MONTH TWO



Your Baby's Fifth Week

Watch as your baby begins to enjoy the freedom of life outside the womb. She'll start to relax her muscles and straighten her body this week. Expect her hands to remain clenched except during periods of sleep or quiet alertness.

Notice how quickly she's learned to adapt to her new life. She'll now begin to cry to elicit a specific response from you. Go to her and offer comfort. Feed her at the first sign of hunger rather than the first cry. At this young age, you'll not spoil her by offering too much attention, cuddling or feeding on demand.Conversely, she'll learn that she is secure and that her needs will be met promptly without the need to cry for attention. You may also notice her cry when you attempt to put her down. Your intelligent little bundle has surely realized how comforting it is to be in her parents arms and close to your breast.

Emotional growth is evident as well. You've waited several weeks for a glimpse of her smiling face. This week you may witness her first social smile. Unlike sleep grins, which are in fact, adorable glimpses of the smiles to come, these first responsive smiles are her true reactions to outside stimuli such as over-exaggerated facial expressions.

Your Baby's Sixth Week

Your little one's tiny hands might appear a bit larger this week as they being to relax and unfold. Now it's time to pull out the cute rattles you received as gifts. She may enjoy holding these toys for a short period of time.

Witness amazing displays of strength as your seemingly helpless little one lifts her head approximately 45 degrees when placed on the floor on her tummy. Improved eye sight now allows her to glance around the room and take in her surroundings.

When using a baby sling, try holding her in an upright position over your shoulder. This position offers a unique vantage point while enabling you a bit more freedom to work, shop or just relax with the use of your hands.

When you were pregnant you may have anticipated your little one spending his first few nights or even weeks slumbering soundly in your room. As your baby grows you may realize how comforting it is to know he's nearby. Have you considered adopting the "family bed" concept? Sleeping with your baby can have many benefits. Consider how comforting it is to your little one to stay close by you at night just as he does during the day. Sharing sleep has been shown to help babies grow into confident, self-reliant toddlers perhaps because it is easier for parents to respond promptly to their night-time needs before the little one ever fully awakens and realizes he should cry for assistance.

Additionally, this practice may help babies with poor weight gain put on pounds by allowing them access to your breast all night long and has even been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. The benefits extend to parents as well. After just a few nights you'll find it easy to nurse your little one without either of you fully waking. You'll feel rested and better able to meet the day. Keep a supply of diapers and wipes by your bedside and you'll not even have to set your feet on the cold floor for this necessary task either.

Additionally, this practice may help babies with poor weight gain put on pounds by allowing them access to your breast all night long and has even been shown to reduce the risk of SIDS. The benefits extend to parents as well. After just a few nights you'll find it easy to nurse your little one without either of you fully waking. You'll feel rested and better able to meet the day. Keep a supply of diapers and wipes by your bedside and you'll not even have to set your feet on the cold floor for this necessary task either.

Be certain to make the sleeping arrangement as safe as possible.

  • Keep your little one snuggled next to Mom. Mothers tend to fall into the same sleep patterns as their babies, thus you'll be more likely to notice his squirms than Dad.

  • Employ a safety railing or better yet, move your mattress to the floor for the time being. Remove any extra pillows or bedding that might cause a hazard to your little one.

  • Check your own bedtime clothes as you would your little one's attire. Remove any strings or ties that are more than four to six inches long and try to wear pieces that fit comfortably, but are not overly large and bulky.

Still not convinced this arrangement will work? Try for a few nights and see how rested you feel! Or, try a bedside arrangement. Some cribs have removable sides enabling you to pull your little one's bed right alongside yours. Just be certain there is no space between the mattresses where your little one could get stuck and that the crib is not able to slide away from the bed as you move around at night. Or, try a specially designed portable "co-sleeper" bassinet for your little one's first few months. Whatever arrangement you find, the important thing is that you respond to your little one's nighttime needs as promptly as you would during the day. Despite what you may hear, it is impossible to spoil a child of this age with constant attention. Do not worry, allowing your baby to sleep with you will not make him dependent for life. He won't go away to college still sleeping in your bed!

Your Baby's Seventh Week

Motor skill development is prominent at this age. Watch as your little one discovers he can move his arms! He'll begin to swipe aimlessly. Though he doesn't yet have the hand-eye coordination, or necessary muscle tone to effectively reach for an object, he'll most likely squeal in delight as his arms flail about in the air above him.

Current recommendations direct parents to place infants on their back for sleep. This position can reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and accidental suffocation. This also offers your little one the opportunity to gaze at a mobile dangling overhead. He'll enjoy some "tummy time" too. Try placing him on his tummy throughout the day when you are able to closely supervise play time.

When selecting toys, keep in mind he'll most likely prefer black and white color. This may seem somewhat monotonous to your fully developed eyes, but he'll enjoy in the simplicity. Classical music is also likely to be a favorite. Pick your favorite composer and introduce him to the variety of upbeat, relaxing and playful melodies. You don't have to stop there. Gradually introduce him to your favorite contemporary artists as well. Be sure to keep the volume somewhat low and watch his reactions closely. If you find a particular type of music upsets to him, try changing the tune.

Your Baby's Eighth Week

Your little one may enjoy simply gazing at your face. Stay nearby, return her glances and make funny faces for her to study. She'll probably attempt to mimic your expressions.

The discovery of her hands and emerging muscle control will enable her thumb to find its way to her mouth on a regular basis. Acknowledge her need to suck and allow her to engage in this self-soothing behavior. Experts agree that thumb sucking at this age will not lead to long term dental problems.

Turn down the music this week and listen as your little one discovers her voice. She's learned how to cry to capture your attention. Now she'll delight in making new interesting noises. Cooing, squeaking and soft throaty sounds will lead her repertoire.

Be mindful of your moods. Your tiny baby is able to understand more than you may expect. She'll quickly recognize your moods and will respond when you are upset. Try to limit the stress in your life and watch her relax right along with you

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