Table of Contents
Week 1: Adjusting to Life Outside the Womb
Your newborn is now 7 weeks old and has started to adjust to life outside the womb. During the first week, your baby will spend most of their time sleeping and eating. Your baby’s stomach is still small, so they will need to feed frequently, around 8-12 times per day. Your baby may also have trouble regulating their body temperature, so make sure to dress them in layers and keep them warm.
Week 2: Developing Senses
During the second week, your baby’s senses are starting to develop. They will begin to see better and recognize familiar faces. Your baby may also start to make cooing and gurgling sounds to communicate with you. Remember to talk, read, and sing to your baby to help their language development.
Week 3: Building Strength
In week 3, your baby is building strength and learning to control their movements. Your baby may start to lift their head when lying on their stomach and even try to push up with their arms. Tummy time is an excellent way to help your baby develop their muscles and motor skills. Make sure to supervise your baby during tummy time and always place them on a firm surface.
Week 4: Social Smiles
Your baby may start to give you their first social smile in week 4. They are also learning to distinguish between different facial expressions and emotions. Your baby may start to reach for objects and grasp them in their hands. Provide your baby with toys that are safe for them to hold and explore.
Week 5: Exploring the World
During week 5, your baby is starting to explore the world around them. They may start to reach for objects that are out of reach and roll from their back to their side. Your baby’s sleep may start to become more regular, and they may sleep for longer stretches at night.
Week 6: Language Development
In week 6, your baby’s language development is starting to take off. They may start to babble and make different sounds. Your baby may also begin to recognize their name and turn towards you when you call them. Continue to talk and read to your baby to help their language skills.
Week 7: Increased Interaction
During the final week, your baby’s interaction with the world around them will increase. They may start to grab objects with a purpose, such as a toy they want to play with. Your baby may also start to show more interest in other people and become more social. Remember to give your baby plenty of love and attention to help their social and emotional development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does my 7-week-old baby need to be fed?
A: Your baby will need to be fed around 8-12 times per day. Your baby’s stomach is still small, so they will need to eat frequently.
Q: How can I help my baby’s language development?
A: Talk, read, and sing to your baby. This will help their language development and encourage them to communicate with you.
Q: How long should tummy time be for my 7-week-old baby?
A: Tummy time should be around 2-3 times per day for a few minutes each time. Gradually increase the duration as your baby gets stronger.
Q: How can I encourage my baby’s development?
A: Provide your baby with safe toys to play with, talk and read to them, and give them plenty of love and attention.
Q: How can I keep my baby warm during the winter?
A: Dress your baby in layers, use a blanket when going outside, and keep the temperature in your home around 68-72°F.