Baby’s First Month: What to Expect After Delivery
Bringing your baby home is one of life’s most unforgettable moments. Alongside the excitement, many new parents also experience uncertainty.
Is my baby feeding enough?
Why does my baby sleep so much?
How often should I change nappies?
Is this crying normal?
If you’re asking these questions, you’re not alone.
The first month of your baby’s life is a period of remarkable growth and adjustment for both baby and parents. Understanding what is normal—and recognising when to seek medical advice—can help you feel more confident as you settle into parenthood.
At R-Jolad Hospital, our Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatric teams support families throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the newborn period. This guide explains what to expect during your baby’s first four weeks, how to care for your newborn and when to contact your healthcare provider.
Why the First Month Is So Important
The first 28 days of life are known as the newborn period.
During this time, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb while:
- Learning to feed
- Regulating body temperature
- Developing sleeping patterns
- Gaining weight
- Strengthening their immune system
- Forming a close bond with parents
Regular medical reviews during this period are essential to monitor your baby’s health and development.
Your Baby’s First Week
The first week is all about adjustment.
Your baby may:
- Sleep between 16 and 18 hours each day.
- Wake every two to three hours for feeding.
- Cry frequently.
- Lose a small amount of birth weight.
- Pass dark, sticky stools (meconium) before transitioning to yellow stools.
These changes are usually normal.
Feeding During the First Week
Whether you choose breastfeeding, formula feeding or a medically advised combination, feeding is one of your baby’s most important needs.
Breastfeeding
Most newborns breastfeed:
- 8 to 12 times every 24 hours.
Frequent feeding helps:
- Establish milk supply.
- Prevent dehydration.
- Support healthy weight gain.
It’s normal for feeding sessions to vary in length.
If breastfeeding feels difficult, seek support early. Lactation guidance can make a significant difference for both mother and baby.
Formula Feeding
If formula feeding has been recommended or chosen, always:
- Prepare feeds exactly as instructed.
- Sterilise bottles properly.
- Feed according to your healthcare provider’s advice.
Never dilute formula or introduce water unless advised by your doctor.
What Your Baby’s Sleep Will Look Like
Many first-time parents worry their newborn sleeps “too much.”
In reality, newborns usually sleep:
- 14–18 hours every day.
Sleep occurs in short periods because babies wake frequently to feed.
Your baby’s sleep pattern gradually becomes more predictable over the following months.
Safe Sleep Tips
Creating a safe sleeping environment reduces the risk of sleep-related accidents.
Always:
- Place your baby on their back to sleep.
- Use a firm mattress.
- Keep pillows, loose blankets and toys out of the cot.
- Avoid overheating.
- Share your room but not your bed where possible.
These practices support safer sleep during infancy.
Week Two: Your Baby Begins to Change
By the second week, many babies begin regaining the weight they lost shortly after birth.
You may also notice:
- Longer periods of alertness.
- Improved feeding.
- Increased wet nappies.
- More responsive facial expressions.
Although every baby develops differently, these are encouraging signs that your newborn is adapting well.
Week Three: Building a Routine
By week three, many families begin developing a loose daily rhythm.
You may notice:
- Feeding becoming more efficient.
- Longer stretches of sleep at night (although frequent waking is still normal).
- Improved eye contact.
- Recognition of familiar voices.
Remember that routines remain flexible during the newborn stage.
Week Four: Growth and Development
By the end of the first month, many babies have:
- Regained and exceeded their birth weight.
- Become more alert.
- Started responding to sounds.
- Improved head control when briefly placed on their tummy while awake and supervised.
- Become more interested in faces.
Every baby develops at their own pace, so avoid comparing your child with others.
Understanding Your Baby’s Crying
Crying is your baby’s primary way of communicating.
Your newborn may cry because they are:
- Hungry.
- Tired.
- Uncomfortable.
- Too hot or too cold.
- Needing a nappy change.
- Wanting comfort.
Responding promptly helps your baby feel secure and supported.
Nappy Changes: What’s Normal?
A healthy newborn usually has:
Wet Nappies
Around six or more wet nappies each day after the first few days.
Dirty Nappies
Frequency varies depending on feeding method.
Breastfed babies often pass stools more frequently than formula-fed babies.
Discuss any concerns about constipation or diarrhoea with your healthcare provider.
Umbilical Cord Care
Your baby’s umbilical stump usually falls off within one to three weeks.
To care for it:
- Keep it clean and dry.
- Fold the nappy below the stump.
- Avoid applying powders, oils or traditional remedies unless advised by your healthcare provider.
Contact your doctor if you notice:
- Redness spreading around the cord.
- Foul-smelling discharge.
- Swelling.
- Persistent bleeding.
Bathing Your Newborn
Babies do not need daily baths.
Two or three baths each week are usually enough during the newborn period.
Use:
- Warm water.
- Mild baby cleanser.
- Soft towels.
Always support your baby’s head and never leave them unattended during bath time.
Newborn Health Checks
Routine medical reviews during the first month help ensure your baby is growing well.
Your healthcare provider may assess:
- Weight gain.
- Feeding.
- Jaundice.
- Hearing.
- Physical development.
- Umbilical healing.
- General wellbeing.
These visits are an opportunity to ask questions and receive reassurance.
Newborn Vaccinations in Nigeria
Vaccination protects babies against serious infectious diseases.
In Nigeria, newborns typically receive vaccines shortly after birth, with additional immunisations scheduled during infancy according to the National Programme on Immunisation.
Your healthcare provider will explain:
- Which vaccines are due.
- When they should be given.
- Why they are important.
Keeping your baby’s immunisation schedule up to date is one of the most effective ways to protect their health.
Caring for Mum After Delivery
While much attention focuses on the baby, mothers also need care and support.
During the postnatal period:
- Rest whenever possible.
- Eat a nutritious diet.
- Stay hydrated.
- Attend postnatal appointments.
- Seek help with breastfeeding if needed.
- Accept support from family and friends.
If you experience persistent sadness, overwhelming anxiety or difficulty bonding with your baby, speak to your healthcare provider promptly. Emotional wellbeing is an important part of postnatal recovery.
Warning Signs That Need Immediate Medical Attention
Seek urgent medical care if your baby has:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Fever or unusually low body temperature.
- Refuses several consecutive feeds.
- Persistent vomiting.
- Convulsions.
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes that worsens.
- Extreme sleepiness and difficulty waking.
- Blue lips or skin.
- Signs of dehydration, such as very few wet nappies.
- Continuous high-pitched crying that cannot be soothed.
Prompt medical assessment can be lifesaving.
Common Questions New Parents Ask
Is it normal for my baby to lose weight after birth?
Yes. Most babies lose a small amount of weight during the first few days before gradually regaining it within two weeks.
How often should I feed my newborn?
Most newborns feed every two to three hours, although feeding patterns vary. Follow your baby’s hunger cues and your healthcare provider’s advice.
Should I wake my baby for feeds?
Some newborns, particularly during the first weeks, may need to be gently woken to feed if they are sleeping for long periods. Your doctor or midwife will advise you based on your baby’s weight and health.
Why does my baby hiccup so often?
Hiccups are common in newborns and are usually harmless. They often resolve without treatment.
When should I start tummy time?
Once your baby is home and medically stable, you can begin short periods of supervised tummy time while they are awake. This helps strengthen neck and shoulder muscles.
When should my baby have their first medical check-up?
Your healthcare provider will advise you based on your baby’s birth and discharge plan. Keeping all newborn and immunisation appointments is important for monitoring growth and development.
Why Follow-Up Care Matters
The first month is only the beginning of your child’s healthcare journey.
Regular follow-up appointments help monitor:
- Growth.
- Nutrition.
- Feeding.
- Development.
- Vaccinations.
- General health.
Building a relationship with your healthcare team ensures concerns are identified early and your baby receives the best possible start in life.
Why Choose R-Jolad Hospital for Maternity and Newborn Care?
At R-Jolad Hospital, we provide seamless care from pregnancy through childbirth and into your baby’s earliest months.
Our comprehensive services include:
- Consultant-led antenatal care.
- Labour and delivery.
- Elective and emergency Caesarean sections.
- Neonatal assessment.
- Paediatric consultations.
- Newborn screening.
- Breastfeeding support.
- Immunisation services.
- Postnatal care for mothers.
- Family planning and maternal health services.
Our multidisciplinary team works together to ensure mothers and babies receive compassionate, evidence-based care every step of the way.
Book Your Postnatal or Newborn Appointment Today
The first month of your baby’s life is filled with important milestones—and plenty of questions.
Whether you need breastfeeding support, newborn health checks, immunisations or postnatal care, the specialists at R-Jolad Hospital are here to help.
Our experienced Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Paediatric teams are committed to supporting your growing family with expert care in a safe, welcoming environment.
Book your postnatal or newborn consultation today and give your baby the healthiest possible start in life.
