Week 2 Newborn
NewbornWhat to expect from day 8 to day 14.
Welcome to Week 2. Your baby is beginning to settle into life outside the womb, although every day may still feel unpredictable. You are likely becoming more familiar with your baby's feeding cues, sleep patterns, and personality. This week is often about building confidence — you may not feel like an expert yet, but you already know far more about your baby than you did a week ago.
Sleep
14–17 hours/day
Feeding
Frequent feeds; cluster feeding common
Major milestone
Beginning to recognize familiar faces and voices
Physical development
- check_circleBeginning to regain any weight lost after birth
- check_circleGrowing rapidly every day
Brain development
- check_circleRecognizes familiar voices and often calms when hearing them
- check_circleVery strong sense of smell — recognizes the scent of parents
- check_circleTurning toward sounds
Social development
- check_circleBrief moments of direct eye contact
- check_circleShowing early preferences — favourite soothing methods, familiar voices
- check_circleDifferent cries beginning to emerge for different needs
Communication
- check_circleRooting and sucking reflexes
- check_circleCrying to communicate needs
- check_circleBeginning to show hunger cues before crying
What parents may notice
- check_circleMore feeding than expected — feed, burp, change diaper, repeat, often throughout the night
- check_circleCluster feeding — some babies want to feed very frequently over a short period, which is common and temporary
- check_circleMore moments of eye contact — brief but increasingly noticeable
- check_circleBaby already has opinions — showing preferences for soothing methods, positions, and familiar voices
Monthly checklist
- Attend any scheduled appointments
- Practice tummy time
- Continue feeding on demand
- Take daily photos
- Enjoy skin-to-skin cuddles
- Celebrate making it through another week
Frequently asked questions
Is cluster feeding normal?
Yes. Many babies have periods where they want to feed much more frequently, especially in the evenings.
Why does my baby only want to be held?
Being held provides warmth, comfort, and security. This is completely normal in the newborn stage.
Is it normal that nights are still difficult?
Absolutely. Most newborns have not yet developed a day-night rhythm, which develops gradually over the coming weeks.
How much tummy time should we do?
Start small — even a few minutes each day is beneficial. Short, frequent sessions are more effective than one long session.
Looking ahead
Next week, your baby may become even more alert and begin spending longer periods observing the world around them. You may also start feeling more confident as parents as your family's new routine slowly begins taking shape.