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Week Two: A Time of Rapid Change
Congratulations on your new baby! The first few weeks of your baby’s life are an exciting time, filled with new experiences and new discoveries. At two weeks old, your baby is changing rapidly, developing new skills and abilities every day. Here’s what you can expect during your baby’s second week of life.
Physical Development
During this week, your baby will continue to grow and gain weight. You may notice that your baby is sleeping for longer stretches during the night, which can be a welcome relief for new parents! Your baby’s umbilical cord stump may fall off during this week, and you can expect the healing process to be complete within a few days.
Your baby’s reflexes will also continue to develop during this time. Your baby may start to show signs of the Moro reflex, which is when your baby startles in response to a loud noise or sudden movement. Don’t worry, this is a normal reflex that will eventually disappear on its own.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s senses are also developing rapidly during this week. Your baby’s vision is still blurry, but they will start to focus on objects that are up to 18 inches away. Your baby will also start to develop a sense of smell, and may be able to recognize familiar scents, such as their mother’s breast milk.
Your baby’s hearing will also continue to develop during this week. Your baby may start to turn their head in response to sounds or voices, and may even start to recognize familiar voices.
Behavioral Development
At two weeks old, your baby will start to show more awareness of their surroundings. Your baby may start to look at faces and follow moving objects with their eyes. Your baby may also start to show a preference for certain positions, such as lying on their side or stomach.
Your baby may also start to display more social behaviors, such as smiling or cooing in response to your voice or touch. These early social interactions are important for your baby’s emotional development, and can help strengthen the bond between you and your baby.
Caring for Your Two-Week-Old Baby
During this week, it’s important to continue to provide your baby with plenty of love, attention, and care. Make sure your baby is getting enough sleep and is well-fed, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. Remember, taking care of a newborn is a big responsibility, and it’s important to take care of yourself too!
Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Development 2 Weeks
Q: What should my two-week-old baby be eating?
A: At two weeks old, your baby should be feeding on demand, which means you should offer your baby breast milk or formula whenever they show signs of hunger.
Q: How often should my two-week-old baby be sleeping?
A: At this age, your baby may sleep for up to 16 hours a day, but may wake up frequently to eat.
Q: When should I start tummy time with my baby?
A: You can start tummy time with your baby as early as two weeks old, but make sure to start with short sessions and gradually build up to longer periods of time.
Q: How can I help my baby develop their vision?
A: You can help your baby develop their vision by providing them with plenty of visual stimulation, such as black and white pictures, brightly colored toys, and mobiles.
Q: When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you notice that your baby is not meeting certain developmental milestones, such as lifting their head or tracking objects with their eyes, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician.