Your Baby's Development Week by Week

Your Baby and You: Week Forty Nine

YOUR BABY

Physical Development: Drinking from a cup

By now, if she has had enough practice, your baby may well be able to drink from a cup independently. A lidless cup may cause a few spills but it's all worth it whilst this activity encourages important coordination skills and oral development.

Social & Emotional Development: Dealing with separation anxiety at bedtime

Separation anxiety is quite common, but it can turn your routine on its head if you are used to putting your baby down to sleep at night and just walking out of the room. You should treat it as you do during the day, so trying to sneak out on your baby is a bad idea as it only increases their sense of worry about you disappearing on them. Your baby is probably still too young to understand that you are still nearby even if you are out of sight, so encouraging them to grasp that concept is the best way to teach them to settle without you being right by their side. Here are some tips:

  • Keep to a relaxing bed time routine each evening, the predictability is comforting for a baby
  • Go to your baby when she cries so that you can reassure her, but don't take her back to your bed or try to distract her by playing games or interacting with her too much. She needs to know that you are there for her, that's all - not that her cries will prompt another 20 minute sing song, a story or a play in Mummy & Daddy's bed
  • Spend time in the day playing games that teach the notion of object permanence such as peekaboo, or reading lift-the-flap books. In time this will help her to understand that you haven't necessarily gone just because you are out of sight
  • Some experts advise coming and going from your baby's bedroom if they are getting really distressed - say 'Bye bye' each time but then return soon after. You don't need to interact with them when you return, sort some clothes in their drawer or look busy, your presence will reassure them but you don't want to overstimulate them. Each time you leave the room, do so for slightly longer, until they fall asleep

Behavioural Development: Ditching the dummy

Many paediatricians recommend getting rid of a dummy before your baby turns 12 months, this is predominantly down to concerns about teeth and speech development. Many parents find that it is easier to cut down the use of the dummy gradually, by reducing it only to nap times if you can to start with. Once you make the decision to take it away altogether, you should stand by it - letting them have it after a couple of days will take you back to square one and will mean the whole process of 'letting go' takes even longer.

Speech and communication Development: Don't oversimplify your English

As your baby's babbling starts to become more defined, and different 'words' (no matter how inaccurate) are formed, don't be tempted to resort to baby talk yourself. It's important that you talk back to him using the proper vocabulary that they are attempting in order for them to learn.

Feeding: Lead by example

Remember that your baby constantly looks to you to see how things are done. This is why it is important to share as many meal times with them as you can manage, and why you should always consider yourself to be setting an example for them. It will help them to learn to stay at the table, to use cutlery and not to throw food around or to play with it. Of course this will take some time, but watching their parents is one of the most effective forms of learning for a baby or a toddler.

 

Feeding Tip: Making eating out enjoyable for all of you

  • Book a table at a time as close as possible to when your baby normally eats
  • Make sure that they are well rested beforehand
  • Make sure that they are hungry enough for a meal (although don't let them get overly hungry as this will put them out of sorts)
  • Skip the starter, if your baby still seems content when you have finished your main course then maybe you will have time for dessert, but don't push them to stay out longer than is reasonable
  • You may have brought some food from home for your baby, but include them in the meal as well allow them to have some of what you're having
  • Bring a couple of small toys to keep your baby occupied whilst you are waiting for your meal
  • Bring a bowl & spoon for your baby, as well as plenty of wipes - the better prepared you are, the more enjoyable your meal will be

Common illnesses and ailments: What to do if they swallow something they shouldn't

It goes without saying that you should do everything you can to make sure your baby doesn't have access to items that they can put in their mouth and potentially swallow or choke on (a good rule of thumb is anything small enough to fit through the tube of a toilet roll). But from time to time, there are events that are out of your control, and babies are very prone to putting small objects in their mouths.

Most objects that get swallowed by babies pass through their digestive system without a problem. But larger objects, or those with sharp edges or corners can cause damage to their internal organs. Check your baby's nappies very carefully so that you know if she has passed the object - which should take about 3-7 days. If your baby displays no signs of discomfort or being unwell then it is likely that she will pass the object without a problem. If, however, any of the following begin to occur then you should contact your doctor for advice right away:

  • The object was sharp
  • Your baby displays signs of discomfort, irritability, being off their food, excessive dribbling or gagging
  • Your baby vomits or has blood in their poo
  • The object has not been passed in their nappy within 7 days of the incident

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

Entertainment: Have a teddy bear's picnic

Set your baby's favourite toys and teddy bears out on the floor, lay out a small rug and put out some plastic plates, spoons and cups. The first few times you do this your baby will probably watch you in some confusion, but by being animated and explaining that you're all pretending to have a picnic (act out the eating and drinking to make it realistic!) your baby will soon get the idea. Once he gets the hang of it he will probably really enjoy helping to feed his teddy bears, wiping their mouths and playing at being a parent!

ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK

Your Body: Pelvic floor exercises

Yes you do still need to do them! Even if you haven't had any signs of weakness in your pelvic floor these exercises should now be part of your everyday life. Many problems can occur much later in life and putting in the effort now can dramatically reduce your chances of having such problems.

Things to do: Make a birthday wish list

With your baby's first birthday fast approaching, it might be an idea to think about what you would like them to have as presents - particularly if you have a large family from whom you think you may receive a number of gifts, or if you have particularly generous grandparents. It is fine for you to politely make your preferences clear if you are worried about the arrival of huge toys that will leave you no room to walk through the house. It's also OK to make suggestions - perhaps you would like your baby to have a certain toy that they have showed an interest in at other people's homes, or maybe there is a particular character or book series that they seem to really enjoy.

Time for yourself: What about a massage?

Having a proper massage can be one of the most relaxing experiences. They don't come cheaply but as a special treat to yourself (or maybe from your partner) they are worth planning for. If you are still breastfeeding then let your beauty therapist know, as some essential oils are considered unsafe to use for nursing mothers, they will have alternative options.


Site Links

This internet site provides information of a general nature and is designed for educational purposes only. If you have any concerns about your own health or the health of your child, you should always consult a doctor or other healthcare professional.