Table of Contents
Week 1-2: The First Two Weeks
Congratulations! You’ve just given birth to a beautiful baby. During the first two weeks, your baby is adjusting to life outside the womb. They may sleep up to 18 hours a day, and may only wake up to feed. Your baby’s body temperature regulation system is still developing, so make sure to keep them warm. At this stage, your baby’s eyesight is still developing, so they can only see objects that are close to their face.
Week 3-4: Motor and Social Development
Your baby is starting to develop motor skills at this stage, such as moving their arms and legs. They may also start to smile and make gurgling noises to communicate with you. Make sure to give your baby plenty of tummy time to help them develop strong neck and arm muscles.
Week 5-6: More Social Development
Your baby is becoming more social and may start to recognize your face and voice. They may also start to imitate facial expressions and hand movements. At this stage, your baby is also starting to differentiate between night and day, so make sure to establish a consistent bedtime routine.
Week 7-8: Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development is starting to take off. They may start to recognize familiar objects and people, and may also start to reach for and grasp objects. Your baby may also start to babble and make cooing sounds to communicate.
Week 9-10: More Cognitive Development
Your baby’s cognitive development continues to progress rapidly. They may start to show interest in books and toys, and may also start to understand cause and effect. At this stage, your baby may also start to develop separation anxiety, so make sure to soothe and comfort them when needed.
Week 11-12: Final Stretch
Your baby is almost three months old! At this stage, your baby may start to roll over, and may also start to sit up with support. They may also start to show more interest in playing with toys and exploring their surroundings. Make sure to continue talking, singing, and reading to your baby to help with their language development.
Overall, each week of your baby’s development is exciting and full of new milestones. Remember to enjoy this special time with your little one, and don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my baby isn’t meeting their developmental milestones?
A: It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, make sure to speak with your pediatrician who can provide guidance and resources.
Q: How often should my baby be seeing their pediatrician?
A: Your baby will typically have several check-ups during their first year of life, including at 1 week, 2 weeks, 1 month, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year. It’s important to make sure your baby is up-to-date on their vaccinations and is growing and developing properly.
Q: When should my baby start solid foods?
A: Most babies are ready to start solid foods around 6 months of age. However, it’s important to speak with your pediatrician to determine if your baby is ready, as every baby is different.
Q: How much should my baby be sleeping?
A: Every baby is different, but most newborns will sleep up to 18 hours a day. As your baby gets older, they will typically sleep less during the day and more at night. Always make sure to put your baby to sleep on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS).
Q: When will my baby start to walk?
A: Most babies start to walk around 12-15 months of age, but some may start earlier or later. Make sure to give your baby plenty of opportunities to practice their motor skills by providing tummy time and encouraging crawling and cruising.