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Newborn baby routines
Your newborn baby's typical day
The first few weeks are usually chaotic, but a pattern starts to emerge at around 5-6 weeks.
Young babies typically feed 6-8 times in a 24-hour period. Feeds may last from 20 minutes to 1 hour. They are not always spaced regularly and can be from 2 to 5 hours apart. Newborns need at least 15 hours sleep in 24 hours. Each sleep will last from 1½-4 hours, day or night
By 2 months:
By 2 months:
As babies grow, they may cut back to 5-6 feeds in 24 hours. Feeds are usually more frequent during the day, with 3-4 hour gaps compared to every 5-6 hours during the night. Babies should sleep for periods of 1-2 hours during the day (after each feed), and for periods of 3-5 hours during the night. Sleeps should total about 15 hours
You will have learnt the differences between cries of pain, hunger or tiredness, and your baby will most likely be smiling in response to people smiling and talking to him.
What is your baby doing now?
- During the first few weeks: Take advantage of your baby's short waking times to get to know one another, even if it's just a 10 minute cuddle and chat.
- By 2 months: Baby is more responsive to people and the environment. Each day they should have 2 - 3 playtimes, lasting about half an hour, before or after feeds.
- Tummy time on the floor lying on a bright towel or blanket, with a few toys.
- At change time, leave nappy off for a few minutes, and do “bicycle” motions with baby's legs, gently moving their legs backwards and forwards as if they were pushing the pedals of a bike.
- Mobiles over the change table (Black and white mobiles are good, as baby responds more to contrast than colour during the first few months.)
- Listening to music on the bouncer or rocker chair while you prepare the meal or iron.
- Never leave your baby alone on the change table or bed, or in a bouncer on top of a table or bench.
- Babies learn about the world by seeing and hearing activities around them, and by seeing their parents as role models.
- Use an exciting voice for play and a soothing voice for settling.
- A baby who is talked to a lot will not simply copy the words they hear, but also invent language and learn to like using it.
- During feed time, talk calmly and softly about what you will do today, or sing your favourite song.
- At bath and nappy change time, talk and play, count baby's fingers and toes, sing songs, and play talking games, like "Round and round the garden...."
- When you are out shopping, describe what you are buying. In the park, talk about the trees and birds.
- Turn taking. When you're having fun, baby will make happy sounds, then stop and listen to what you have to say. When you respond, baby will make more sounds. This is the beginning of taking turns, which leads to conversation.
Crying is the only way babies have to communicate their needs. At the beginning, it's quite normal to have at least one or two unsettled periods a day (where there's a lot of crying), and at least one unsettled day per week. Responding to your baby's cries promptly in the early weeks helps them to feel safe and secure. It helps if you make sure your baby is not overtired.
When you put baby in a cot, make up the cot so baby's feet are at the bottom end (rather than baby's head at the top end). This avoids the risk of baby wriggling down and slipping underneath the bedclothes. For more information see SIDS and kids safe sleeping.
Tips for safe sleeping
- Sleep baby on their back in a cot.
- Barren is best - no pillows, no quilts or doonas, no bumpers, no canopies, no fluffy toys.
- Use a firm well-fitting mattress.
- If swaddling don't cover baby's head.
- Don't overheat with heavy blankets.
- Make sure the room is smoke free.
Find more relevant articles and information about newborn baby routines:
- Find more about your baby's feeding
- Read more baby sleep advice
- Discover how your baby learns to play
This article was created from the Children's Panadol First Five Booklet.
ALWAYS READ THE LABEL. Use only as directed. Incorrect use could be harmful. Consult your healthcare professional if symptoms persist. Panadol is a registered trade mark of the GlaxoSmithKline group of companies.
Last revised: Monday, 1 February 2010
This article contains general information only and is not intended to replace advice from a qualified health professional.