Week 2 with Your Newborn

You’ve officially survived the first week! By now, you’re starting to get a tiny glimpse of what life with your baby looks like. Maybe you’re finding small rhythms, or maybe it still feels like beautiful chaos—both are normal.

This week is all about adjustment. Your baby is slowly waking up to the world, and you’re slowly learning their cues. It’s not perfect, and it doesn’t need to be.

What’s Changing for Your Baby in Week 2?

• They’re more alert. Expect a few moments of quiet wakefulness when they’ll just stare at your face or the ceiling fan like it’s the most fascinating thing ever.

• Their skin may peel. Don’t worry—it’s just leftover newborn skin adjusting to life outside the womb.

• They’re still eating often. Every 2–3 hours is still normal, and cluster feeding can happen again.

• Weight gain starts. Most babies regain their birth weight by the end of this week.

And yes, they’re still happiest snuggled against you. You are their safe place.

Feeding: The 2-Week Mark

Feeding might feel a little more predictable… or it might still feel like a 24/7 job. Both are okay.

If you’re breastfeeding:

• Your milk supply is starting to regulate.

• You might notice your breasts feeling less full—this doesn’t mean your milk is gone; your body is just adjusting to what your baby needs.

• Growth spurts can happen around now, meaning lots of feeding sessions close together.

If you’re formula-feeding:

• Your baby might be taking 2–3 ounces per feed now.

• It’s still normal for feeds to vary in timing and amount.

👉 Pro tip: Keep tracking feeds and diapers—it’s a great way to notice patterns. Many mobile apps make it easier so you don’t have to remember everything.

Sleep: Will It Ever Make Sense?

Spoiler: Not yet. Your newborn is still figuring out the difference between day and night.

This week you may notice:

• Slightly longer stretches of sleep (hello, maybe 3–4 hours at night!).

• More alert periods during the day.

• A love for being held while sleeping—totally normal at this stage.

How to cope:

• Nap when you can, even if it’s just 20 minutes.

• Take turns with a partner, friend, or family member.

• Remember, you can’t “spoil” a newborn with cuddles—they need them.

Your Body and Mind at 2 Weeks

Physically, you’re still in recovery mode.

• Bleeding (lochia) should be slowing but can last up to 6 weeks.

• If you had stitches, they may still feel sore.

• Your hormones are still shifting—cue the emotional rollercoaster.

Baby blues vs. postpartum depression:

• Feeling teary, tired, and overwhelmed is common.

• But if you feel hopeless, disconnected, or unable to function, reach out to a doctor. You are not alone, and help is available.

When to Check in with the Pediatrician

Many babies have a 2-week well-baby checkup. The doctor will:

• Check their weight gain

• Look for jaundice

• Answer your questions about feeding, poop, and everything in between

Write down your questions ahead of time—sleep deprivation makes it easy to forget!

A Little Reminder

You are still learning each other. Every cry, every feed, every sleepless night is helping you both grow into this new relationship.

There is no perfect routine yet. Right now, it’s about love, survival, and taking one day at a time.

So give yourself grace. Eat something you enjoy. Take a shower if you can. And remember: this intense newborn stage won’t last forever.