A Parents’ Guide to The first six weeks of life for Newborn Babies

The first six weeks of a newborn’s life is important for both the parents and the baby. Within these six weeks, the baby develops from being an infant with immature responses to an assertive human who is able to indicate needs, smile (develop a social smile), listen and initiate a type of conversation.

Babies will lose some weight during the first few days after being born. It is acceptable that up to 10% of the body weight may be lost. Most babies regain the weight within a week. Over the course of the next few weeks, there is an average weight gain of 200 grams each week.

The infant may exhibit a shifting growth pattern after birth. This depends on the genetic makeup of his or her parents. The shift should not be cause for alarm as long as the baby is healthy.

Within a week from birth, babies usually settle into a feeding rhythm. It is normal for babies to consume food once every two to six hours. The feeding is an indicator of general health. Babies feeding poorly may get unwell.

Bowel Motions
Breastfed babies may have bowel motions coinciding with nappy changes. They may have only one bowel motion every 6-10 days. Both patterns are normal. Some infants tend to squirm and get uncomfortable after a few days without a bowel motion. But this need not be misconstrued as constipation, as stool will eventually arrive.

If babies have been mildly dehydrated, they may occasionally develop constipation. You can use some diluted prune juice for this condition. Unless prescribed by a doctor, avoid drugs to relieve constipation. If the infant has been feeding well without vomiting, some green bowel motions are normal.

Vomiting
Many infants spill small amount of foods after being fed. It is common among babies to have gastro-oesophageal reflux, which is a term referring to the return of stomach contents to the mouth. This is a normal condition and does not require treatment. But if the baby is losing weight, experiencing severe discomfort, or vomiting blood, then medical attention is needed.

Vomiting out large amounts is definitely not normal. It may indicate a bowel obstruction or another illness like meningitis or urinary infection. Bile (green vomiting) is particularly something that needs immediate medical attention.

Between 3 and 6 weeks, there is a condition named pyloric stenosis which may occur in your baby. In this condition, babies exhibit projectile vomiting, lose weight and get sick. This is because of an overdeveloped muscle in the stomach (pylorus) and minor surgery is needed to ease the tight muscle. Boys exhibit this condition more than girls. Family history may also be a cause.

Crying
Babies may cry for up to two hours a day. If your baby has a routine biological rhythm of sleep/wake/feed without too much crying, consider yourself lucky. Crying may indicate that your baby needs something, is in discomfort, is wet, or is hungry. Occasionally the cause for a crying baby may be something pathological. Babies with colic will cry often and release lots of wind. Babies with severe gastro-oesophageal reflux will also cry often and it may be difficult to decide the cause.