Your Baby and You: Week Fourteen
YOUR BABY
Physical Development: Bringing hands together
As your baby's coordination improves you will notice more steady and intentional movements - particularly with their hands. Look out for your baby being able to bring both hands together (like a slow clap) this is an important step in the development of their motor skills.
Communication: Happy squeals
Your baby may have started to squeal in delight, often in response to your interaction with them. It is hugely rewarding for a parent when their baby squeals at the recognition that Mummy or Daddy has just come into their room. It is also an important step in developing their communication skills, letting you know that they are happy or excited.
Feeding - what else can I give my baby?
Your baby needs only breast milk or formula at this age. There are some cases in which they can be given cool boiled water (hot weather or if a formula fed baby is constipated or dehydrated). To an adult with a varied diet milk alone can seem insufficient, it might seem tempting to give them some solid food. The current recommended age for weaning is 6 months, although some doctors and health visitors agree that some babies are ready for food slightly earlier, 14 weeks is still too young.
Babies given solid food too early can develop allergies because their digestive system is not yet mature. The solid food can also take up valuable tummy space thereby reducing their appetite for breast milk or formula - which contain all the essential nutrients that they need.
If you are concerned that your baby is hungry because he or she is demanding extra feeds and getting frustrated (particularly at the breast) then it is likely that they are going through a growth spurt, which should settle in a matter of days.
Care Advice - Routines & Carrying your baby
If you don't feel as though you have settled into a good routine yet, don't feel disheartened. Your baby is still very young. There are, however, a few simple things that you can do to encourage a daily routine:
- Wake your baby at the same time each morning
- Put your baby down to bed at the same time each night
- Try to stimulate your baby as little as possible at night. Avoid talking to them, keep lights low and return them to their cot as soon as they have been fed and winded, changed or calmed
- Differentiate day time naps from night time sleeping: keep the room lighter and allow more household noise (maybe open their window if appropriate)
- Stick to a simple and calming bed time routine every day
We have more helpful advice on encouraging a good routine for your baby here.
How do you carry your baby?
As babies get older they can start to get a bit frustrated being held facing in to your chest or shoulder - they want to see what's going on! Experiment with turning your baby away from you: support their weight with your hand between their legs and your arm running up the front of their body, holding them against your front. Lots of babies love being held in this position.
If you haven't yet used a baby carrier then it might be worth trying one. Many parents find them very useful for carrying their little one when they might not want to use a pram. It keeps your baby close to you and your arms free.
Safety advice: Mould
Safety Tip
Be aware of mould and mildew in your home. Walls and windows that are damp are prime areas and so is the bathroom. Check bath mats and bath toys regularly. Squeeze water out of toys after each bath and leave them somewhere where they can dry properly each time.
Common ailments: Sunburn
Keeping your baby protected from the sun is really important. A baby's skin is extremely sensitive to sunlight and can burn surprisingly easily. Keep them out of direct sunlight during the summer months, use a high-factor baby sunscreen when you have to be outside and always make sure they wear a sun hat when necessary.
In the unfortunate event that your baby does become burned, keep them out of the sunlight, make sure that they are well hydrated and contact your GP or walk in centre for advice.
ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK
Your Body: Pelvic floor exercises
Don't forget about your pelvic floor exercises. It is still important to do them routinely to restore strength, increasing bladder and bowel function and reducing the chances of problems later in life after your menopause. Continuing regular pelvic floor exercises can also help to make sex more satisfying.
Things to do: Have a cinema date with your baby!
When was the last time you went to the cinema? Many cinemas do a mother & baby session on weekday mornings, with a lower volume and some lighting to make the experience comfortable and practical with your baby. Take the opportunity now before they start crawling and don't want to sit still - and before they get old enough to start asking for expensive popcorn and drinks!
YOUR WEEKLY CHECKLIST
(Helping to keep you organised!)
Admin: 16 week immunisations
Make sure you have an appointment for your baby's 16 week jabs.
