From Vincent Iannelli, M.D.,
Your Guide to Pediatrics.
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About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by Kate Grossman, MD

You would think that your baby's third week would be easy. After all, she is likely feeding well now, is used to being home, and mom has likely begun to recover well from having a baby.

This can be a transition week though, from having a baby that is calm, quite, and feeding well, to one that is more active, harder to comfort, and often crying.

During your baby's third week, it can be helpful to:

• learn the difference between medical issues that can cause fussiness, including reflux and food intolerances, colic, and a baby who simply has a "spirited" temperament
• figure out what works best to comfort your baby when she is crying
• continue to feed your baby on-demand and work towards staying on a regular routine or schedule based on your baby's needs and demands
• feed your baby before she gets over-hungry (remember that crying is often a late sign of being hungry)
• put your baby to sleep before she gets over-tired

Getting Help

And most importantly, get help, to help take care of your newborn baby. Too often, people don't think to call or visit after you have a new baby because they think you are busy bonding with your baby or that other people are helping you. You may need to call for help if you need it.

Remember that you don't have to do everything yourself.

Helping a new mom doesn't mean that they just have to help hold the baby though, which seems to be what most people like to do. Don't be afraid to ask people who offer to help that they do other household chores, take care of your other kids, or run errands for you, so that you can continue to spend time with your new baby.