- Lifts head for short periods of time
- Moves head from side to side
- Prefers the human face to other shapes
- Makes jerky, arm movements
- Brings hands to face
- Has strong reflex movements
- Can focus on items 8 to 12 inches away
- May turn towards familiar sounds or voices
- Responds to loud sounds
- Blinks at bright lights
Your Baby's First Week:
Congratulations on the birth of your little one! Most newborns weigh between 5.5 and 9 pounds and are somewhere between 18 and 21.5 inches long. Your little one may have appeared red and a bit swollen, especially if you had a vaginal birth or a long labor. Expect the redness to subside during the coming days, swelling to reduce, and her facial features to realign quickly. You'll also notice how she keeps her hands clenched and arms and legs curled in. This is a familiar, comforting position to your little one who has never known anything but this closeness. She'll relax her muscles during the next several weeks.
Though your little helpless bundle will need special loving care for the next several years, she's entered the world ready to meet the challenges of growing up. Her first few days are guided primarily by instinct. Already at birth she's able to recognize her mother's voice and, you'll likely notice her turn her head toward that single sound even when visitors crowd the room. Soon she'll identify other familiar voices she's heard from the womb.
She's born with a strong urge to suck. You may have witnessed this, just moments after birth, if you were able to put her to your breast immediately. While it seems natural that she'd also be born with the innate ability to breastfeed, you may notice it takes a few days for the two of you to learn the technique effectively. Focusing your energy this week on establishing proper nursing habits will set you on the path to a wonderfully rewarding relationship. Don't be afraid to ask for help! Lactation consultants, hospital nurses and pediatricians are invaluable resources available for support and guidance.
Marvel at her strength as she lifts her head slightly when placed on her tummy. Don't expect her to observe too many objects around the room though. Her immature eyes can only focus about 8 to 10 inches from her face. (Approximately the distance she is from your face while she's breastfeeding.) Her eyesight will improve greatly in the coming weeks.
Most babies drift off to sleep an hour or so after birth. Remember that she's been through a traumatic experience and is now facing the transition from the womb to the outside world. It is normal for this sleepiness to last for a few days. Enjoy watching her snooze this week and, take advantage of this sleepy period to rest yourself. If yours is not a sleeper, cuddle often and rest when she does decide to nap.
Remember, wide variations in size and weight are normal. Premature birth, mother's diet during pregnancy, maternal smoking or drinking during pregnancy are a few factors that can influence baby's size.
Your Baby's Second Week
Your little one will greet his second week of life in much the same manner as the first. Expect him to remain in the curled up position he had assumed while in utero. His tiny hands will remain tightly clenched while he is awake. His eyesight is still quite immature. Objects are clearest at a mere 8 to 10 inches from his face. While he is unable to see across the room, he can clearly see Mom's face as he nurses. Partners and siblings can hold him close and talk to him face-to face to achieve similar results.
Remember that breastfeeding is the best possible source of nourishment for your little one. Expect some breast fullness and tenderness as your milk supply increases. You can apply warm or cool compresses to help ease discomfort. Frequent feedings will help establish your supply and keep your breasts comfortable.
If engorgement is severe and your breasts become too hard, it may be difficult for your little one to latch on properly. In this case, try expressing a bit of milk by hand to soften your nipple immediately before offering it to your baby. It may help to attempt this in a shower with the warm water hitting your back. You'll have a moment to relax as well, which will also encourage your milk to let down. If you are still experiencing discomfort you should contact a Board Certified Lactation Consultant for help.
Your Baby's Third Week
Your little one will continue to adapt to life outside the womb. You may notice occasional muscle twitches. She'll be able to lift her head when placed on her tummy, but not very high and only for a quick second. Expect her to remain on her own "schedule." Allow her to dictate when she needs to eat and sleep.
She will enjoy the sound of your voice and will be able to distinguish it from that of a stranger. Spend quality time talking to her one-on-one. Maintain eye contact whenever possible. She'll find this entertaining and will know you're speaking just for her.
Womb-like sounds will help calm her when she's upset. Try patting her gently on the back or bottom to the beat of your heart. These familiar rhythms are still fresh in her mind and will help to relax her when she needs comforting. She'll continue to enjoy any and all skin-to-skin cuddling, especially when she's nursing. Dads are also skilled in this area. The quick removal of a shirt and a cozy blanket may be all that's needed to lull her off to sleep.
Infant massage is another wonderful way to help your little one relax. When done properly massage has been shown to not only calm a baby as you work but also to stimulate both physical and brain growth and improve digestion and behavior. Consider seeking out an infant massage class. Many hospitals and birthing centers offer instructional sessions. Or, ask your midwife, OB or pediatrician about instructors in your area.
Your Baby's Fourth Week
Your little one has had a few weeks to adjust to life outside the womb. While this transition is far from over, you may notice him becoming a bit more interactive this week. He'll probably begin making small sounds and wet, throaty noises. You may notice that this amuses him as much as it does you.
Just when you think he's at his cutest he's likely to surprise you with his a little smile as he slumbers. These sleep grins will quickly give way to his first interactive social smiles. Be sure to keep a camera or video camera handy to capture these wonderful faces!
He's also learning to trust this week. Each time you appear to feed, diaper or comfort him you're helping to reinforce the idea that you will be there to meet his needs. Continue to follow his schedule, whatever it may be. He'll soon learn that he can depend on you whenever he needs assistance or just a quick little hug.
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