Source: bing.comYour little one has been in the outside world for a month now, and there are so many exciting things happening with their development. Here are some of the milestones you can expect your 4-week-old baby to reach:
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Physical Development
At this age, your baby will have grown about an inch and may have put on some weight. You’ll notice that their movements are becoming more coordinated. They’ll be able to lift their head slightly when lying on their tummy and may even turn it from side to side.
Your little one will also be more alert and focused on their surroundings, so you might see them trying to follow moving objects with their eyes. They may even begin to recognize familiar faces and sounds.
Feeding
At 4 weeks old, your baby is likely to be feeding every 2-4 hours, around the clock. They may take in anywhere from 2-4 ounces (60-120 ml) of breast milk or formula at each feeding.
You might also notice some changes in the way your baby feeds. They may become more efficient and take in more milk in a shorter amount of time. Alternatively, they may begin to take longer to feed as they become more interested in their surroundings.
Sleep
Your baby is likely still sleeping a lot at this age, averaging around 16 hours a day. However, they may begin to develop more of a daytime/nighttime pattern, which can be helpful for you as a parent!
At 4 weeks old, your baby may begin to sleep for longer stretches at night, but don’t get too excited just yet – it’s still normal for them to wake up frequently for feeds.
Communication
Your baby is beginning to communicate in their own way at 4 weeks old. They’ll make cooing and gurgling noises and may even try to imitate the sounds you make. You might also see them begin to show some facial expressions, such as smiling or frowning.
Remember, communication is a two-way street, so make sure to talk to your baby often and respond to their cues. This will help them feel more secure and connected to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
Source: bing.comHow often should I feed my 4-week-old baby?
Your baby is likely to be feeding every 2-4 hours, around the clock, at this age. Trust your instincts – if your baby seems hungry, offer them a feed, even if it hasn’t been very long since their last one.
When will my baby start sleeping through the night?
It’s normal for 4-week-old babies to wake up frequently for feeds at night. However, you may begin to see longer stretches of sleep as your baby develops a daytime/nighttime pattern. Every baby is different, so don’t be too concerned if your little one takes a bit longer to sleep through the night.
Should I be worried if my baby isn’t hitting all these milestones?
Remember that all babies develop at their own pace, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal.” However, if you’re concerned that your baby isn’t hitting certain milestones, talk to your pediatrician. They can help reassure you or recommend some additional testing or therapy if needed.
Can I do anything to help my baby’s development?
One of the best things you can do to help your baby’s development is to simply interact with them! Talk to them, sing to them, and respond to their cues. You can also provide plenty of tummy time to help strengthen their muscles and encourage them to reach developmental milestones.
When should I start thinking about introducing solid foods?
At 4 weeks old, your baby is still a long way off from starting solid foods! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends waiting until around 6 months of age to begin introducing solid foods. Until then, breast milk or formula will provide all the nutrition your baby needs.