Newborn First Week: What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan
Medically reviewed by Safi Ullah Khan · Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 21 October 2026
Quick answer: In the newborn first week, expect 8-12 feeds a day, diapers rising from 1-2 to about 6 wet by day 5, some weight loss in the first days, lots of sleep in short stretches, and a checkup at 3-5 days old. Mild jaundice is common. Call your pediatrician for fever, poor feeding, few wet diapers or spreading yellow skin.
TL;DR
- 8-12 feeds a day; diapers rise each day.
- Checkup at 3-5 days (AAP).
- Call for fever, poor feeding or spreading jaundice.
The newborn first week is a blur. Here's a day-by-day guide to what's normal and what's not.
Day by day
| Days | Feeding | Diapers | Also |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | 8-12+ feeds, tiny colostrum feeds | 1-3 wet; black meconium | Very sleepy |
| 3-4 | Milk comes in; feeds lengthen | 3+ wet; green-brown poo | Weight lowest point; jaundice may appear |
| 5-7 | 8-12 feeds | 6+ heavy wet; yellow poo | Weight starts to rise; first checkup |
Feeding
Feed on cues, at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. Wake your baby if they sleep longer than 4-5 hours. See the newborn feeding guide.
Sleep
Newborns sleep about 14-17 hours a day, in 1-3 hour stretches. Always place your baby on their back, alone, on a firm, flat surface. Read safe sleep basics.
Checkups
The AAP recommends a first-week visit at 3-5 days old, then 1 month. See the newborn checkup schedule.
When to call
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Yellow skin spreading to the belly or legs, or in the first 24 hours
- Fewer wet diapers than expected
- Hard to wake for feeds, floppy, or breathing difficulty
- Pale poo or dark urine
Call emergency services for breathing trouble or if your baby is unresponsive.
Getting set up
Write things down from day 1: feed times, diapers, and anything your midwife asks you to watch. Tot makes it a tap, and your partner sees the same log.
Related: newborn diaper count · newborn jaundice · newborn feeding chart · newborn sleep schedule · baby feeding tracker
Download Tot free on the App Store or Google Play. Free with ads; optional Premium.
Sources
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: AAP Schedule of Well-Child Care Visits: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How Often and How Much Should Your Baby Eat?: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: Jaundice in Newborns: www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
- NHS: How to change your baby's nappy (what baby poo looks like): www.nhs.uk (accessed 21 October 2026)
- AAP HealthyChildren.org: How to Keep Your Sleeping Baby Safe (AAP policy explained): www.healthychildren.org (accessed 21 October 2026)
Medical disclaimer:
Tot and this website give general information only. Feeding, sleep and growth ranges vary; always follow your pediatrician's advice. If your baby is unwell, contact your doctor or emergency services.
FAQ
How much weight do newborns lose in the first week?
Some loss is normal in the first 3-4 days; most regain birth weight by about 2 weeks.
How many diapers in the first week?
About 1 wet diaper per day of life early on, then 6+ heavy wet from day 5.
Is it normal for a newborn to sleep all day?
Lots of sleep is normal, but wake for feeds every 2-3 hours, at least every 4-5 hours.
When is the first doctor visit?
At 3-5 days old, per the AAP.
Should I track feeds in the first week?
It's very helpful, especially for diapers and weight concerns.
Related guides
Track this in Tot
Tot is a free baby tracker app for iPhone and Android that logs breastfeeding, bottle feeds, sleep, diapers, growth, vaccines and medicine, and lets parents share the log with a partner or caretaker.
