Newborn Care: What to Expect in the First Week

The first week home with a newborn is often a mix of awe, exhaustion, and a thousand questions. It’s a time full of tender moments, but also uncertainty, especially for first-time parents. At Southern Nevada Pediatric Center in Las Vegas, Dr. Ronda Zulich and Dr. David Barton help families get through these early days with reassurance and clarity. It’s one of the many reasons they’ve been consistently rated Best Pediatrician in Las Vegas since 2019.

Here’s what parents can expect during that important first week, and how their pediatric team can support them.

Feeding Around The Clock

Whether you’re breastfeeding or using formula, newborns typically feed every 2 to 3 hours, sometimes more often. Hunger cues can include rooting, sucking on hands, or becoming restless. Crying is usually a late sign of hunger.

During the first days, it’s normal for your baby to lose a bit of weight. Your pediatrician will closely monitor this and ensure healthy weight gain is happening by the end of the week.

Umbilical Cord, Circumcision, And Diapering

Newborn care also includes keeping the umbilical cord stump clean and dry until it falls off naturally, which usually happens within the first few weeks. If your baby was circumcised, your doctor will provide instructions on how to care for the area and what to watch for during healing.

Frequent diaper changes are part of the routine, with several wet diapers a day and a range of normal when it comes to stool color and frequency.

Sleep Patterns: Expect Short Bursts

Newborns sleep a lot, but not all at once. Most babies wake frequently to feed, and sleep happens in short stretches throughout the day and night. Though it’s tiring, these sleep cycles are normal and temporary. Your pediatrician will check in on your baby’s sleep habits and offer advice for easing the transition into longer rest periods.

Your First Pediatric Visit

Within the first few days after birth, you’ll have your baby’s first pediatric visit. At Southern Nevada Pediatric Center in Las Vegas, this is a gentle, welcoming appointment during which your baby’s weight, length, feeding, and general health are checked. It’s also a perfect time to ask questions, no matter how small.

Dr. Zulich and Dr. Barton believe there’s no such thing as over-asking during the first week. Whether you're concerned about a rash, hiccups, or whether your baby is getting enough to eat, they take the time to listen and respond without judgment.

Find Support For Parents, Too

The first week isn’t just about your baby, it’s also about you. This time can be emotionally intense and physically draining. It’s normal to feel unsure, overwhelmed, or even sad. The team at Southern Nevada Pediatric Center encourages parents to speak up about how they’re feeling. Supporting your well-being is part of supporting your baby’s health.

With trusted guidance from Las Vegas’s Best Pediatrician team since 2019, the early days of parenthood can feel a little less overwhelming. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Ronda Zulich and Dr. David Barton at (702) 850-5437.