies, and avoid foods like popcorn, raisins, nuts, hard candy, grapes, and hot dogs. If you haven’t already, sign up for a local CPR certification class, and make sure that everyone who cares for your child knows what to do if your baby chokes.
As you approach your baby’s first birthday, you'll start thinking about some big transitions, like weaning and eliminating naps.
Month 11
Your baby is almost one year old! Whether you’re going all-out or sticking to a low-key celebration at home, your baby's first year is a milestone that's worthy of cake.
As your little one may be taking their first steps, you might seek answers to some pressing questions—for example, do babies need to wear shoes? Their palate will also be expanding as they enter toddlerhood, so you can explore different food options.
Most of all, this month, congratulate yourself on making it through the first year of parenthood!
Read the original article on Verywell Family.