Baby’s First Year: A Helpful Guide for New Parents
The first year of a baby’s life is a magical time for new parents, full of precious moments and milestones. But it can also be a time of uncertainty, navigating the unknowns of parenthood and seeking answers to many questions.
From sleepless nights to endless diaper changes, the first year of a baby’s life can be both exhilarating and exhausting.
As a mom of three, I know firsthand the challenges and joys of raising a baby during their first year. And I also know how many questions new parents have about their baby’s development during this time. That’s why I’ve put together this guide to help to better understand some of the common questions you may have about your baby’s first year.
We’ll cover everything from how long babies are considered newborns, to when they start crawling, to how long they’ll wear newborn clothes. Whether you’re a first-time mom or dad or just looking up some answers, this guide will provide you with the information you need to navigate the first year of your baby’s life with confidence and joy.
So, grab a cup of coffee, sit back, and let’s explore the wonder and magic of a baby’s first year together.
How long are babies considered newborns?
The first few weeks of a baby’s life are often referred to as the “newborn” period. During this time, babies are adjusting to life outside of the womb and undergoing many changes. But how long are babies considered newborns?
Typically, babies are considered newborns for the first month of life. However, some healthcare providers may consider babies up to three months old to still be in the newborn stage. This is because newborns undergo rapid development during this time, and many of their behaviors and reflexes change as they grow and mature.
During the newborn stage, babies will sleep for most of the day, waking up only to feed and have their diapers changed. They may also experience a range of physical changes, such as shedding their umbilical cord stump and developing baby acne or cradle cap.
As a new mom, it’s important to take care of yourself during this time and get plenty of rest. Don’t be afraid to reach out to other parents, a midwife, or your healthcare provider if you have concerns or questions about your baby’s health and development.
How long do babies’ eyes stay blue?
One of the first things many new parents notice about their baby is the color of their eyes. While most babies are born with blue or gray eyes, their eye color can change over time. So, how long do babies’ eyes stay blue?
By the time babies are six months old, most of their eye color changes have occurred, and their eyes will likely stay that color for the rest of their lives. However, in some cases, a baby’s eyes may continue to change color up until they are about one year old.
The color of a baby’s eyes is determined by the amount and type of pigment in the iris. Blue eyes occur when there is little to no pigment present, while brown eyes occur when there is a high level of pigment. Green or hazel eyes are a result of a combination of blue and brown pigments.
While a baby’s eye color may change, it is important to note that any sudden or drastic changes in eye color should be discussed with a healthcare provider, as it could indicate a medical issue.
How long do babies have soft spots?
Many new parents are surprised to discover that their baby’s skull is not fully formed at birth. Babies are born with two soft spots on their heads called fontanels, which allow for their skull to adapt through the birth process and later to grow and expand as their brain develops. But how long do babies have these soft spots?
The larger soft spot, located at the top of the head, typically closes by the time a baby is 12-18 months old. The smaller soft spot, located at the back of the head, typically closes by the time a baby is 2-3 months old.
It is important to be gentle and avoid applying too much pressure, as excessive pressure on the soft spots can be dangerous and may cause injury or brain damage.
They can also be helpful indicators of medical conditions. A sunk-in soft spot indicates dehydration, so keep an eye on rehydrating.
A tense or bulging fontanelle indicates too much fluid and increasing pressure in the brain, which depending on the circumstances and health of your child should be treated as an emergency.
How old are babies when they start crawling?
Watching a baby learn to crawl is an exciting milestone for many parents. But when can you expect your little one to start crawling? The answer varies from baby to baby, but most babies will begin to crawl between 6 and 10 months of age.
Before babies start crawling, they will typically spend time practicing by rolling over, pushing up on their hands and knees, and scooting backward. Once they have developed enough strength and coordination, they will begin to crawl on their hands and knees, using their arms and legs to propel themselves forward.
It’s important to note that not all babies will crawl in the traditional hands-and-knee style. Some babies may prefer to crawl on their bellies, while others may skip crawling altogether and move straight to walking.
As a new mom, it’s important to encourage your baby’s development by providing plenty of opportunities for them to practice their crawling skills. This can be done by providing a safe and secure environment for your baby to explore and play in and giving them enough tummy time to build up strength in their back and arms.
How long do babies sleep in a bassinet?
Bassinets are a popular sleeping option for newborns and young infants, as they provide a small, cozy sleeping space that can be easily moved from room to room. But how long can you expect your baby to sleep in a bassinet?
Most babies will outgrow their bassinet by the time they are 4-6 months old or when they reach the weight limit specified by the manufacturer. At this point, it is recommended that babies transition to a crib, which provides a larger sleeping space and is typically safer for older and more active infants.
When using a bassinet, it is important to follow all manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines to ensure that your baby is sleeping in a safe and secure environment. This includes placing the bassinet on a flat, stable surface, using a firm mattress, and avoiding any loose bedding or soft objects that could pose a suffocation risk.
As a new mom, it is also important to monitor your baby’s sleeping habits and patterns to ensure that they are getting the rest they need. Newborns typically sleep for 16-17 hours a day, waking up every 2-3 hours to feed.
As your baby grows and develops, their sleeping patterns will change. Continue to prioritize healthy sleep habits to support your baby’s overall development and well-being.
How long do babies wear a size 1 diaper?
Diapers are a necessary part of a baby’s daily routine, and it can be challenging to know when it’s time to size up to the next size. Size 1 diapers are typically designed for newborns and preterm-delivered infants.
So depending on the size of your baby, it may be that your baby already starts with size 2. Every newborn is different; some may outgrow size 1 diapers sooner or later than others.
How to Choose the Right Diaper-Size?
Diaper sizes are categorized by weight, look on the packaging of the brand of diapers you buy to see what weight they are intended for, as this can differ by brand.
Additionally, sizes tend to overlap slightly in their weight ranges, so you don’t have to wait until you reach the limit to change sizes. Usually, it’s good to stay more mid-range in the weight chart.
If your child is leaking frequently, see if you need to change diaper sizes. Also, ensure that the diaper’s edges are not tucked in, as this will lead to leakage.
So in the end, a diaper that is too small can cause discomfort and leaks, and a diaper that is too large can be too loose and may not provide adequate protection either. Newborns grow faster and
Newborns grow and gain weight faster, therefore diaper sizes will change faster in the beginning, so don’t buy too large quantities of initial sizes. Rather buy a pack of the next size as a backup, they do not go bad and you will need them for sure.
How long do babies wear newborn clothes?
Shopping for adorable newborn clothes is one of the most exciting parts of preparing for a new baby. But how long can you expect your baby to wear these tiny outfits?
Newborns typically wear size “newborn” clothes for the first few weeks of life, or until they weigh around 8-9 pounds. However, every baby is different; some may outgrow newborn clothes sooner or later than others. But don’t be surprised if they just fit for the first two to four weeks. If you and/or your partner are very tall it can be that you have to start with bigger clothes from the get-go.
Once your baby has outgrown their newborn clothes, it’s time to size up to “0-3 months” or “3 months” clothes. These sizes are designed for babies who weigh between 8 and 12 pounds, depending on the brand and style.
It’s important to regularly check your baby’s clothes for fit and comfort, as babies grow quickly and may require frequent wardrobe changes. It’s also a good idea to stock up on a variety of sizes and styles to accommodate your baby’s changing needs.
Enjoy this special time with your little one and savor every moment, from those precious newborn snuggles to the excitement of watching your baby grow and develop.
Summary
The first year of a baby’s life is a time of growth, development, and discovery. As a new mom, having questions and concerns about your baby’s health, behavior, and progress is natural.
By staying informed and educated, you can help ensure that your baby is healthy, happy, and thriving throughout their first year of life. Remember to prioritize your baby’s safety, health, and well-being, but to look after yourself too, and enjoy every moment of this special time with your little one.
