Your Baby and You: Week Seven

YOUR BABY

Physical Development: Babinski reflex

Interested in the amazing array of primitive reflexes in your newborn? Try running your finger up the outer edge of the sole of his foot. In a normal adult this would cause the toes to curl inward, but in babies their toes will fan out and their big toe bends backwards. This reaction is known as the Babinski reflex.

Social & Emotional Development: Smiling back at your

Around now your baby might begin to smile in response to your smile. This is a marvellously rewarding and highly enjoyable game for both of you!

Feeding: Will formula make him sleep better?

Many people believe that a formula fed baby is a better sleeper at night. The theory is based on the fact that formula milk takes longer to break down and therefore there it takes longer for a baby to become hungry again after having a formula feed. However, there is no strong evidence to support this, if anything the difference seems to have been overstated. Remember that every baby is different, and night time waking is rarely down to mothers not providing adequate quantities of breast milk.

Care Advice: Carriers and changing your laundry habits

Your baby is probably big enough now to be carried in a baby sling or a harness (check the specific guidance for your product). If you don't have one then ask a friend if you can try theirs. Many women find that they provide the perfect solution to being able to keep their little one close to them whilst having two free hands.

You may have heard other parents talking about a change in their laundry practices after having their baby. Some people switch to using non-perfumed products, others stop using conditioner and some start using only eco-friendly products. There is no reason why you should stop using your normal products if you are happy with them and if there has been no adverse reaction on your baby's skin. Most modern washing machines rinse clothes well and there is little residue left on clothes to irritate skin. That said, if having a baby has boosted your motivation to live a greener life then there is nothing stopping you from taking a new approach to washing with an eco-friendly detergent!

Safety Advice: Pets & Babies

Lots of families have pets, but make sure that yours isn't presenting a health risk to your baby. Even the soppiest of dogs can take their owners by surprise with a sudden show of aggression - biting or snapping as a result of jealousy or in response to being startled by a baby.

• Never leave your baby alone in a room with a cat, dog or other pet that could bite or scratch them
• Prevent pets from entering the nursery or having any contact with your baby's bedding
• Keep floors and surfaces clean
• If your cat uses a litter tray then clean it out regularly using gloves

Read more here on keeping pets and babies under one roof safely.

ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK

Your Body: Back care

Make sure you are looking after your back. Lifting babies in and out of cots, carrying car seats and lugging around heavy changing bags all provide opportunities to hurt your back. Follow these tips for keeping your back strong and pain free:

• Exercise your core muscles - post natal pilates is great for this, as is sitting on an exercise ball rather than a chair (you may have one that you used to sit on during pregnancy)
• Lift carefully - bend your knees and lift directly in front of your body, try not to twist when lifting
• Train yourself to maintain a good posture - pull your tummy in and keep your shoulders down, spread your weight evenly between your feet
• Take a break from sitting down! Sitting for long periods of time can aggravate back pain

Your Emotions: Baby blues from a post-baby body?

Some women find that their post-baby figure makes them feel down. We are surrounded by (unrealistic) images of beautiful bodies that can affect our understanding of what is natural. It is normal to have a saggy or squidgy tummy after having a baby, or to have heavy swollen breasts if you are breast feeding. Stretch marks are usually still prominent at this stage and it can be hard to find clothes that fit. It is really important that you appreciate that all these things are normal. You absolutely can change your figure and lose weight after having a baby but it does take time, and 7 weeks in is too soon to expect to be back to your pre-baby weight! Try not to let concerns over your body image overshadow all your positive feelings about being a mum - you can get your body back in time, but you can't get back these early days with your baby.

Your Relationships: Feeling lonely

You may have a great relationship with your partner, and lots of close friendships formed across the years, but still many mums feel isolated when they're at home with a baby. It is really important to build up a network of friends with children of a similar age. Seek out your local parents' groups, mother and toddler sessions and any baby classes. Lots of these groups are affordable or even free, and it is a great way to meet other parents.

Things to do: Invite others over

Invite other mums that you meet round to your house for a cup of tea. Whilst your babies are tiny it is easy to get together at each others' houses. It is a relaxed and very affordable way to socialise. You will miss these days once your children are tearaway toddlers in need of lots of space and activities!

YOUR WEEKLY CHECKLIST

(Helping to keep you organised!)

Baby Health: Dehydration

Dehydration can become a very serious condition when it affects a newborn baby. It means that your baby is short on fluids, either through not consuming enough or because they are losing too much (usually via sickness or diarrhoea). Preventative measures are the safest approach. If your baby is suffering from sickness or diarrhoea, or if the weather is very hot, make sure that they are having plenty of fluids. If you are concerned that the are not consuming enough fluids then contact your doctor.

Symptoms of dehydration in a baby include:

• A sunken soft spot on their head
• Few or no tears when they cry
• Fewer wet nappies
• Drowsiness or sleeping more than usual

Take your baby to your GP immediately if your baby has any of the symptoms above, or if they have had:

• Vommitting for more than 24 hours
• Diarrhoea for more than 5 days

Admin: Book immunisation appointment

Remember to make sure that you have an appointment for your baby's first immunisations at 8 weeks!