What to Expect From Your Newborn Baby

Welcoming a baby into this world is a beautiful experience, but it can also be filled with uncertainty, especially for new parents. Understanding some key aspects of newborn care can ease the transition for both parents and babies.

So here I am, as a prenatal + pediatric chiropractor telling you 10 essential things that you may or may not know about newborns, so you can better support your baby’s growth and well-being.

Here we go!

1. Newborns don’t need a bath right away.

At birth, babies are covered in a white substance called vernix. This acts as a protective barrier and natural moisturizer for their delicate skin, so delaying a bath until the vernix is absorbed can be beneficial.

2. Their vision isn’t fully developed right away.

Newborns can only see about 8-12 inches in front of them, which is just enough to focus on their mother’s face during feeding. Their vision will gradually improve over the first few months.

3. They can recognize their mother’s scent and voice.

Senses are not fully developed at birth, and they will continue to strengthen as your baby gets older. Their heightened sense of smell allows them to find and recognize when mom is near.

4. Colostrum is food!

Colosturm is the first milk produced from the mother. It provides antioxidants, nourishment, and immune support. If baby is being breastfed, they don’t need much more for survival in the first few days life.

5. Newborns like to be held close to their mother.

Being skin-to-skin with mom allows babies to regulate their nervous system, inlcuding body temperature and heart rate, as well as lower their stress levels. Skin-to-skin enhances the bonding experience and is vital for a newborn’s emotional and physical well-being.

6. They make a lot of noise—it’s okay!

Newborns grunt, sigh, and make all sorts of noises, even in their sleep. Oftentimes, these sounds are a sign that their respiratory and digestive systems are adjusting to life outside the womb.

7. Their sleep schedule is anything but regular.

Newborns can have short sleep cycles and wake frequently to feed. Their stomachs are only the size of a marble at birth, so they only hold a small amount of food early on. They may wake every 2-3 hours or more or less, and it can change day to day.

8. They’re sensitive to overstimulation.

Lights, sounds, people, sensations, and too much handling can have them feeling uncomfortable or dysregulated. If they’ve had a day out and about, meeting new people, don’t be hard on yourself if they aren’t going to sleep as “easy” or they seem more irritable. Think of how adults are when we’re overstimulated?! The same can happen in newborns.

9. A newborn’s digestive system is not fully matured at birth.

Just like their senses, their stomachs are being introduced to food for the first time. Some of the grunting and movements they make early on are related to their immature digestive system learning how to process food and excrete waste.

10. Bonding is key to their development.

Holding, cuddling, and responding to a newborn’s needs builds a strong emotional bond, which is critical for their psychological development and sense of security.

For all things babies and birth and more tips to enhance your perinatal + motherhood experience, following along on Instagram @yourfamilychirokc.