When is a Baby No Longer a Newborn?

Newborns—tiny bundles of joy and sleepless nights—don't stay that way for long. Before you know it, your little one will be ticking off newborn milestones and inching closer to the next phases!

But when exactly does your baby shed the "newborn" label? Is it the moment they crack their first smile, roll over, or is it more about age? In this guide, we’ll break down when a baby is no longer a newborn and explain key newborn development stages so you can confidently track your baby’s growth journey.

Table of Contents:

• Overview of the Three Stages: Newborn, Infant and Toddler
• What Is the Newborn Stage?
• How Long Is the Newborn Stage?
• Key Signs Your Baby is No Longer a Newborn
• When Does the Infant Stage Start?
• Toddler Transition: When Does it Happen?
• Key Signs Your Baby is a Toddler
• FAQs on Baby Age Range and Development

Overview of the Three Stages: Newborn, Infant and Toddler

Navigating the early years of parenthood is like living in three very distinct worlds: the newborn age range, infant age range, and toddler age range. Your baby is a newborn for the blink of an eye—roughly those first 2 months when they’re all snuggles, naps, and figuring out life outside the womb. Then comes the infant stage (2 months to 12 months), when those coos turn into babbling and rolling around is a full-body workout. Before you know it, you’ve got a toddler (1 to 3 years) who’s mastering the art of walking, talking, and keeping you on your toes.

That’s where Tushbaby comes in. From hip carriers to stylish fanny packs and sleek pacifier pods, we’ve designed everything with one goal in mind: making your life easier at every stage. Whether you need hands-free support, smart storage, or a quick way to keep your baby gear organized, Tushbaby has your back through every milestone. So you can focus on enjoying the ride while we handle the rest.

What Is the Newborn Stage?

The newborn stage is a whirlwind of sleepy snuggles, tiny hands, and lots of diapers. During this phase, which lasts from birth to around 2 months, your baby is still figuring out the world. They sleep a ton but in unpredictable bursts, eat around the clock, and are just starting to focus those adorable eyes on your face. Newborns come with their own set of quirks including startling themselves awake or making the funniest little grunts while they stretch. It's a fleeting stage of adjustment, for both baby and you, filled with endless wonder.

How Long Is the Newborn Stage?

So, how long is the newborn stage? It's shorter than you might think — just the first 2 months of your baby’s life. Yep, in those early weeks, you’re in newborn territory with all the tiny yawns and frequent feedings. By the time they hit 2 months, they’ll be leaving those ultra-newbie days behind and starting to show more of their personality (and maybe even sleep a bit longer, fingers crossed!).

During the newborn stage, the Tushbaby Hip Carrier is a lifesaver for breastfeeding. Its soft, supportive seat gives your baby the perfect spot to nurse comfortably while taking the strain off your arms and back. Whether you’re at home or on the go, the Tushbaby makes feeding sessions easier, so you can focus on bonding with your little one without the awkward positioning. Plus, its sleek design means you’re always feeding in style!

Key Signs Your Baby is No Longer a Newborn

Although we have the newborn age range to guide us, there are some other signals that can help us to figure out when a baby is no longer a newborn. By around 8 weeks, your baby will be more alert, locking eyes with you, and maybe even flashing their first smile. Their once-jerky movements start to smooth out, and they’ll gain better control of those tiny limbs. You’ll also notice longer periods of awake time and shorter naps—clear signals that your baby is ready to move beyond the newborn stage!

When Does the Infant Stage Start?

When does the newborn stage end? This finishes up right around the 8-week mark, and that’s when the infant stage kicks off. From here, it’s all about hitting those infant milestones week by week. Think more eye contact, head control, and the start of those cute baby giggles. Your little one will begin to explore the world around them, grasping toys and maybe even rolling over. The infant age range is when things get more interactive, and every week brings new surprises as they grow and develop right before your eyes!

The Tushbaby Hip Carrier is your go-to for those carrying moments in the infant age range when your arms need a break but your baby still wants to be close. With its supportive seat and four carry positions, it’s perfect for little ones who are curious but still need snuggles. Tushbaby makes it easy to keep your infant secure and comfortable, while you’re on the go. Plus, it has storage for all the essentials, so you can ditch the diaper bag!

Toddler Transition: When Does It Happen?

The toddler transition sneaks up on you faster than you think. One minute, they’re your little baby, and the next, they’re trying to run the show. So, what age is a toddler? Typically, at around 12 months, your baby officially enters toddlerhood and starts mastering the art of walking (and causing chaos). The toddler age range, from ages 1 to 3, is filled with newfound independence, curiosity, and of course, a healthy dose of tantrums. 

Key Signs Your Baby is a Toddler

There are some clear signs that your little one is now a full-blown toddler. For starters, they’ve probably found their feet and are on the move—whether it’s walking, wobbling, or speed-crawling. You’ll also notice their curiosity skyrocketing as they explore every inch of your home (and test your patience!). Language skills start picking up too, with a few words or plenty of babbling. And, of course, the legendary toddler tantrums—they’re all part of the fun from the toddler age range!

FAQs on Baby Age Range and Development

How much sleep do newborns need?

Newborns may be tiny, but their need for sleep is big. In those early weeks, expect your baby to snooze for 14-17 hours a day, though not all at once.. A newborn sleeping schedule is anything but predictable: think short naps sprinkled throughout the day and night. They’re still adjusting to life outside the womb and cycling through those early stages of sleep cycles, spending more time in light sleep than deep sleep. So, don’t be surprised if they wake up frequently for feedings or cuddles.

When will my baby start babbling?

Babbling usually kicks in around 4 to 6 months, but newborns and infant vocal milestones vary. During newborn development week by week, you’ll notice little coos and gurgles early on, as they experiment with their voice. By the time they reach a few months old, your baby will start stringing together sounds like “ma-ma” and “da-da,” kicking off their babbling phase. It’s a huge step in language development, and an adorable one too, so get ready for your own personal concert of baby chatter!

What are the signs my baby is ready to walk?

As your baby moves from newborn milestones to toddlerhood, those first steps start creeping closer. You’ll spot a few telltale signs that they’re ready to walk like pulling themselves up on furniture, cruising along the couch, or standing unassisted for a few seconds. They may even start taking wobbly steps while holding onto your hands. Once they’re confidently crawling and constantly on the move, walking is just around the corner. Before you know it, they’ll be running—and you’ll be chasing!

As your baby transitions from newborn to toddler, each stage brings new milestones, challenges, and joys. From those early cuddles to their first steps, the journey flies by faster than you think. But no matter where you are in the parenting game, Tushbaby has your back (literally). Check out our range of Tushbaby products and make the ride a little smoother!