How Long Is the Newborn Stage?

Taking care of a newborn child may be nerve-racking, whether you're a first-time parent or a seasoned pro. After all, newborns might seem impossibly little and delicate. All those hours spent comforting and nursing your baby may have you wondering: how long does the newborn stage last? The truth is, although those restless nights may seem endless, the newborn stage is rather brief.

How long is the newborn stage?

The newborn stage is a lot shorter than many people think. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the official duration of this period is 28 days. "However, many consider it to last until an infant is about 4 to 6 weeks old," explains Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar, Sr. Consultant- Pediatric & Neonatologist, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore.

Once the newborn period is complete, the baby enters the infant stage, which the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) define as up to one year of age.

What does a newborn need?

During the first few weeks of life, anticipate a lot of snuggling, nursing, and, yes, crying. Aside from their fundamental survival requirements, newborns need nothing. In principle, if you keep them nourished, rested, and loved, kids should be content (but, really, it isn't that simple!)."It's best to keep things simple with a newborn and be low-tech, if possible," according to Dr. Sampath Kumar. Parents do not need to worry about sleep training: This isn't developmentally appropriate until an infant is at least 4 months old. Here's what a baby needs:

Milk: Whether it's breast milk, formula, or a combination of the two, newborn newborns are continuously eating. The frequency with which you feed them might vary depending on whether you use breast milk or formula. The CDC suggests administering 1 to 2 ounces of formula every two to three hours, for a total of eight to twelve feedings in a 24-hour period.

Sleep: Newborn babies sleep a lot, but the majority of that sleep might come at the incorrect time—many babies have their days and nights messed up. So, if you notice that kids are awake more at night than during the day, experts tell you that this is normal. Newborns typically sleep 18 to 20 hours per day, no sleep regimen should be expected at this age. It's also crucial to remember the following healthy sleep practices: experts suggest laying newborns on their backs on a level, solid surface with no blankets, pillows, toys, or other items, and swaddling them if desired.

Basic hygiene: Expect to go through a lot of nappies throughout the first several weeks. Newborn newborns urinate and defecate regularly, and blowouts are a definite possibility. You may be changing newborn nappies up to 12 times per day depending on how often and how much they're feeding. Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar also mentions that bathing your infant every day is unnecessary since it might dry up their skin.

Physical touch: Snuggling with your child is not only delightful for you; it is also necessary for their growth and well-being.

Tips for navigating the newborn stage:

The newborn time may seem calm, but many new parents deal with sleep loss, postpartum anxiety, and other challenges. The neonatal stage involves significant hormonal changes, severe sleep deprivation, and the enormous burden of maintaining the life of another human being.

Here are some suggestions for getting through a newborn stage:

Alternate night feedings and wakeups: Newborns are awake. With that stated, attempt to establish a nocturnal routine in which you may switch feedings with your spouse or another carer, if possible.

Focus on connecting with the infant: Bonding is really vital during the neonatal period.

Take use of your support system: If there is ever a moment to accept a friend or family member's offer of assistance, it is during the newborn period.

Know when to get mental health care: For others, the newborn stage is just overwhelming. For others, it might cause postpartum depression or anxiety. Please make sure to reach out for help ASAP.

Learn the baby's cues: It may take some time, but parents or carers will finally understand what the baby is trying to convey. When you realise that one very distinct scream signifies, "I'm starving!" and another says, "I'm exhausted!" you'll feel like you're getting somewhere. Pay attention to your baby's needs and trust your instincts.

Write down questions and notes for your paediatrician: Use a little notepad or your phone's notes app to take down any questions or concerns that come to mind so you know precisely what to ask your physician at your next appointment.

Don't pressure yourself: This is a great time to keep things simple and focus on your basic needs and those of a baby—food and nourishment, recovery and sleep.

This stage may only last a few weeks, yet it might seem like it goes on forever. One of the most transformational phases of a family's life is the infant period. Remember, this is your time to connect with your newborn, but don't forget to take care of yourself. This intense moment will pass—and you may even miss it one day.Medically approved by Dr. Sampath Kumar Shettigar, Sr. Consultant- Pediatric & Neonatologist, Kinder Hospitals, Bangalore.

FAQs on How Long Is the Newborn Stage?

How long is the neonatal period?A neonate is also known as a newborn. The neonatal phase spans the first four weeks of a child's existence. This is a period of fast transformation.
At what age do newborns begin to crawl?Babies normally start crawling between the ages of 7 and 12 months. Between 6 and 9 months, they are normally able to crawl on their hands and knees, and by 9 months, they will most likely be rolling about and crawling on their stomachs, known as 'commando crawling', but this varies per kid.

How Long Is the Newborn Stage?

The newborn period lasts around 28 days, while others believe it might last up to 4-6 weeks. Newborns need regular feeding, sleep, and physical contact during this phase. New parents may overcome obstacles by prioritising self-care, creating routines, and learning to read their baby's signs.