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Congratulations! Your little one is now 3 weeks old. These first few weeks have been a roller coaster of emotions, but don’t worry, you’re doing great. Now, let’s take a look at what you can expect from your baby’s development at this stage.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
At 3 weeks old, your baby’s physical development is still in its early stages. However, you may have noticed that your little one has already grown since birth. Your baby’s weight should have increased by around 10% from their birth weight, and they may have grown a couple of inches too.
One important milestone to keep an eye out for is the umbilical cord falling off. This usually happens around the 2-3 week mark. Keep the area clean and dry to prevent any infection from occurring.
Another physical development to look out for is your baby’s ability to hold their head up. At this stage, your little one should be able to lift their head slightly when lying on their tummy.
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Source: bing.comBrain Development
Your baby’s brain is developing rapidly, even at this early stage. They are taking in all the sights, sounds, and smells of their new world and processing them. Your baby’s senses are also becoming more developed, and they may start to show preference for certain sights and sounds.
One important thing to note is that your baby is still in the process of developing their circadian rhythm. This means that they will likely be awake for periods during the night and sleep for longer periods during the day. As frustrating as this may be, it is completely normal for a newborn.
Feeding
Feeding is a crucial part of your baby’s development at this stage. Whether you are breastfeeding or bottle-feeding, it’s important to feed your baby on demand. This means feeding your little one whenever they show signs of hunger, rather than sticking to a strict schedule.
At 3 weeks old, your baby may still be figuring out the whole feeding process. They may take longer to latch or have trouble with the bottle. Don’t worry, this is all part of the learning process. Just be patient and keep trying.
Sleeping
As we mentioned earlier, your baby is still developing their circadian rhythm, which means they may not have a set sleeping pattern yet. However, you may start to notice that your little one is starting to sleep for longer periods at night.
One thing to keep in mind is that newborns need a lot of sleep – up to 17 hours a day. Don’t worry if your baby seems to be sleeping all the time. As long as they are waking up to feed every few hours and are alert when they are awake, everything is likely just fine.
FAQs
How often should I be feeding my 3-week-old?
You should be feeding your baby on demand, meaning whenever they show signs of hunger. This could be every 2-3 hours or more frequently. As long as your baby is gaining weight and producing enough wet diapers, they are likely getting enough to eat.
When should I start tummy time?
You can start tummy time as early as 3 weeks old. Just make sure to supervise your baby during this time and only do it for short periods of time (a few minutes at a time). Tummy time can help strengthen your baby’s neck and shoulder muscles.
Should I be worried if my baby isn’t sleeping through the night yet?
No, it is completely normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night. As your baby’s circadian rhythm develops, they will start to sleep for longer periods at night. Just be patient and remember that every baby is different.
When should I expect my baby to smile?
Babies typically start smiling between 4-6 weeks old. However, every baby is different and some may start smiling earlier or later than others.
When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always best to talk to your pediatrician. They can help to assess your baby’s progress and address any concerns you may have.
In conclusion, your 3-week-old baby is growing and developing rapidly. Remember to be patient and enjoy this special time with your little one. As always, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician.