Source: bing.comTable of Contents
Week One: Getting Acquainted with your Baby
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! The first week of your baby’s life is all about getting acquainted with each other. Your baby may sleep for up to 16 hours a day, waking up every 2-3 hours to feed. You may feel overwhelmed with the responsibility of caring for a newborn, but don’t worry, you’ll get the hang of it in no time.
At this stage, your baby’s umbilical cord stump may still be attached. Keep it clean and dry to prevent infection. Your baby’s eyes may also be crossed, but this is normal and will improve in the coming weeks.
Week Two: Developing Senses
During week two, your baby’s senses begin to develop. They may start to recognize your voice and turn their head towards the sound. Your baby’s eyes may also begin to follow objects and focus on faces.
Your baby may still sleep for up to 16 hours a day but may start to stay awake for longer periods of time. They may also start to have longer periods of alertness, giving you more opportunities for interaction and play.
Week Three: Growing and Gaining Weight
During week three, your baby will continue to grow and gain weight. They may start to become more active, kicking and waving their arms. You may notice your baby starting to have more facial expressions, such as smiling or grimacing.
Your baby may also start to have more regular sleep patterns, sleeping for longer periods at night and having more awake time during the day. They may still need to feed every 2-3 hours, but some babies may start to go longer stretches without feeding.
Week Four: Developing Neck Strength
By week four, your baby’s neck muscles will begin to strengthen, allowing them to lift their head briefly during tummy time. This is an important milestone in your baby’s development and an opportunity for them to start exploring their surroundings.
Your baby may start to have more social smiles, smiling in response to your voice or face. They may also start to coo and make other sounds, communicating with you in their own way.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, and these milestones are just a general guide. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I feed my four-week-old baby?
A: Your baby may still need to feed every 2-3 hours, but some babies may start to go longer stretches without feeding.
Q: When should my baby’s umbilical cord stump fall off?
A: Your baby’s umbilical cord stump typically falls off after 1-2 weeks. Keep it clean and dry to prevent infection.
Q: Is it normal for my baby’s eyes to be crossed?
A: Yes, it’s normal for a newborn’s eyes to be crossed. This typically improves within the first few weeks of life.
Q: When should I start tummy time with my baby?
A: You can start tummy time as early as one week, but make sure to supervise your baby at all times and only do short periods at first.
Q: How much should my four-week-old baby weigh?
A: The average weight for a four-week-old baby is around 9 pounds for boys and 8.5 pounds for girls. However, every baby is different, so talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns.