Your little one is now nine weeks old and you’re probably amazed at how much they’ve changed in such a short amount of time! At this stage, your baby is developing rapidly both physically and mentally. Here’s what you can expect during the nine-week development:
Table of Contents
Physical Development
By the time your baby is nine weeks old, they will likely have grown in length by a few inches and gained a few pounds. You may start to notice that their movements are more coordinated and purposeful, and they may even start to reach for objects or kick their legs with intention. Your baby’s neck and back muscles are also getting stronger, which means they can hold their head up for short periods of time when placed on their tummy.
At this stage, your baby’s sense of hearing and vision are also improving. They may start to turn their head toward sounds and follow objects with their eyes. Your baby’s sense of touch is also developing, and they may enjoy exploring different textures with their hands and mouth.
Mental Development
Your baby’s brain is rapidly developing, and they are becoming more aware of their surroundings. At this stage, you may notice that your baby is more interested in interacting with people and objects, and they may start to smile and coo more often.
At around nine weeks old, your baby may also start to experience separation anxiety, which is normal and a sign that they have formed a strong bond with you. You can help ease their anxiety by providing them with a comforting object or toy when you’re not around.
Feeding and Sleeping
At nine weeks old, your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns may still be unpredictable. Some babies may start to sleep for longer stretches at night, while others may continue to wake up frequently. It’s important to follow your baby’s cues and feed them on demand, usually every two to three hours during the day.
If your baby is formula-fed, they may be taking around 4-5 ounces at each feeding. Breastfed babies may nurse for shorter periods of time but more frequently. By this stage, your baby may also start to develop a more regular bowel movement pattern.
Safety Tips
As your baby becomes more mobile, it’s important to make sure your home is safe and secure. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Never leave your baby unattended on a high surface. Always use a safety strap or harness when using a changing table or bouncy chair.
- Make sure your baby’s crib meets safety standards. The slats should be no more than 2 3/8 inches apart, and the mattress should fit tightly against the sides of the crib.
- Avoid using loose bedding or soft objects in your baby’s crib. This includes pillows, blankets, and stuffed animals, which can pose a suffocation risk.
- Keep small objects out of reach. Your baby may start to explore the world by putting things in their mouth, so make sure small objects are kept out of reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions parents have when it comes to their nine-week-old baby’s development:
- Is it normal for my baby to cry a lot? Yes, crying is normal at this stage. Your baby may be hungry, tired, or experiencing discomfort from gas or colic. Make sure you’re responding to your baby’s cries and providing them with comfort.
- When should I start tummy time? You can start tummy time as soon as your baby is born, but at this stage, they may start to enjoy it more. Aim for short periods of tummy time throughout the day, and always supervise your baby.
- When will my baby start laughing? Every baby is different, but you may start to notice your baby laughing or smiling more frequently around three to four months of age.
At nine weeks old, your baby is growing and developing at an incredible pace. Remember to follow your baby’s cues and provide them with plenty of love and care as they continue to explore the world around them.
Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. This assistant does not endorse any medication and is not affiliated with any pharmaceutical company.