The Most Asked Questions Newborn Parents Have (With Real Answers)
Because the newborn stage doesn’t come with an instruction manual—but we’ve got the next best thing.
1. How much should my newborn be sleeping?
Answer: Newborns typically sleep 14–17 hours per day, but it’s not in long stretches. Most will wake every 2–3 hours for feeding (yes, even at night!). It’s totally normal for their sleep to feel chaotic at first—they’re adjusting to life outside the womb.
Pro Tip: Focus on wake windows rather than a set schedule. A newborn’s wake window is usually only 45–60 minutes.
2. How often should my baby be eating?
Answer: Every 2–3 hours around the clock, especially in the first few weeks. That’s about 8–12 feedings in 24 hours. Whether you’re breastfeeding or formula feeding, watch for hunger cues like rooting, sucking on hands, or fussiness.
If your baby seems sleepy and isn’t waking to eat, you may need to wake them every 2–3 hours in the early days—especially if they’re under birth weight.
3. Is this amount of poop normal?!
Answer: Probably, yes. Newborns can poop after every feeding or only once a day—both are normal! Breastfed babies tend to have more frequent, runny poops; formula-fed poops are usually more formed.
Look for: Mustard yellow (breastfed) or tan/brown (formula-fed), seedy, and soft. If it’s white, red, or black (after meconium), call your pediatrician.
4. Should I wake the baby to feed at night?
Answer: In the first 2–3 weeks, yes—until your pediatrician gives the green light. Once your baby has regained birth weight and is growing steadily, you can let them sleep longer stretches at night (hallelujah!).
5. How often should I bathe my newborn?
Answer: Only 2–3 times per week is plenty. Daily baths can dry out their skin. Until the umbilical cord falls off (usually by 2 weeks), stick to sponge baths.
Use fragrance-free, gentle cleansers like Aveeno Baby or Tubby Todd.
6. When does the umbilical cord fall off?
Answer: Around 7–14 days. Keep it clean and dry. Don’t submerge it in water. Let it fall off naturally—no tugging!
If it smells bad or has pus or redness around it, call your pediatrician.
7. How do I know if baby is too hot or too cold?
Answer: Feel their chest or back (not hands or feet!). If it’s warm but not sweaty, they’re good. Generally, dress them in one more layer than you’re wearing.
Avoid overheating—it’s a risk factor for SIDS. A light swaddle or sleep sack is perfect.
8. Why does my baby sound congested?
Answer: It’s super common. Their nasal passages are tiny and often full of fluid after birth. Try a saline spray and a bulb syringe or NoseFrida once a day (or as needed).
If there’s wheezing, trouble breathing, or a high fever, get medical attention.
9. Is it normal for newborns to grunt and squirm in their sleep?
Answer: Yes! Babies are noisy sleepers. They cycle between light and deep sleep and often grunt, wiggle, and make adorable goat noises.
Unless they’re crying or waking up fully, you don’t need to intervene.
10. When will things feel normal again?
Answer: You’re not alone for wondering this. For most parents, the “fog” begins to lift around 6–8 weeks as feedings stretch out and baby gets more alert (and cuter than ever). By 3–4 months, you’ll start to settle into a rhythm.
In the meantime, let go of perfection. Focus on the essentials: feed, sleep, cuddle, survive.
Mama-to-Mama Encouragement
There are no dumb questions in the newborn stage. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure—you’re doing it right. These early weeks are a crash course in patience, love, and survival. Give yourself grace, drink your cold coffee, and remember: you’ve got this. ❤️
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