Source: bing.comTable of Contents
What to Expect at Two Weeks Old
Congratulations! You’ve made it through the first two weeks of your baby’s life. Your little bundle of joy has been adapting to life outside the womb and is starting to settle into some semblance of a schedule. During this time, you may notice some significant changes in your baby’s development.
At two weeks old, your baby is likely to:
- Sleep around 16-17 hours a day in 1-3 hour stretches
- Wake up to feed every 2-3 hours
- Gain around 5-7 ounces per week
- Start to focus on objects and faces within 8-12 inches of their face
- Begin to make cooing and gurgling sounds
Physical Development
At two weeks old, your baby’s physical development is still in its early stages. They may still have some swelling, especially around the genitals, from the birth process. However, this should start to go down over the next few days or weeks.
Your baby’s umbilical stump may have fallen off or could still be attached. If it’s still attached, make sure to keep the area clean and dry until it falls off.
Your baby’s skin is still sensitive and may be dry or flaky. Make sure to keep their skin moisturized and avoid exposing them to direct sunlight.
Feeding
At two weeks old, your baby is still focused on feeding and may want to eat every 2-3 hours. They should be gaining weight steadily, and you may notice that they are starting to fill out a bit.
If you are breastfeeding, you may notice that it’s starting to become easier as your baby gets better at latching on. If you are formula feeding, make sure you are following the instructions on the packaging and preparing the formula correctly.
Sleep
Your baby will still be sleeping a lot at two weeks old, and their sleep patterns may be erratic. They may sleep for a few hours at a time, wake up to feed, and then go back to sleep.
It’s important to establish a routine for your baby, but don’t worry too much if they aren’t sleeping through the night just yet. It’s normal for newborns to wake up frequently during the night.
Milestones
At two weeks old, your baby is starting to hit some important milestones. They may be making eye contact with you, focusing on objects and faces, and starting to make cooing sounds.
While these may seem like small things, they are important signs that your baby’s development is on track.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much weight should my baby be gaining at two weeks old?
Your baby should be gaining around 5-7 ounces per week. Keep in mind that every baby is different, and some may gain more or less than this.
2. How often should I be feeding my baby at two weeks old?
Your baby will likely want to eat every 2-3 hours at two weeks old. It’s important to feed them on demand and make sure they are getting enough to eat.
3. When will my baby’s umbilical stump fall off?
Your baby’s umbilical stump may fall off anywhere from 5-15 days after birth. Make sure to keep the area clean and dry until it falls off.
4. Should I wake my baby up to feed them?
At two weeks old, it’s important to make sure your baby is getting enough to eat. If they are sleeping for longer than 3 hours, it’s okay to wake them up to feed them.
5. How much should my baby be sleeping at two weeks old?
Your baby will still be sleeping a lot at two weeks old, around 16-17 hours a day.
In conclusion, the first two weeks of your baby’s life are filled with significant growth and development. Your little one is starting to settle into a routine, gaining weight steadily, and hitting important milestones. Remember to take care of yourself as well during this time, and don’t hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.