What clothing is best for babies in the newborn stage?

Soft, breathable cotton clothes that are easy to put on and take off work best. Choose onesies or rompers with front openings for convenience. Avoid rough seams, tight elastics, or too many buttons that may irritate your baby’s skin.

What is the best way to soothe a gassy newborn?

Hold your baby upright after feeding and gently burp them. Try tummy massages or bicycle leg movements to release trapped gas.

Understanding the Newborn Stage: Duration and What to Expect

The newborn stage is when time feels slow yet slips through your fingers all at once. You’re getting to know this little person who can’t talk yet but still manages to tell you so much through their cries, coos, and tiny movements.

It’s easy to focus on the tough bits — sleepless nights, constant feeds, and endless nappy changes. But in the middle of all that, this stage is also full of beautiful firsts you’ll never forget. Slowly, you and your baby start figuring each other out, building a bond that becomes the foundation for everything that follows.

How Long Does the Newborn Stage Last?

The newborn stage is a special but short period in your baby’s life. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), it officially spans the first 28 days after birth.

However, many experts and parents consider it to last a bit longer — typically up to 6 to 12 weeks. Around three to four months, you’ll notice your baby becoming more alert and interactive. That’s when the newborn phase ends, and your little one moves into the infant stage, which lasts until their first birthday.

What Does Your Newborn Need?

Newborns are tiny humans with big needs, but thankfully, those needs are quite simple.

Milk for nourishment: Whether you choose breastfeeding or formula, your baby needs frequent feeds to grow. Breastfed babies feed on demand — usually 8 to 12 times in 24 hours. Formula-fed babies may take 1 to 2 ounces every 2 to 3 hours.
Plenty of sleep: Newborns sleep a lot, but often in short bursts. Their days and nights might be mixed up — which is completely normal. Always place your baby on their back on a firm, flat surface without pillows, blankets, or toys.
Basic hygiene: Expect frequent nappy changes, sometimes up to 12 times a day. You don’t need to bathe your baby daily — three times a week is enough to protect their delicate skin.
Physical closeness: Holding your baby skin-to-skin helps regulate their heart rate, temperature, and nervous system.

Newborn Development Milestones

The newborn stage might not include big milestones like walking or talking, but your baby is still achieving small, meaningful steps.

Week-by-Week Milestones

Week 1: Your baby sleeps most of the time, waking briefly to feed. You’ll notice reflexes like the startle (Moro), rooting, and sucking reflexes. They may even recognise your voice from the womb.
Week 2: Babies start regaining birth weight. Eyes can focus on objects 20–30 cm away, and appetite increases.
Week 3: Crying begins to communicate more than hunger. Your baby may lift their head briefly during tummy time.
Week 4: Early coos and “ahh” sounds begin as your baby experiments with their voice.
Week 5: Sleep stretches get longer. Your baby notices colours and patterns.
Week 6: Feeding intervals may extend to every 3–4 hours. Babies appear more alert and responsive.
Week 7: They start recognising where sounds come from and prefer colours over high-contrast patterns.
Week 8: Faces fascinate them — they calm when they hear your voice and may smile responsively.
Weeks 9–10: Early social skills emerge. Babies mimic sounds, copy mouth movements, and show more personality.

Milestones by Month

1 month: Babies are more alert, respond to voices, and recognise familiar smells. Movements are still jerky, and fists remain mostly closed.
2 months: Smiles appear, cooing begins, and babies respond to loud noises. They start moving both arms and legs more freely.
3 months (end of newborn stage): Head and neck control improve, and some may roll over. Babies track moving objects and show early social bonding through smiles and sounds.

Tips to Navigate the Newborn Stage

These practical tips can make the early weeks a little easier:

Share nighttime duties: Take turns with your partner or caregiver for feeds and wake-ups.
Prioritise bonding: Make time for daily skin-to-skin contact.
Lean on your support system: Accept help with meals, cleaning, or errands.
Understand baby’s cues: Over time, you’ll learn the difference between cries for hunger, tiredness, or discomfort. Trust your instincts.
Stock essentials: Keep nappies, wipes, burp cloths, and extra clothes in multiple rooms. A mini fridge near your bed for bottles and snacks can simplify night feeds.

The newborn stage is brief but transformative — for both you and your baby. In just a few months, your little one will grow, change, and begin showing their unique personality. It can be exhausting, but it’s also filled with the most unforgettable moments of early parenthood.

Whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or navigating postpartum, you don’t have to do it alone. Join our support group to connect, share, and support one another.

FAQs on Understanding the Newborn Stage: How Long It Lasts and What to Expect

What clothing is best for babies in the newborn stage?
Soft, breathable cotton clothes that are easy to put on and take off work best. Choose onesies or rompers with front openings for convenience. Avoid rough seams, tight elastics, or too many buttons that may irritate your baby’s skin.
What is the best way to soothe a gassy newborn?
Hold your baby upright after feeding and gently burp them. Try tummy massages or bicycle leg movements to release trapped gas.