When Is a Baby Not Considered a Newborn Anymore?

By Staff Writer | Last Updated August 4, 2015

A baby is considered a newborn for the first 28 days of life. During this time, babies are fragile and must receive appropriate care to help improve the child’s chances of survival.

Newborns need around-the-clock feeding and care to ensure they get a good, healthy start in life. There are certain things parents need to remember when caring for newborn babies.

Breastfeeding is recommended, but the baby can get adequate nutrition from bottle feeding if the mother prefers this method.
Newborns don’t have a strong immune system, so parents need to wash their hands before handling the newborn to reduce the risk of spreading germs.
Parents must handle newborns carefully, supporting the head and neck and being careful to avoid shaking the baby.