Congratulations, mama! Your baby is now 34 weeks old, and a lot has happened since they were born. At this point, your little one is getting bigger and stronger every day, and their development is continuing at a rapid pace. Here’s what you can expect in terms of baby development at 34 weeks old:
Table of Contents
Physical Development
By 34 weeks old, your baby is likely weighing in at around 4-5 pounds and is roughly 17-19 inches long. They’re still gaining weight rapidly, so don’t be surprised if they’re looking more and more like a little chunky monkey every day! Their bones are also continuing to harden, and their muscles are getting stronger, which means they’ll be able to move around more and more as time goes on.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s five senses are continuing to develop at a rapid pace as well. By this point, they should be able to hear and respond to sounds outside of the womb, and may even turn their head towards voices that they recognize. Their vision is still developing, but they can see light and dark and may even be able to make out some shapes and colors.
Sleep Development
At 34 weeks old, your baby is likely sleeping for longer stretches at night, but they may still be waking up frequently to eat or be changed. They may also be napping more during the day as their body gets used to being awake for longer periods of time.
Cognitive Development
Your baby’s brain is continuing to grow and develop at an astonishing rate. They may be more alert and aware of their surroundings at this point, and may even be able to recognize familiar faces and voices. They may also be starting to develop a sense of cause-and-effect, and may be able to connect certain actions with specific outcomes.
Social and Emotional Development
While your baby may still be too young to understand complex emotions, they are starting to develop a sense of trust and attachment with their caregivers. They may cry when they’re hungry or uncomfortable, and may be comforted by being held or rocked. They may also start to show more interest in interacting with people around them, such as smiling or cooing at familiar faces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should my 34-week-old be eating?
A: Most babies this age will be eating every 2-3 hours during the day and possibly once or twice during the night.
Q: When will my baby start crawling?
A: Most babies start crawling between 6-12 months old, although some may start earlier or later than this.
Q: Should my baby be able to sit up unsupported by now?
A: While some babies may be able to sit up unsupported by 6 months old, it’s more common for babies to achieve this milestone between 7-9 months old.
Q: When should I start introducing solid foods?
A: Most pediatricians recommend introducing solid foods between 4-6 months old, although some babies may be ready earlier or later than this.
Q: Should I be worried if my baby isn’t hitting milestones at the expected time?
A: While it’s important to keep an eye on your baby’s development, it’s normal for babies to hit milestones at slightly different times. If you’re concerned, talk to your pediatrician.
Watching your baby grow and develop is an amazing experience, and it’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Keep an eye on your little one’s progress, but don’t stress too much if they’re not hitting every milestone exactly on time. Before you know it, they’ll be crawling, walking, and climbing all over everything in sight!