Newborn Guide
Newborn Guide

Newborn Week 5: Development, Sleep & What to Expect

👶

Week 5 of 12  ·  Month 1

Colic often peaks this week then begins to ease over weeks 6–12.

Development This Week

  • Social smiles becoming intentional
  • Tracking moving objects more smoothly
  • Responding to familiar voices with excitement
  • Pushing up briefly during tummy time

Sleep

Total Sleep15–16 hrs
NoteLongest sleep stretch may extend to 4 hours

Feeding

🍼

7–10 feeds

feeds per day — feed on demand, watch for hunger cues

What to Expect

📋 This Week

Colic often peaks this week then begins to ease over weeks 6–12.

💡 Parent Tip

Respond to every coo and smile — this is early 'conversation'. Turn-taking at this age predicts language development at 24 months.

Science Fact

🔬 Did You Know?

Babies' cortisol (stress hormone) patterns begin aligning with their caregiver's around week 5–6, via a process called 'physiological synchrony'. Responsive parenting literally shapes the stress system.

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Development Sleep Feeding What to Expect Science Fact
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