Congratulations, mom! Your baby is now 9 weeks old and you’ve made it through those first few tough weeks. At this point, your little one is developing and growing in a variety of ways. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from your 9 week old baby’s development.
Table of Contents
Physical Development
Your 9 week old baby is growing quickly and may have already gained a few pounds since birth. They are also starting to develop better head control and can lift their head up briefly while on their tummy. Additionally, their hand-eye coordination is improving and they may begin to grasp onto objects, such as toys and rattles.
Cognitive Development
At 9 weeks old, your baby is starting to become more aware of their surroundings. They may begin to recognize faces, voices, and familiar objects. They may also start to follow moving objects with their eyes and turn their head towards sounds.
Communication Development
While your baby may not yet be able to speak, they are starting to communicate in their own way. They may coo, make sounds, and even mimic some of the sounds they hear around them. At this stage, they may also begin to smile in response to your voice or touch.
Social Development
Your 9 week old baby is also beginning to develop socially. They are starting to distinguish between familiar and unfamiliar faces and may even begin to show a preference for certain people. Additionally, they may start to enjoy interacting with others and may respond to your touch or voice with smiles, coos, or other sounds.
What You Can Do to Support Development
As a parent, there are a variety of things you can do to support your baby’s development at this stage. Some ideas include:
- Tummy time: This will help improve your baby’s head control and strengthen their neck and back muscles.
- Engage in play: Your baby is starting to become more aware of their surroundings and will benefit from toys and games that stimulate their senses.
- Talk to your baby: Even though your baby can’t talk yet, they are still learning from you. Talk to them, sing to them, and read to them to help develop their language and communication skills.
- Offer plenty of affection: Your baby is starting to develop socially and will benefit from plenty of hugs, cuddles, and positive interactions with you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much should my 9 week old baby be eating?
At this stage, your baby may be eating every 2-3 hours and consuming between 4-6 ounces at each feeding. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to follow your baby’s cues and discuss any concerns with your pediatrician.
When should my 9 week old baby start sleeping through the night?
While some babies may start sleeping through the night at this stage, many will still wake up for feedings. It’s important to establish a consistent bedtime routine and to respond to your baby’s needs as they arise.
How much should my 9 week old baby be sleeping?
At this stage, your baby may be sleeping between 14-17 hours per day, including naps. However, every baby is different and may require more or less sleep.
When should I start tummy time with my 9 week old baby?
You can start incorporating tummy time into your baby’s routine as early as 2 weeks old. However, at 9 weeks old, your baby may be able to tolerate longer periods of tummy time.
When should I be concerned about my 9 week old baby’s development?
If you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s always best to speak with your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby and provide guidance on any necessary interventions or therapies.