Your baby should regain her birth weight by 10 days of age.  Her weight gain should accelerate and may occur in growth spurts every week are so between three and six weeks of age. In the first month of life, babies gain on average 20 to 30 g per day which equals about 2/3 ounce per day. Babies will increase in length between 1 1/2 and 2 inches during the first month of life.

Head

Head circumference is also an important measurement in newborn babies.  The size of the head reflects growth of the brain and flow of the spinal fluid. The bones of your baby's skull are separated at this point, but will slowly come together forming a normal shaped head.  If your baby was born vaginally and has an abnormally shaped head, this should correct itself in the first month of life.

Arms and legs

It is now time for your baby to stretch her arms and legs and straighten her back. Newborns often have a bow legged appearance with both the legs and the turning inward.  This will correct itself over several weeks or months. The feet often have a curved appearance.  This too will improve over several weeks.

Hair

Your baby may lose her fine baby hair from her scalp.  This may occur all at once or in patches.  Some babyies may lose a patch of hair on the back of the head where it rubs against the mattress of her crib.

Rashes

Skin rashes are common in the first month of life.  Baby acne often occurs on the face and looks just like pimples on a teenager.  This is caused by elevated hormone levels associated with birth. This type of rash requires no treatment and will go away after a few weeks.

Skin

The nervous system that controls dilation and constriction of the skin capillaries is immature in newborn babies. Your baby's skin may appear blotchy with pink, purple, blue, and white areas. Skin of the hands and feet may feel cooler than other body areas. Should verify that the baby is appropriately dressed.  Newborns typically need one light layer of clothing more than what you are comfortable in.

Umbilical cord

The umbilical cord typically dries out and falls off within the first few weeks of life. There may be a small amount of yellowed goo discharge and a few drops of blood.  If there is a significant amount of bleeding, redness, or apparent pain, discuss this with your doctor. You may keep the area clean by dabbing it with a wet wash cloth or an alcohol swab.

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