After the Newborn Stage, What's Next?

Kirsten Metcalf
2026-03-24T09:15:04-04:00

Many new parents wonder what the newborn stage is, how long it lasts, and what comes after. A baby is generally considered a newborn during the first 2-3 months of life, and the newborn stage ends once babies transition into the infant stage, which lasts until around age

1. While the newborn stage is short, it’s packed with rapid transitions especially around sleeping, feeding, diapering, and development.

What Is the Newborn Stage?

The newborn stage refers to the period between birth and roughly 2-3 months old. During this time babies are adapting to life outside the womb, sleeping frequently, and feeding around the clock. This is also when parents experience many “firsts” and learn daily newborn care routines.

When Is the Newborn Stage Over?

Most experts consider the newborn stage to be over by 8-12 weeks. Once your baby moves past this point, they enter the infant stage, which lasts until about 12 months old. Many common questions, such as “When does the newborn stage end?” or “What comes after the newborn stage?” center around this transition from newborn to infant.

Newborn Stage: Sleeping

During the first week, your baby will sleep 16-18 hours a day, typically in short 2 hour stretches between wake windows and feedings. From 2-6 weeks, newborns sleep 15-18 hours with 3-4 naps. Between 2-3 months, 14-16 hours of sleep are recommended with 3-4 naps.

Swaddling is a great way to soothe fussy newborns and help them sleep safely. If you’re worried about blanket swaddles, try a baby swaddler instead, it keeps things simple for tired parents while staying safe for newborns. Once your baby can roll from back to tummy (usually 3-5 months), it’s time to switch from swaddling to a sleeping bag or alternative.

Infant Stage: Sleeping

Between 4-6 months, babies typically sleep 12-15 hours a day and take 2-3 naps, but be prepared for the famous 4 month sleep regression. From 7-10 months, aim for 11-15 hours a day with 2-3 naps and longer nighttime stretches. At 10-12 months, most babies sleep 11-14 hours and still take 2-3 naps.

Loose blankets are still unsafe at this age, so a sleeping bag is a great alternative.

Newborn Stage: Feeding

During the first days postpartum, your body produces colostrum and newborns can only handle about 1 tsp per feeding. By day 3, milk usually transitions in and babies should breastfeed every 2-3 hours, taking 1-2 oz (30-60g) per feeding. By 2 weeks they may take 2-3 oz (60-90g), and by 2 months 4-5 oz (120-150g) every 3-4 hours. Most breastfed newborns feed 8-12 times per day in smaller, more frequent sessions.

Formula fed newborns typically eat 2-3 (60-90g) oz every 3-4 hours during the first few weeks, increasing to about 4 oz (120g) per feeding around 1 month. AAP guidelines suggest babies average 2.5 oz (70g) of formula per pound of bodyweight per day, though hunger cues matter more than strict numbers.

Infant Stage: Feeding

At 4 months, babies can often drink 4-6 oz (120g-180g) of breastmilk or formula every 3-5 hours, and by 6 months up to 8 oz (240g) every 4-5 hours. Around 6 months most babies show readiness for solid foods, sitting up with good head control, opening their mouths for food, and often doubling birth weight.

Within several months, infants transition to a mix of breastmilk or formula and fruits, veggies, meats, cereal, eggs, and more.

Newborn Stage: Diapering

Newborns urinate frequently, sometimes 20 times per day, though you don’t need to change them every time. In general, change wet diapers every 2-3 hours, and poop diapers right away. Newborns average 10-12 diapers per day. While the umbilical cord stump heals, fold down the diaper front so it doesn’t rub.

Infant Stage: Diapering

Infants use fewer diapers than newborns, most 6 month olds go through about 5-6 per day. The challenge at this stage isn’t quantity it’s mobility. Babies wiggle, squirm, kick, and grab during changes. Try staying calm, singing, or offering a small object for distraction.

Newborn Stage: Developmental Milestones

Development is typically grouped into social, language, and motor categories. From birth to 3 months newborns may begin to:

Social & Emotional

Recognize familiar voices and faces

Smile and laugh

Motor

Lift head briefly during tummy time

Move arms and legs actively

Bring hands to mouth

Grasp objects

Language

Coo and make noises beyond crying

Infant Stage: Developmental Milestones

From 4-12 months babies often begin:

Motor

Rolling both directions

Sitting without support

Crawling

Pulling to stand

Walking or cruising

Fine Motor

Using the pincer grasp

Feeding themselves

Dropping/throwing objects

Social & Language

Showing emotions and social reactions

Babbling

Understanding certain words

Waving hello/goodbye

Saying simple words

Developing separation anxiety

Every child develops at their own pace. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. Supporting development through talking, reading, floor play, safety, and lots of attention helps tremendously.

Newborn Stage: Carriers

Newborn essentials can be simplified to clothes, diapers, blankets, monitor, bed, infant car seat, and a newborn carrier. The Embrace newborn carrier combines the coziness of a wrap with the structure of a carrier, compact, comfortable, and newborn safe.

Infant Stage: Carriers

As babies grow, parents often transition to a carrier designed for infants. Ergobaby’s Omni Deluxe Carrier offers ergonomic support from birth to toddler in all four carry positions, making it perfect for curious babies exploring their world. It requires no infant insert, is breathable, and provides comfort for both baby and parent. Ergobaby carriers also come with the ErgoPromise giving you a lifetime guarantee.

Infant and Newborn Essentials

Some essentials are useful throughout both the newborn and infant phases:

All-in-One Carrier

The Omni Deluxe Carrier works from birth up to 45 lbs, so you can use it throughout your babywearing journey without needing multiple carriers. It’s ergonomic, comfortable, and suitable for all four carrying positions with plenty of storage for those outdoor adventures.

A bouncer provides a safe and comfortable place for your baby when you need free hands for showering, changing, exercising, or completing household tasks. Ergobaby’s bouncer is designed with ergonomic support that helps maintain your baby’s healthy posture, especially for the neck, back, and hips.

It includes an ergonomic infant insert, perfect for newborns, which can be removed as your baby grows. The bouncer also features:

Gentle rocking and bouncing motions to soothe and calm your baby

Soft, breathable fabrics for all day comfort

Safety harnesses to keep your baby secure

Compact, foldable design for easy storage or travel

This makes it a versatile essential for both the newborn and infant stages, helping parents manage daily tasks while keeping baby safe, comfortable, and entertained.

Enjoy the Transition

While the newborn stage can feel both exhausting and magical, the infant stage that follows is just as wonderful and often less tiring. Babies grow fast, and before you know it the newborn stage is over and the next milestones begin. Enjoy each moment, no matter what stage you’re in.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Newborn Stage

When is the newborn stage over?

The newborn stage is typically over by 8-12 weeks of age. Once your baby reaches this milestone, they enter the infant stage, which lasts until about 12 months old.

When does the newborn stage end?

The newborn stage ends when a baby is about 2-3 months old. This transition is marked by longer stretches of wakefulness, more predictable sleep patterns, and increased interaction with the environment.

What is the newborn stage?

The newborn stage refers to the period from birth to roughly 2-3 months. During this time, babies focus on basic survival needs: sleeping, feeding, and learning to adjust to life outside the womb.

What is considered the newborn stage?

Babies are considered newborns from birth until about 8-12 weeks. This stage includes rapid physical growth, frequent sleep cycles, and early developmental milestones like lifting their head, cooing, and recognizing familiar voices.

What comes after the newborn stage?

After the newborn stage, babies enter the infant stage, which lasts from 3 months to 12 months. This stage is characterized by sitting up, rolling, crawling, first words, and increased social interaction.