Your Baby and You: Week Eighteen
YOUR BABY
Physical Development: Baby press ups!
If your baby gets plenty of tummy time then around this age you should see the strength in their arms and neck increase such that they are able to lift their chest off the floor when lying on their front.
Speech & Communication: Repetition of sounds
As your baby's communication develops further you will hear more repetition in her cooing and babbling as she perfects the sounds she likes and practices them over and over. Sometimes babies can take long pauses between trying or repeating sounds, it's good to remind yourself of this so that you don't talk over their efforts or distract them with something else. Give them time to get those noises out and show them how impressed you are!
Behavioural Development: What's grabbing their attention?
You might notice that toys that make noises - squeaking, rattling or musical are beginning to attract your baby's attention more. Babies can become overwhelmed with too much stimulation so don't overload them with noisy toys but keep offering them the same ones so that they become familiar with the sounds.
Feeding: Is it still too early for solids?
Weaning advice is no longer strictly kept to a starting point of six months. There are however risks associated with starting to wean your baby too soon. Read more here about weaning babies, how to go about it and whether your child is ready. There are lots of myths surrounding the advantages of weaning, so it is important that you find out more about the potential effects on your child before starting too soon.
Care Advice: Daytime routine
Last week we covered the importance of a bedtime routine but having a pattern of activity throughout the rest of the day and night is also important. If you are feeding on demand it can seem difficult to imagine how a routine can be managed, but there are lots of things you can do to introduce one however you feed your baby. Remember to keep a clear distinction between night and day by allowing naps to be taken somewhere with a little more light in the day, or a little more noise perhaps. Keep daytime more lively and chatty than any night time interactions and always try to start the day at the same time - regardless of how soon after your last night feed this seems to be! Read more here on developing a routine for your baby.
Safety Advice: Clean toys
Safety Tip for toys
Baby toys can easily accumulate dust and dirt, keep your toys clean and safe by giving them a wipe over with a clean damp cloth from time to time.
Common illnesses and ailments: Dry, itchy skin?
It could be eczema and in many babies it passes fairly quickly. Your doctor will be able to confirm whether it is eczema and give advice as to the appropriate course of action for your baby, but in the meantime here are some quick tips that you can implement immediately:
- Keep their skin moisturised with an emollient cream and only apply in downward strokes, to avoid rubbing the affected areas
- Protect the skin from being damaged by using scratch mitts on your baby or by making sure the affected areas are loosely covered by cotton clothes
- Keep your baby cool, if they get too warm it can aggravate their eczema
- Minimise the use of soap in their baths and detergents in your laundry as much as you can as these are likely to irritate eczema and other skin problems - aqueous cream is much cheaper than many other specialist products and many doctors advise using it as a body wash for babies in the bath
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY THIS WEEK
Entertainment: Don't forget tummy time!
Continue finding ways to play with your baby on their tummy. Give them a mirror to look down into or a play mat with interesting colours and textures, and remember to get down and join them if you can. They will love having you down at their level to play with them!
Activities: Swimming
If you haven't taken your baby swimming yet, it's a great activity to try. There are lots of companies offering baby swimming classes and they can be a great way of introducing your baby to the pool and of teaching you how to help them in the water. However, lessons can be expensive and they aren't necessary for getting your little one used to going swimming. You can read more here about taking your baby swimming, but here are some tips to get you started:
- Look for a pool that is quite warm - ideally 32° C or over. Babies get cold much quicker than adults, so if the pool feels chilly to you it will be freezing for them. Watch for cues from your baby, if they start to shiver take them out and get them dressed.
- A baby wetsuit can help to maintain a comfortable body temperature for your little one
- Don't take your baby swimming within 48 hours of them having sickness or diarrhoea
- Don't take your baby if you suspect that they are unwell
- Be prepared: leave their towel and clothes by the poolside or easily reachable in your locker, the sooner you can get them dried off and comfortable after a swim, the better
ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK
Your Body: Are you OK to swim?
If you have experienced any difficulty recovering from the birth of your baby, or if you are in any doubt about your caesarean scar or perineal area then seek advice from your GP before taking your getting in the water.
Your Emotions: Bonding
Bonding with your child is something that many parents take for granted, but for some it doesn't always happen automatically. Lots of factors can impede the bonding process, such as postnatal depression, premature birth or any health problems that either you or your baby may have faced. There is lots of advice available for dealing with bonding issues so speak to your GP or health visitor to find out what you can do.
Things to do: More swimming
Taking your baby swimming doesn't really count as exercise, but what about finding time to go swimming without the? Swimming is a brilliant form of exercise, it's low impact, burns lots of calories and it's relaxing too. If you and your partner are taking your baby swimming, why don't you go ahead and get in the pool half an hour before they do so that you can get some exercise in first!
