Congratulations, your little one is already 28 days old! Time flies so fast, and your baby has grown so much since the day you brought him/her home. As a new parent, you may still be figuring out how to take care of your newborn, and that’s okay. In this article, we will discuss the 28 days old baby development and what you can expect during this stage.
Table of Contents
Movement and Motor Skills
Source: bing.comAt 28 days old, your baby’s movements are still very jerky and uncoordinated. However, you may notice that your baby is starting to move his/her arms and legs more purposefully. Your baby may also be able to turn his/her head from side to side while lying on his/her back. However, your baby’s neck muscles are still weak, so you need to support his/her head while holding him/her.
Senses
Your baby’s senses are also developing rapidly at this stage. Your baby can now see objects at a distance of 8 to 12 inches. He/she can also recognize your face and voice, and may even smile at you when you talk to him/her or touch his/her cheek. Your baby’s sense of smell is also improving, and he/she may turn his/her head towards the smell of breast milk or formula.
Communication
Although your baby cannot talk yet, he/she is already communicating with you through crying and facial expressions. You may notice that your baby cries less frequently at this stage, and his/her cries may be more varied in pitch and tone. Your baby is also starting to make cooing sounds, which is a precursor to talking. You can encourage your baby’s communication skills by talking to him/her and responding to his/her sounds and gestures.
Feeding
Feeding is still a major part of your baby’s life at 28 days old. If you are breastfeeding, your milk supply should be well-established by now, and your baby may be feeding more efficiently. If you are formula feeding, your baby may be drinking more milk at each feeding than he/she did during the first few weeks of life. Your baby’s feeding pattern may also be more predictable by now, with longer stretches between feedings at night.
Sleeping
Sleeping is still an integral part of your baby’s routine at 28 days old. Your baby may be sleeping for longer stretches at night, but he/she may still wake up frequently to feed. During the day, your baby may be awake for longer periods and may be more alert and active. It’s important to establish a regular sleep routine for your baby to help him/her develop healthy sleep habits.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your 28-day-old baby is developing rapidly in all areas. His/her movements, senses, communication skills, and feeding and sleeping habits are all progressing. As a parent, it’s important to be patient and understanding as your baby grows and develops. Enjoy this special time with your little one, and don’t forget to cherish every moment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much should my 28-day-old baby weigh?
A: The average weight for a 28-day-old baby is around 8 to 10 pounds. However, every baby is different, and some may weigh more or less than this range. Your pediatrician can help you determine whether your baby’s weight is within a healthy range.
Q: How often should I bathe my 28-day-old baby?
A: You don’t need to bathe your baby every day at this stage. Bathing your baby two to three times a week is sufficient to keep him/her clean. Be sure to use a gentle, mild soap and warm water, and avoid getting water in your baby’s eyes or ears.
Q: When should I start tummy time with my 28-day-old baby?
A: You can start tummy time with your baby as early as the first week of life. However, your baby’s neck muscles are still weak at 28 days old, so you need to support his/her head during tummy time. Aim for a few minutes of tummy time each day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby grows stronger.
Q: Should I be worried if my 28-day-old baby isn’t reaching milestones?
A: Every baby develops at his/her own pace, so there’s no need to worry if your baby isn’t reaching milestones at the same time as other babies. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, you should talk to your pediatrician. Your doctor can assess your baby’s progress and may refer you to a specialist if necessary.
Q: Can I start giving my 28-day-old baby solid foods?
A: No, your baby is not ready for solid foods at 28 days old. Breast milk or formula should be your baby’s sole source of nutrition until he/she is at least 4 to 6 months old. Introducing solid foods too early can put your baby at risk for choking and other health problems.