What Week Is Hardest With a Newborn?

The hardest weeks with a newborn aren't the same for every family. As a general guide, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) says increased fussiness usually begins between weeks 2 and 4 and peaks at about 3 hours a day by 6 weeks.

The First Two Weeks

Recovery, feeding, and very little sleep all arrive at once. Even when your baby is doing well, the constant cycle of feeding, changing, and settling them can leave little time to rest.

Feeling down or tearful in the first days is common, and the NHS says baby blues usually goes away within 2 weeks of the birth.

Weeks 2 to 6: When Crying Builds

Your baby may cry more, and it can be hard to tell why. Some babies feed more often during growth spurts. The AAP describes growth spurts around 7 to 10 days and again between 3 and 6 weeks, although timing varies. The NHS notes that babies may cluster feed for a few days during these periods.

Crying usually peaks around six weeks, then eases.

The AAP says it comes down to 1 or 2 hours a day by 3 to 4 months. If you're worried about feeding, ask your midwife or pediatrician.

What Can Help

Walking with your baby in a carrier, gently rocking them, or using steady background noise may help soothe them. Nothing works every time.

It's okay to ask someone to take over while you rest.

The AAP suggests stepping away while another adult looks after your baby. If you're alone and feeling overwhelmed, place your baby on their back in a safe, empty crib or bassinet and step away for a few minutes. Never shake a baby.

It's easier to share care when everyone knows what happened last. Log feeds, sleep, and diapers in Cutiko, and once you've invited your partner, they can see the same log.

When to Ask for Help

If you're struggling to cope, you can ask for help at any time. If low mood lasts longer than two weeks or gets worse, speak with your doctor or midwife. Postnatal depression can start during pregnancy, soon after birth, or up to a year later, and the NHS says you can ask for help even if you only have some of the symptoms.

Talk to your pediatrician if you're concerned about your baby's crying. If your baby is younger than 3 months and has a temperature of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, get medical help right away. Do the same if your baby looks very ill or is unusually drowsy.