Congratulations! Your little bundle of joy is now 10 days old. It’s an exciting time for you as a new parent, and you’re probably wondering what to expect when it comes to your baby’s development.
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Physical Development
At 10 days old, your baby’s physical development is in full swing. They can move their head from side to side while lying on their back or stomach. They’re still adjusting to life outside the womb, so expect your baby to sleep up to 18 hours a day, with periods of wakefulness to feed and bond with you.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s sensory development is also improving at this stage. They’re able to see and hear simple shapes and sounds, and they’ll turn their head towards a light source or a sound. They’re also learning to recognize your voice and smell, so be sure to spend plenty of time cuddling and talking to them.
Milestones
The first 10 days of your baby’s life are full of milestones, big and small. Here are a few to look out for:
- Feeding: Your baby should be feeding every 2-3 hours, and producing 5-6 wet diapers a day.
- Weight Gain: Expect your baby to lose up to 10% of their birth weight in the first few days, but by day 10 they should be back to their birth weight.
- Umbilical Cord: Your baby’s umbilical cord will start to dry up and fall off around day 10. Keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection.
How You Can Help Your Baby
As a parent, there are plenty of things you can do to help your baby’s development. Here are a few simple tips:
- Bonding: Spend plenty of time cuddling, talking, and singing to your baby. This will help them feel safe and secure.
- Tummy Time: Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time to help them strengthen their neck and shoulder muscles.
- Eye Contact: Make eye contact with your baby while you’re feeding, talking or singing. This will help them feel connected to you.
The Bottom Line
In the first 10 days of your baby’s life, there’s a lot of growth and development happening. It’s an exciting time for both you and your baby, and there are plenty of things you can do to support their growth and development.
Remember to be patient, and give yourself plenty of time to adjust to your new role as a parent. With love, care and attention, your baby will continue to thrive and develop at their own pace.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should my 10-day-old baby be feeding?
A: Your baby should be feeding every 2-3 hours, and producing 5-6 wet diapers a day.
Q: When will my baby’s umbilical cord fall off?
A: Your baby’s umbilical cord will start to dry up and fall off around day 10. Keep the area clean and dry to avoid infection.
Q: How much should my 10-day-old baby be sleeping?
A: Your baby should be sleeping up to 18 hours a day, with periods of wakefulness to feed and bond with you.
Q: How can I help my baby’s development at 10 days old?
A: Spend plenty of time cuddling, talking, and singing to your baby. Give your baby plenty of supervised tummy time to help them strengthen their muscles. Make eye contact with your baby while you’re feeding, talking or singing.
Q: How can I tell if my 10-day-old baby is developing on track?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you track your baby’s progress and answer any questions you may have.