Baby development
Newborn development, 0–4 weeks
In the first weeks a baby sleeps most of the day and night, in short stretches of two to four hours, and wakes to feed. Day and night are not yet different for them. This is normal, and it is hard: rest whenever the baby rests.
A newborn sees best at the distance of your face during a feed, about 20–30 cm, and already prefers faces and voices. Talking, singing and holding the baby skin to skin are the most useful “activities” there are.
Sleep
Put the baby to sleep on their back, on a firm flat mattress, with no pillows, bumpers or soft toys in the cot. Keep the baby in your room for the first months.
Feeding
Most newborns feed 8–12 times in 24 hours. Wet and dirty nappies are the simplest sign that the baby is getting enough.
Movement
Movements are jerky and reflexive: the startle reflex, grasping a finger. A few minutes of tummy time while awake and watched helps the neck grow stronger.
Call a doctor
Fever in a baby under 3 months, refusing feeds, very few wet nappies, yellow skin that is getting worse, or breathing that seems difficult — call your doctor the same day.
This is general information about typical development, not medical advice. Every child develops at their own pace. If something worries you, talk to your paediatrician.
Week by week in the Oror guide
In the app, the right card opens by itself every week, and you can tick what you have tried.
- Week 0
Hello, little one
The first days are for getting to know each other. Your baby sees best at about 20–30 cm — roughly the distance to your face while feeding.
Try this
- Hold your baby skin to skin on your chest
- Talk and sing to them softly
- Look into their eyes while feeding
You may notice
- Startles at loud sounds
- Looks briefly at your face
Good to know
- Feed on demand — usually 8–12 times a day
- Sleep on the back, on a firm flat surface, with no pillows or toys
Talk to a doctor if
- A temperature of 38°C or more — see a doctor straight away
- Skin or eyes turning yellow, and the yellow spreading
- Week 1
Getting to know each other
Your baby already knows your voice and smell. They sleep a lot — up to 16–18 hours a day — and wake to feed.
Try this
- Say what you are doing: “now let’s change your nappy”
- Rock them gently in your arms
- Let them grip your finger
You may notice
- Calms when you hold them
- Grips your finger firmly
Good to know
- Keep the umbilical stump clean and dry; it falls off by itself
- Hold upright after a feed to let the air out
Talk to a doctor if
- Fewer than 6 wet nappies a day after day 5
- Very sleepy and won’t wake for feeds
- Week 2
The first growth spurt
Many babies want to feed more often this week. It’s normal and usually lasts a few days.
Try this
- Softly sing the same song at feeds
- Show a black-and-white picture
- Take a short walk in fresh air
You may notice
- Follows your face for a moment
- Reacts to your voice
Good to know
- Let them feed often — it helps your milk supply
- Rest yourself while your baby sleeps
Talk to a doctor if
- Repeated forceful vomiting, or green vomit
- Week 3
A little tummy time
Short tummy time while awake builds neck and shoulder strength. Start with a minute or two.
Try this
- A few times a day, 1–2 minutes on their tummy — on your chest
- Lie face to face with them on the floor
- Move a rattle slowly in front of their eyes
You may notice
- Lifts head briefly on the tummy
- Moves both arms and both legs
Good to know
- Tummy time only while awake and watched
- An evening bath can become a calming routine
Talk to a doctor if
- Always moves one side of the body less than the other
- Week 4
One month old
Your baby stays awake longer and studies faces closely. Cries start to sound different: hungry, tired or uncomfortable.
Try this
- Tummy time — up to 10 minutes a day, in a few short goes
- Talk, then pause so they can “answer”
- Show them different faces you can make
You may notice
- Follows a face side to side
- Holds head up for a few seconds on the tummy
Good to know
- Crying usually peaks around 6 weeks, then eases
- If you feel overwhelmed, put your baby down somewhere safe and take a few minutes
Talk to a doctor if
- Doesn’t react to loud sounds
- Never closes a hand or kicks the legs