Your Baby and You: Week Seventeen
YOUR BABY
Weight: Double the baby
You should find that your baby is approximately double his birth weight by now, it can be hard to believe that all that growth has come from milk and milk alone!
Physical Development: Supporting their own head
When you hold your baby upright they should be able to support their own head fairly well. However always be ready to protect their head as they are prone to sudden movements which can knock them off balance. Be careful how you carry your baby in front of you, remember that they might lurch forward and they can easily bang their faces on your nose or teeth or even your collar bone.
Behavioural Development: Bigger Laughs
Whilst you may have had the pleasure of hearing your little one chuckle for the past few weeks, you may notice around now that this is developing into more of a hearty belly laugh. It might be when you play peekaboo, or it might be when you woof like a dog for him - experiment and see what makes your baby laugh!
Care Advice: Bedtime Routines
Bedtime routines are really important for helping your baby to wind down at night. It helps them to feel calm before going down to sleep and may help them to settle themselves more easily. Try to maintain a daily routine for this part of the day, it doesn't need to be difficult or lengthy. Here are some tips:
- Maintain the same order of events each evening, such as bath, massage, feed, bed
- Keep noise to a minimum (siblings permitting) or use calming music or white noise to relax your baby
- Don't be afraid to read a short story to your baby, whilst they are too young to understand the actual story they will still enjoy listening to your voice and will learn to recognise familiar books over time
Read more on bed time routines for your baby here.
Safety Advice: Car seats
Safety Tip for car seats
It can be easy to fall into bad habits with car seats and each brand is different. Refresh your memory by reading the instruction manual for your car seat again, to ensure that you are still fastening the seat safely and correctly. Also check the guidelines on the manual for changing belt positions or removing inserts from the seat when your baby reaches a certain size.
THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY THIS WEEK
Entertainment: Achoo!
Sometimes people sneezing can startle a baby and make them cry. Turn sneezing into a game and try pretend sneezing for your baby - make exaggerated 'ah ah ah ' noises and then a big mock 'achoo!'. Many babies find this funny and will love repeated performances!
ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK
Things to do: Keep walking
Make walking your 'go to' activity when you're at a loose end with your baby. Many people are surprised by just how much better they can feel after a brisk walk in the fresh air. Here are some of the benefits:
- Babies are often content in a moving pram or buggy, the sights and sounds of the great outdoors can be very entertaining for them
- Tired babies often sleep well when out for a walk. Pull the canopy forward if they are too distracted by what's going on around them. A sun shade or well positioned muslin can also be useful for blocking out all the distractions from the outside world.
- Brisk walks over a good distance are an effective form of exercise for you
- Being out in the sunshine is the easiest way to top up your vitamin D levels
- Getting out of the house with your baby can help you find a more positive approach to everything at times when things might have been getting on top of you
YOUR WEEKLY CHECKLIST
(Helping to keep you organised!)
Childcare: Nursery waiting lists
Are you considering sending your little one to nursery when you go back to work? Start making appointments now to look around your local nurseries and ask them about their waiting lists. Some nurseries can be hard to get into if they are very sought after.
Work: Going Back
Have you decided when you are going back to work? You are legally entitled to 52 weeks maternity leave in the UK, but if you decide to return to work sooner than this then you must give your employer at least 8 weeks' notice.
