Now you have a newborn

Hey mama, nobody is prepared, no matter how many books you read or classes you attend. A newborn baby is a whole new level of ‘work’.

Here are 5 things to note now you have a newborn that may help you:

• They can only see around 8-12 inches in front of them
• They don't know day from night
• They get overstimulated very easy
• They sleep in 45-60 min cycles
• They trigger a strong response in their mothers brain when they cry

What can my newborn baby see?

It’s important to note that for the first few days a newborn can only see around 8-12 inches in front of them (the perfect distance to see mama or dada). Everything else is a blur. They will also only see in black and white / gray until around 4 months old.

Their eyesight will get better each week, but only at around 5 months can your baby see everything just like us. 

What day is it?

As mentioned, newborns don't know day from night for the first few months. This is because they are not born with a circadian rhythm. This means they may be up at night, just as much as they are through the day (sorry to break it to you!). 

A great way to support the development of your baby’s 24 hour circadian cycle is to expose them to as much natural daylight as possible throughout the day such as outdoor walks, open curtains etc. This includes nap time; try to keep the curtains open, background noise and go about your day as normal. This will eventually make them realize that night time is dark and quiet for sleeping, day time is bright and loud for play.

Is overstimulation ok, won't they just sleep more?

Newborns have rapid brain growth in a very short amount of time while they learn about the world around them. This means their nervous system can get easily stimulated leading to crying, fussiness and overtiredness. Overtiredness creates the opposite effect of sleep in babies, in most cases overtired babies sleep less and are harder to calm.  

With this in mind, you need to balance rest and new activities such as new touch, smell, taste, sights and sounds within the first few months. Take it easy mama, focus on rest, family time, socializing in small groups and getting to know your new bundle of joy in the early days. 

Have I got enough time to clean the house and take a nap?

That’s right, a newborn typically sleeps in 45-60 minute cycles, made up of quiet and active sleep. 

So go for it mama, try and spend at least one nap time throughout the day on YOU. Self care is just as important as newborn baby care. Or if you do want a nap, have an eye mask at the ready so you can drift off to sleep as fast as possible!

Why does it feel like my head will explode?

That’s right, a newborn's cry triggers a unique and strong response in their mama’s brain. A baby's cry causes a primal reaction, as it sets off the amygdala region of the brain that generates the fear response, which puts the body into fight or flight mode.

When your baby cries, it's impossible to ignore right? Sometimes it makes you feel anxious and you have to go and help them immediately. This is normal, your brain is now wired to protect this baby at all costs.

 

Your newborn's brain is going through so much change as they learn and develop, it's important for you to know this to support them. Ultimately, every day is different, some days will be a breeze, some will be hard, newborn life is not for the faint hearted!

Remember, every baby is different, so it's essential to pay attention to your newborn baby and adapt accordingly. You know your baby better than anyone and what works for you.

 

 

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