Bringing your baby home is magical. AND scary. All at once. In that first month, everything feels new. The crying. The feeding. The sleepless nights. However, there are many things that new parents often don't hear about beforehand.

I've compiled research, expert insights, and real-world lessons to help you understand what to expect, what to worry about, and how to care for your newborn baby. Here is my list of things every parent should know about a baby's first month.

1. Newborn Growth, Weight & What’s “Normal”

It’s totally normal for babies to lose up to 5–10% of their birth weight in the first few days. Then they should regain it by about 2 weeks.

After that, many babies gain about 1 ounce per day in the first month.

Their length also increases: for boys, from ~20 inches at birth to ~21½ inches at one month; for girls, similar.

Head circumference typically increases by about ½ to 1 inch in the first month.

Knowing these numbers helps you judge baby growth in the first month. It allows you to avoid unnecessary panic.

2. Feeding, Hunger & Milk Supply

Feeding in the first month can feel like you live at the breast or bottle. Many new parents wrestle with doubt. Is the baby getting enough milk?

Here’s what to keep in mind:

Newborns often feed 8–12 times per 24 hours, especially if breastfeeding.

If formula feeding, some start with 1–2 ounces per feed in the first days, gradually increasing.

Watch for diapers: by the end of the first month, having at least 6–9 wet diapers per day is a sign that the baby is getting enough.

Cluster feeding often happens in the evening — the baby seems extra hungry and wants to nurse frequently. It can feel endless.

Accurate low milk supply is rare. Many issues arise from latch, positioning, or missed feeds rather than physiological problems.

Tip: Keep a feeding log (including time, duration, and which side). It builds confidence and helps detect patterns or problems early.

3. Sleep, Day-Night Confusion & Wake Windows

In the newborn stage, sleep is unpredictable. A “schedule” is not realistic. But knowing patterns helps:

Babies sleep 16–17 hours per day in short bursts, not in big chunks.

Their internal clock (circadian rhythm) has not yet been set; day-night confusion is common.

Sleep is divided into active (moving) and quiet (still) phases.

Wake windows (time baby stays awake) are very short. 30–60 minutes max before needing a nap again.

Safe sleep practices are essential: always place the baby on their back, use a firm mattress, and keep the crib bare.

Tip: Use gentle light cues (bright during the day and dim at night) to help your baby adjust gradually. But don't Stress. Full nights are a long way off.

4. Milestones, Senses & What Baby Can Do

In the first month, babies are primarily driven by reflexes.

But you'll see minor signs of growth:

They turn heads toward familiar voices or sounds.

Vision is blurry; newborns see best at a distance of ~8–12 inches from their faces. Colours are less distinct initially.

Hands are mostly fisted, but by the end of the month, they may bring their hands toward their mouths.

Reflexes such as rooting, sucking, grasping, and the Moro (startle) reflex are very active.

Speaking to babies, maintaining face-to-face contact, and using gentle touch help their brains build connections and promote sensory development.

5. Umbilical Cord, Jaundice & Skin Care

These are things many new parents don’t anticipate:

The umbilical cord stump usually falls off between 1 and 3 weeks. Until then, care is "dry cord care". There should be no soaking or pulling.

Some jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) is common in the first week. It is caused by an abnormal liver that has a decreased ability to function and metabolise rubin. If it's very yellow, spreads quickly, or the baby is sleepy, contact a paediatrician.

Newborn skin is delicate. Use fragrance-free, mild cleansers. Bathing 2–3 times a week is enough initially.

6. Crying, Soothing & When to Worry

Crying is your baby's primary means of communication. But these are subtle realities:

In the first month, many babies cry on average 1–2 hours daily or more, especially in the evening cluster periods.

“Purple crying” peaks around 2–3 months, but early signs can appear. Don’t blame yourself. This phase passes.

If you hear a sudden, very high-pitched cry, or one accompanied by lethargy, poor feeding, or fever, call your paediatrician.

Early exposure to skin-to-skin, gentle rocking, swaddling, and white noise can help calm crying and reduce Stress.

Remember: you can't spoil a newborn by holding them too much. Comforting doesn't create bad habits at this age.

7. Checkups, Shot Schedule & When to Call Doctor

Don’t skip these:

The first doctor's visit typically occurs between days 3 and 5, and then again around one month later. Growth, weight, jaundice, reflexes, and feeding were all reviewed during these visits.

Vaccines start early. Hepatitis B is often given within 24 hours of birth.

Call your paediatrician if the baby has fewer than six wet diapers/day by day 5, is continuously lethargic, has poor feeding, has a high fever, has difficulty Breathing, or has abnormal cries.

Grow with Your Baby

The first month with your newborn is a particularly intense period. You'll question, celebrate, worry, and learn daily. But beneath the surface chaos are tiny miracles. There is growth, connection and adaptation.

Learning newborn tips for the first month, what to expect in the baby's first month, and how to care for your newborn helps you feel more grounded amid the blur.

Keep expectations gentle, ask for help, and remember: you're doing the most critical job in the world—even on nights when it feels like nothing is under control.