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Physical Development
At 17 weeks old, your baby is starting to gain more control over their movements. They will be able to grab and hold objects with their hands, and they may even start to roll over. Their head control is also improving, so you can expect them to be able to hold their head up for a longer period of time.
Your baby’s senses are becoming more developed too. They will start to notice more things around them and will be more interested in exploring their environment. You can encourage this by providing toys with different textures and colours for them to touch and look at.
Speech and Language Development
At 17 weeks old, your baby will still be communicating primarily through cries, coos, and gurgles. However, they will be starting to develop a better understanding of the sounds around them. They will be more responsive to your voice and may even turn to look at you when you speak.
It’s important to talk to your baby as much as possible at this stage, as this will help to develop their language skills. You can describe what you’re doing as you go about your day, or read books to them.
Sleep
At 17 weeks old, your baby will still be sleeping a lot. They should be getting around 14-17 hours of sleep per day, with naps during the day and longer stretches at night. It’s important to establish a bedtime routine at this stage, as this will help your baby to learn when it’s time to sleep.
Feeding
At 17 weeks old, your baby will still be getting all of their nutrition from breast milk or formula. They may start to show an interest in solid foods, but it’s too early to introduce them yet. You should continue to feed your baby on demand, as this is the best way to ensure that they’re getting enough to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my baby’s development seems to be behind?
It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so try not to worry too much if your baby seems to be behind. However, if you’re concerned, you should talk to your healthcare provider. They can help to assess your baby’s development and provide advice on how to encourage their progress.
When should my baby start to sit up?
Most babies start to sit up between 4 and 7 months old, although some may do so earlier or later. You can help to encourage your baby’s sitting skills by providing support and placing them in a sitting position for short periods of time.
How can I encourage my baby’s development?
There are many things you can do to encourage your baby’s development, including:
- Talking to your baby as much as possible
- Providing toys with different textures and colours
- Encouraging tummy time to help build their strength
- Reading books to your baby
- Playing games that encourage movement and exploration
What can I do to help my baby sleep better at night?
Establishing a bedtime routine can be very helpful in helping your baby to sleep better at night. This might include giving them a bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. It’s also important to make sure that your baby is comfortable – they should be in a quiet, dark, and cool room, and dressed in comfortable clothing.
When should I start introducing solid foods?
Most babies are ready to start trying solid foods around 6 months old. However, you should talk to your healthcare provider before introducing solids, as they can provide advice on when and how to start.