When Does a Baby Stop Being a Newborn?
As a new parent, one of the most common questions I had was, “When is my baby no longer a newborn?” After all, it seemed like such a special time, and I wanted to soak up every minute of it. However, as the days turned into weeks and the weeks turned into months, I started to wonder when my little one would officially be considered a baby.
As I did some research, I learned that there is no definitive answer to this question. Some experts say that a baby is no longer a newborn once they reach 28 days old, while others say that the newborn period lasts until 12 weeks. Ultimately, it’s up to each parent to decide when they feel their baby is no longer a newborn. However, there are some general milestones that can help you make this decision.
Physical Development
One of the most obvious ways to tell if a baby is no longer a newborn is to look at their physical development. Newborns are typically very small and fragile, with soft, pliable skin and a head that is oversized compared to their body. As they grow, they will start to gain weight and length, and their skin will become firmer. Their head will also start to grow in proportion to their body.
In addition to these general changes, there are some specific physical milestones that babies typically reach during the first few months of life. These milestones include:
- Holding their head up
- Rolling over
- Sitting up
- Crawling
- Standing
- Walking
Most babies will reach these milestones at different times, so it’s important not to compare your baby to others. However, if you’re concerned about your baby’s physical development, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Behavioral Development
In addition to physical development, babies also go through significant behavioral changes during the first few months of life. Newborns are typically very sleepy and inactive, but as they grow, they will become more alert and interactive. They will start to smile, coo, and make eye contact. They will also start to develop their own unique personality and preferences.
Some of the specific behavioral milestones that babies typically reach during the first few months of life include:
- Smiling
- Cooing
- Making eye contact
- Grasping objects
- Reaching for objects
- Playing with toys
- Interacting with others
As with physical development, babies will reach these milestones at different times. However, if you’re concerned about your baby’s behavioral development, be sure to talk to your doctor.
Feeding
Newborns typically feed very frequently, often every 2-3 hours. As they grow, they will start to eat less frequently and take in more milk at each feeding. By the time they are 4-6 months old, most babies will be eating every 4-6 hours.
In addition to the frequency of feedings, the type of milk that babies drink will also change as they grow. Newborns typically drink breast milk or formula. As they get older, they will start to eat solid foods. By the time they are 1 year old, most babies will be eating a variety of solid foods, including fruits, vegetables, and meats.
Sleep
Newborns typically sleep a lot, often 16-18 hours per day. As they grow, they will start to sleep less and wake up more frequently. By the time they are 4-6 months old, most babies will be sleeping 12-14 hours per day.
The type of sleep that babies get will also change as they grow. Newborns typically sleep in short bursts, often waking up every 2-3 hours to eat. As they get older, they will start to sleep for longer periods of time. By the time they are 4-6 months old, most babies will be sleeping through the night.
When Is My Baby No Longer a Newborn?
So, when is a baby no longer a newborn? There is no definitive answer to this question, but most experts agree that the newborn period lasts until 28 days or 12 weeks. During this time, babies go through significant physical, behavioral, and developmental changes. By the end of the newborn period, babies are more alert, interactive, and independent.
Of course, every baby is different, so it’s important not to compare your baby to others. If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, be sure to talk to your doctor.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about when a baby is no longer a newborn:
- Q: When is a baby considered a newborn?
- A: Most experts agree that the newborn period lasts until 28 days or 12 weeks.
- Q: What are some of the physical changes that babies go through during the newborn period?
- A: Newborns typically gain weight and length, and their skin becomes firmer. Their head will also start to grow in proportion to their body.
- Q: What are some of the behavioral changes that babies go through during the newborn period?
- A: Newborns typically become more alert and interactive. They will start to smile, coo, and make eye contact. They will also start to develop their own unique personality and preferences.
- Q: When do babies start sleeping through the night?
- A: Most babies will start sleeping through the night by the time they are 4-6 months old.
Conclusion
The newborn period is a special time, but it can also be a challenging one. As your baby grows and changes, you will need to adjust your caregiving routine. However, by understanding the developmental milestones that babies reach during the newborn period, you can help your baby thrive.
Are you interested in learning more about the newborn period? If so, I encourage you to do some research online or talk to your doctor. There are many resources available to help you learn more about this important time in your baby’s life.
