As a new mother, it can often feel like your baby is truly only a newborn in the blink of an eye. One morning you’re arriving home from the hospital with your precious bundle and not long after you’re already documenting their first smiles and growing out of tiny clothes.
But how do you accurately define when your little one has officially moved on from ‘newborn’ status? Today we’re exploring what experts believe constitutes when is a baby no longer a newborn.
A baby is no longer considered a newborn after 4 weeks of age, according to medical professionals. At this point, they are referred to as an infant until they reach their first birthday. It is worth noting that some people may still refer to a baby as a newborn even after this time, but medically speaking, they are no longer classified as such.
Is It Difficult To Go Through The Newborn Stage?
The newborn stage can be difficult. It’s also fantastic, though. You get to learn about this tiny person more every day and fall in love with them even more.
Make certain you get enough sleep (even if it means sleeping when your kid sleeps), eat nutritious meals, and spend time alone every day.
Secondly, never be afraid to seek assistance when required, whether that means employing a postpartum doula or requesting more help from your partner around the house. Though they were challenging, you’ll miss those early days eventually, so do your best to appreciate them while they last.
You’re not alone if you’re having difficulty with the newborn stage.
When Is A baby No Longer A Newborn?
It’s tough to give a single answer that will apply to all babies, as every baby is unique. However, most breastfed babies and formula-fed babies are considered newborns until around two months old.
Once they hit that milestone, we usually call them infants. And though it is quite rare, doctors may not consider a baby a newborn until six months post-birthday.
Newborn Developmental Milestones
Newborn babies need a lot of care and attention. They cry to communicate with us because they cannot talk yet. There is no easy way to soothe them, which can be upsetting for parents who do not know what to do.
Unfortunately, what may have worked one day to soothe your baby’s colic might not work the next. Luckily, as time goes on, you will figure out specific tricks for your infant since they develop and change so rapidly.
However, try not to dwell on whether your baby’s development is ahead or behind schedule. Remember that all babies develop differently and at their own pace. Always get professional medical advice about your baby’s growth.
Week 1-3
Newborns’ bodies and brains become familiar with their environment in the first week after birth. They also know they can rely on you since they are conscious of your voice even though they cannot comprehend what you’re saying.
Some babies can lift their heads for short periods while lying face-down.
Also, you might notice your baby trying to follow objects with their eyes as you feed them.
This helps to train their eye muscles and tracking abilities. Most newborns may snuggle and try to move in a random and jerky manner by the third week.
Week 4-8
When babies reach this stage, they will experiment with their vocal cords and use them for things other than crying. For example, they may make soft cooing noises or babble in an attempt to communicate.
Furthermore, the random and jerky motions tend to disappear or lessen, and they start making smoother and more purposeful movements, such as bringing their hands to their mouths. This is also the stage where most newborns show a lovely gummy grin, their first genuine smile.
As babies’ neck muscles gradually become stronger, they can lift their heads while raising their chests. Parents can help encourage this milestone by placing newborns on their bellies for short periods so that they can practice.
Week 8- 3 months
Around the three-month mark, newborns might start to smile back when someone smiles at them. They might also start laughing loudly and squealing.
Newborns will have mastered various skills, such as rolling over, raising their heads at 45 degrees, grasping objects in their hands, and considering altering their sleeping habits. Most babies can sleep six to eight hours at three months of age.
These are clear signals that your infant is no longer seen as a newborn. Instead, they have moved into infanthood, and parents can anticipate better days ahead.
Signs when is a baby not a newborn
If you’ve been wondering when is a baby no longer a newborn, these indications will help you understand:
- Your baby is now sleeping less during the day and more at night.
- Your baby’s head has changed shape. Many newborns’ heads become temporarily deformed during birth. Molding is a common side effect of childbirth that usually goes away in a few days or weeks.
- Most babies are born only able to lift their heads weakly, but around six to eight weeks old, they should improve and be able to hold upright for short amounts of time.
- In the beginning, newborns are mostly concerned with eating and sleeping.
- If your baby is around two months old and making cooing and gurgling noises, don’t be alarmed! This is a perfectly normal development for newborns.
- Your infant’s feces are no longer black and tar-like.
How Long Are Babies In Newborn Clothes?
With so many lovely newborn attire available, deciding which ones to buy and which to pass up might be tough. If your baby is 8 pounds or less, they will most likely outgrow their newborn outfits within a month. As a result, buying clothing that falls within the 3-6 months size range is ideal.
Your baby would outgrow their newborn clothes in a few days if they weighed more than 8 pounds at birth.
It has most likely crossed their minds a few times. Because newborns have less control over their body temperature than adults, they are more vulnerable to weather changes.
If the weather is chilly (less than 75°F / 23.88°C), your baby will require numerous layers. Add a sleep sack if you’re going out. In both hot and cold weather, pre-term babies require an extra layer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the first stage of development?
Ans: Although there’s a lot to learn as a first-time mom, it’s important to remember that a baby is only considered a newborn for the first few months of his life. The infant stage begins after those initial few months and lasts until your child turns one.
Q2: At what age do babies become the most difficult to care for?
Ans: However, many first-time parents are disheartened to find that after the joy of the first month wears off, parenthood only becomes more difficult.
This is a common enough experience that experts have coined a term for it: they call a baby’s second, third, and fourth months together the “fourth trimester.” If you’re struggling during these later stages of your infant’s life, know that you are by no means alone.
Q3: Is a 3-month-old baby a newborn?
Ans: Your three-month-old will have gone from a completely dependent newborn to an active and responsive toddler in only a few weeks. She’ll shed many of her newborn reflexes while gaining more voluntary control over her body.
Q4: What is the age of an infant and toddler?
Ans: An infant is a baby who is between 0-12 months old. A toddler is a child who is between one and three years old.
Q5: When does the fussy newborn age pass and become easy?
Ans: The fussy newborn stage lasts anywhere from two to four weeks. However, some babies may be fussy for longer periods. If your baby is still fussing after four weeks, it’s best to consult your pediatrician to rule out any underlying medical issues.
Conclusion
The infant stage begins after those initial few months and lasts until your child turns one year old. However, many first-time parents are disheartened to find that after the joy of the first month wears off, parenthood only becomes more difficult.
This is a common enough experience that experts have coined a term for it: they call a baby’s second, third, and fourth months together the “fourth trimester.”
If you’re struggling during these later stages of your infant’s life, know that you are by no means alone.
