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What to Expect?
Congratulations on your new arrival! Your little one is now 4 days old, and you must be wondering about their development. At this stage, you might be surprised at how much your baby has changed since birth. Your baby’s development is happening at lightning speed, and by day 4, they have already undergone significant changes.
Physical Development
At 4 days old, your baby is still very tiny, but they have already gained some weight. The average newborn gains around 0.5-1 oz per day, and by day 4, your baby may have gained around 2 oz since birth. Their body is also starting to regulate its temperature, and they should be maintaining a consistent body temperature without assistance.
In terms of motor skills, your baby is still developing their muscles and coordination. You may notice some involuntary movements, such as jerky arm and leg movements or startle reflexes. These movements will become more controlled as your baby’s nervous system develops.
Sensory Development
Your baby’s senses are also developing rapidly. At 4 days old, their vision is still blurry, but they are starting to be able to focus on objects that are within 8-12 inches from their face. They can also distinguish between light and dark and may prefer to look at high-contrast patterns.
Your baby’s hearing is also developing, and they can recognize your voice and other familiar sounds. They may startle in response to loud noises and be soothed by gentle sounds, such as lullabies. Around this age, babies can also start to differentiate between different tastes and smells.
Behavioral Development
At 4 days old, your baby is still in the newborn stage, and their behavior is largely instinctual. They will spend most of their time sleeping, feeding, and diapering. You may notice that your baby has periods of wakefulness, during which they may stare at objects, make eye contact, or even try to mimic facial expressions.
It is also normal for newborns to have fussy periods, often in the evening, where they cry for no apparent reason. These periods usually peak around 6 weeks old and then gradually subside.
Conclusion
In conclusion, your baby’s development at 4 days old is rapid and exciting. While your baby is still very tiny, they have already undergone significant changes since birth. As a new parent, it is essential to give your baby time to develop at their own pace and to enjoy the journey of watching them grow and change every day.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How much should my 4-day-old baby sleep?
It is normal for newborns to sleep between 16-17 hours per day, waking up every few hours to feed and diaper. However, every baby is different, and some may sleep more or less than this amount.
2. When will my baby’s vision improve?
Your baby’s vision will continue to improve over the next few months. By around 8 weeks old, they should be able to focus on objects further away and see more clearly.
3. How often should I be feeding my 4-day-old baby?
Newborns typically feed every 2-3 hours and may even want to feed more frequently during growth spurts. It is essential to feed your baby on demand and not stick to a strict feeding schedule.
4. When will my baby’s startle reflex go away?
Your baby’s startle reflex, where they fling their arms and legs out, will start to fade by around 3-4 months old. However, some babies may keep this reflex for longer.
5. When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
Babies develop at different rates, so it is essential to remember that your baby may reach milestones at their own pace. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, such as not reaching milestones or seeming unresponsive, it is best to speak to your pediatrician.