This post may contain affiliate links. That means if you click on the link and purchase an item, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read my disclosure for more information.
You should always seek medical advice from a physician or other qualified health provider for any questions you may have. Any information found in this post, on this blog, and shared on any resources created by Mom Wife and Everyday Life is based on my personal experience as a mom and should not be taken as professional advice. The contents of this website are for general informational purposes.
This is a 24-hour period with a newborn during the first week. It is once we are out of the hospital and back at home.
Remember that every baby is unique and will do its own thing.
The three main things to expect with a newborn though are eating, sleeping, and pooping. It is really that simple.
Now getting them to do these things…such as sleeping is not always simple.
Some newborns spend the first weeks constantly falling asleep on their own, others need more help though.
Let’s get into this 24 period with a newborn. See if it is what you expected!
Just for a little background. I am home on maternity leave on my own. My husband is back at work and our toddler goes to daycare. I am a breastfeeding momma so I cover all of the feedings.
I do not expect my husband to help at night, but he is more than willing to do his fair share between feedings.
We are going to start with a morning, go through an entire day, and then end with the overnight portion.
7:20 AM Feeding Right Side 20 Minutes
7:40 AM Burp
8:00-9:30 AM Sleep
10:00 AM Changed Diaper
10:10 AM Feeding Left Side 15 Minutes (Used Haakaa on Right Side 10 ish Minutes)
10:25 AM Burp
10:45-1:00 PM Casual Napping On and Off
1:10 PM Feeding Right Side 20 Minutes (Used Haakaa on Left Side 10-15 Minutes)
1:30 PM Burp
2-4 PM Casual Napping On and Off
4:00 PM Diaper Change
4:15 PM Feeding Left Side 20 Minutes (Used Haakaa on Right Side 10 ish Minutes)
4:35 PM Burp
4:50-6:50 PM Casual Napping On and Off
7:00 PM Feeding Right Side 20 Minutes
7:20 PM Burp
7:45-8:20 PM Fussy and Restless
8:20 PM Feeding Left Side 15 Minutes (Maybe cluster feeding)
8:35 PM Burp
8:40 PM Diaper Change
8:45-10:20 PM Casual Napping On and Off
10:25 PM Diaper Change
10:30 PM Feeding Right Side 15 Minutes
10:45 PM Burp/Rock
11:00 PM Put to Bed in Crib
1:40 AM Diaper Change
1:45 AM Feeding Left Side 20 Minutes
2:05 AM Burp
2:20 AM Rock and Put Back to Bed
4:20 AM Feeding Right Side 20 Minutes
4:40 AM Burp
4:55 AM Rock and Put Back to Bed
6:40 AM Diaper Change
6:50 AM Feeding Left Side 20 Minutes
7:10 AM Burp
7:25 AM Rock and Put Back to Bed
I realize this isn’t the most detailed daily schedule, but I hope it serves as a good overview of 24 hours with a newborn. This day was when our daughter was about 4 days old. She was still really good and easy to put to sleep. I can say in the weeks since it has gotten much harder to get her to sleep, especially at night.
During this time period, our baby was sleeping wherever and whenever. Starting week two and three we did naps in the crib and started getting a bit more structured.
Eating
Like I said before we are breastfeeding and we are doing so exclusively right now. For all you new mommas out there that plan to breastfeed, keep it simple. If you feed your baby directly every time your body will know what to do.
When you start trying to pump too soon it becomes more complicated. The only thing I use on occasion is the Haakaa.
The way this works for me is that I only use one breast per feeding.
8 am right
11 am left
1:30 right
This is just what works for me. When I am feeling engorged or just want to work on my freezer stash I’ll use the Haakaa on the non-feeding breast during a feeding.
I do not find this to negatively affect my supply. There is plenty of time to replenish before the next feeding.
If you want to read more about the Haakaa check out my article The Haakaa: a Simple, Affordable, and Effective tool for Breastfeeding Moms.
If you are new to breastfeeding you may feel overwhelmed. I want you to know that it gets easier with time. Feedings will require less and less work. Your baby will get stronger and you won’t need a pillow. You won’t need to use nursing pads or nipple balm after some time has passed.
In the first few months, your breasts are working to get regulated. Just focus on feeding your baby.
Remember burping is important. If you feel you are struggling try moving your baby into a new position. Sometimes just the movement will get a burp out.
Also, try to keep them upright for a little while after feeding rather than putting them flat on their back. This is the one time I will put my baby in a seat or bouncer during the day. My typical thoughts on seats cane be further explored in Instead of Buying a Baby Swing Give Your Baby the Freedom to Move.
Poop
Your baby is going to go through a LOT of diapers. In the first days and even weeks, the poop will change. Do not be alarmed!
What I have found is that my baby will poop about 10 to 15 minutes after doing something. For example, I would change my baby right when they woke up then 10 minutes late hear a big old poop. The same would happen with feedings. Give your baby a little bit of time around transitions before changing their diaper.
If you have any doubts about your baby eating enough pay attention to their diapers. The diaper will tell you if your baby is getting enough milk.
Sleep
Oh sleep. Such a struggle.
Some newborns will sleep all day and all night and it is easy for a week or so. Other babies struggle. They simply need help getting to sleep. They will fight it and get themselves worked up to a mess.
When it comes to sleep safety is always #1. You are going to be very tired. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Better to ask grandma to do a shift one night rather than you falling asleep holding your baby.
I am on team swaddle. You can come to your own conclusions if it is right for you.
We are also team crib. I love starting the baby out in the crib for so many reasons.
This way later you don’t have to transition them from the bassinet to the crib. They are already used to their environment. You also save a ton of money—bassinets are expensive!
Check out my thoughts on starting in the crib from day one in my article Bassinets, And Why You Don’t NEED One.
One of the most important things to remember is that newborns need a LOT of sleep. If they get behind on sleep they can get overstimulated and be very difficult to calm down.
Make sure they are getting plenty of sleep even if you have visitors coming to meet them.
Conclusion
I hope you found this 24 hours with a newborn to be informative and helpful in making you feel you are on the right track. I’m sure you are doing great.
Spend this time focusing on your baby. Don’t worry about your housework or anything else that can wait. Learn you baby. Learn what they like and what they are communicating to you through their cues and body language.
During this newborn phase, your baby is going to change quickly. One week they may be an easy sleeper and the next will be a total mess. You may think you have established a feeding routine and then they decide to start growing and enjoy cluster feeding.
Just roll with the punches and don’t stress it. All you need to do is care for your baby and enjoy this time. They are going to grow up fast.
Check Out My Articles
The Top 16 Baby Products Every New Parent Needs: A Handpicked Selection
Smart Purchases for New Parents: My Top 11 Favorite Baby Products
The Vava Baby Monitor Review! Why We Still Like It Two Years Later!
Help and Support for New Moms During the First 2 Weeks of Breastfeeding
5 Affordable Postpartum Products Under $10 that Will Make Your Life Easier
