Blog · 2 July 2024

Routine for a Two to Three-Week-Old Baby

With many partners returning to work two or three weeks after their baby is born, this can be an exhilarating yet nerve-wracking time for mothers.

Compared to the first two weeks, things might be getting a bit easier now. The initial adjustment period is passing, and you and your baby may be starting to develop a daily pattern. However, if you haven’t found a rhythm yet, don’t worry. It can take six weeks or more for mothers to recover from birth and for babies to settle into a feeding and sleeping routine.

There’s a significant difference between a predictable routine and the natural ebb and flow of each day. When you have a 2-3 week old baby, flexibility is key. Even though you’ve had a couple of weeks to get to know each other, it’s still early days. Don’t be concerned if you still feel unsure about many things—there’s plenty of time to build your confidence.

2-3 Week-Old Baby Patterns

At this stage, your baby’s stomach is only the size of a large egg, meaning it can’t hold much per feed and will empty quickly, especially if breastfeeding. The principle of supply meeting demand applies and will continue as long as you breastfeed.

Feeding

Feeding takes a lot of energy and can be tiring for your baby. They may fall asleep during feeds and wake when placed in their cot. Encourage active and strong feeding to support longer sleep periods, which in turn improves feeding quality.

Three Tips for 2-3 Week Old Feeding:

1. Watch for hunger cues like grizzling, crying, sucking on fists, mouthing around, and looking unhappy.
2. Offer “top-up” breastfeeds if they’re still hungry, but avoid snack feeding. Ensure effective sucking and sufficient milk intake to satisfy them for at least a couple of hours.
3. If bottle feeding, prepare the formula exactly as recommended to avoid tummy upsets and constipation.

Sleeping

Babies at this age often sleep longer during a few periods each day. Your baby might have a longer sleep in the morning but be more wakeful in the afternoon. It’s common for them to be more unsettled in the late afternoon and evening.

Three Tips for 2-3 Week Old Sleeping:

1. Give your baby a gentle massage and warm bath to relax them if unsettled.
2. Position the cot or bassinet next to your bed, but avoid co-sleeping.
3. Expect your baby to fall asleep in your arms while cuddling or breastfeeding.

Behaviour

Your baby might be more awake now than in the first couple of weeks. If they were jaundiced, had a difficult birth, or came early, the last 2-3 weeks would have provided recovery time.

You might notice your baby starting to respond to your voice and focus on your face. Their brain is wired to seek attention and engage with you.

Three Tips for 2-3 Week Old Behaviour:

1. Spend time each day simply holding your baby. Eye gazing, facial expressions, and calming at the sound of your voice are all chances to build an emotional connection.
2. Listen for changes in your baby’s cries. You might become more attuned to the pitch and distinguish between hunger cries and general fussiness.
3. Give your baby supervised tummy time each day. While they may not enjoy it, it’s excellent for building neck and upper body strength.

Important Tips for 2-3 Weeks After Birth

– Do something for yourself every day. Read, walk, talk with a friend, or just rest.
– Save some energy for yourself—mothers are great at caring for everyone else, but self-care is crucial.
– Schedule your six-week post-natal check-up, even if you feel fine.
– Spend time just enjoying your baby outside of feeding and changing times. These early weeks pass quickly, so cherish them.
– Include older children in the baby’s care. Let them help with tasks like fetching nappies and clothes, bathing, and reading stories to build sibling relationships.

If you’re still uncertain and need further support, I invite you to explore the packages I offer. Additionally, I provide comprehensive sleep guides that you can explore here. These guides cover everything from newborns to toddlers, ensuring you have the resources you need for a good night’s sleep.

Should you have any doubts about which package to choose, I’m available for a free call that you can schedule here. Together, we can determine the best support for your child’s sleep needs and ensure a perfect fit for your family.

Feel free to reach out—I’m here to help!