Your Baby's Development Week by Week

Your Baby and You: Week Twenty One

YOUR BABY

Physical Development: Take a seat

Now that your baby can hold his head upright he can sit with less support. Always make sure your baby is surrounded by a soft cushioned surface though in case of any wobbly moments.

Now might be a good time to invest in a foam baby seat - it gives you peace of mind because it moulds around your baby's body to provide support and stop him from climbing out.

You may also start thinking about getting a high chair as the start of weaning approaches at around 6 months. There is a huge range of high chairs to choose from: some have all the bells and whistles in terms of beautiful design, the ability to adjust the height, tilt etc. While other high chairs are more basic. When purchasing a high chair, consider your budget and the amount of space you have. It is really easy to get swept up in the marketing of high chairs, telling you what is "essential", but remember that the simple purpose is for your baby to be sat upright safely while eating and enjoying his food. It is best to avoid associating the high chair as a place for play or sleep. A high chair without any creases or small gaps for food to get stuck down and one that you could take outside and hose down (this really is needed sometimes) is recommended.

Behavioural Development: Nap times

At the age of 5 months, babies tend to sleep for between 9 and 11 hours at night and will still need two or three Daytime Naps. You may have established a Sleep Routine by now but still try to watch out for your baby's natural signs of sleepiness: things like rubbing his eyes or becoming cranky. Morning naps can usually be taken whenever it suits your baby, but just watch his afternoon nap doesn't start too late - becoming close to bedtime. Often your baby will nap for between 1 and 2 hours, but every baby is different and so too are their sleep needs during the day.

Care Advice: Understanding your baby's cries

All babies cry, but by the age of 5 months the amount of time your baby spends crying should have significantly reduced and it tends to become easier to distract her attention from what is upsetting her.

By now, you will probably be quite good at understanding what your baby's different cries mean. The reasons for crying haven't changed - she is hungry, tired, bored, needs a nappy change or is in pain - but you have learned by now what she is trying to tell you, some of the time at least. Every baby will cry when feeling poorly, but the cries can sound quite different depending on the illness. Your baby's cry may carry on for longer than normal, and it may become high pitched. As well as crying, your baby may clutch at her ear if she has earache; may have red cheeks and dribble a lot when teething; may cry and wriggle after a feed due to wind; and may go red and strain if she has constipation (breastfed babies don't tend to get constipated).

Common or serious ailments: Chickenpox

Chickenpox is a common illness in babies and children. Chickenpox causes a rash of red, itchy spots to develop that turn to fluid-filled blisters. The blisters then crust over, forming scabs, which will eventually drop off.

Some children only suffer mildly, with just a few spots developing, but for others their entire body can be covered. Chickenpox spots tend to appear on the chest and tummy, the arms and legs, face, ears, scalp, under the arms, and on the genitals and bottom.

Read more about chickenpox, its symptoms, causes and what to do if your baby gets it.

Don't forget: Sudden movements

At around 21 weeks, your baby is likely to start making sudden movements, grabbing for whatever is within their reach (don't underestimate how far that reach can be for an inquisitive, determined little person). Watch out for dangers such as hot radiators, plates or cups of hot tea and coffee. Always try to stay one step ahead by keeping an eye out for what is within your baby's grasp and move the object, or your baby, to a safe distance. If the worst does happen and your baby touches something hot, you can read what to do in event of Burns here.

THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR BABY THIS WEEK

Ways to Entertain Baby: I like to move it move it!

Babies of this age will now be paying more attention to the music they hear. Your baby will absolutely love the sound of your voice, so don't hold back on singing songs for her around the house, in the car, or in public if you feel the urge! You can make musical instruments easily by looking in your kitchen cupboards, for example by filling an empty milk container with lentils, or by banging wooden spoons on upturned saucepans. Babies will also really enjoy action songs like "Incy Wincey Spider", "Row, Row, Row your Boat" and "The Wheels on the Bus Go Round and Round". Hold your baby's hands to make the actions as you sing. Try to get her to do the movements too: she will love this activity. Read more about Rhymes and songs for your baby.

 

Play Tip: Positive Reinforcement

Your baby is learning what reactions you make when you are happy. These reactions are the strongest way to communicate to them that they have achieved something positive, whether it's shaking a rattle or making a new sound. Don't hold back when administering the praise, make sure that they are in no doubt that they have done something that has made you happy!

ALL ABOUT YOU THIS WEEK

Your Body: Pelvic floor exercises

During pregnancy and when you give birth, your pelvic muscles (that support your uterus, bladder and bowel) are put under a lot of pressure - they stretch thanks to hormonal changes and they have also had to support, and then push out, a baby. The stress that these muscles go through during delivery can cause an extremely common condition called Post-birth Incontinence, which affects up to 70% of women who have had a baby.

Doing pelvic floor exercises (know as kegel exercises) will regain muscle tone. This will help prevent any urine leaking out, especially when you sneeze, cough, or laugh, and will help your bladder go back to its pre-pregnancy state. To do kegel exercises, squeeze your pelvic muscles as if you are trying to stop peeing or passing wind. It is best to do this when your bladder is empty.

  • Squeeze your pelvic muscles towards your belly button in a 'lift and squeeze' motion, and hold them for 5 seconds, and then relax. Repeat this 5 times.
  • Then do the same as before, but more quickly, holding it for 2 seconds instead of 5. Do this 5 times. Then alternate between holding for 5 seconds and 2 seconds. Do this for 5 minutes, at least 3 times a day.

Kegel exercises may be a chore, but if you can get into the habit of doing them every day you will help to prevent embarrassing bladder problems now and in the future.

Emotions: It's not a competition, is it?

It is a truth universally acknowledged that Mums love to compare each other's babies. It is natural to check how your baby is doing when surrounded by his peers - is he rolling, crawling, trying to walk or talk? However while some Mums do this quietly, others may seem to revel in boasting about how spectacular their baby is! Some may even make comments about what your baby is or isn't doing and it is easy to become oversensitive to this.

Remember that other's reactions are usually more reflective of their own insecurities. Think back to when you first told people that you were pregnant. Did some people jump for joy, whereas others didn't seem that bothered or even reacted a little resentfully? In just the same way, a 'competitive Mum' is often trying to compensate for her own feelings and insecurities. Every single baby is an individual and so will develop at his or her own pace. Be proud of your baby's milestones as and when he reaches each one; if you think that your baby is happy and healthy then there is nothing more you need to worry about.

Activities

Days by yourself with your baby can sometimes feel a little bit lonely. Even if you haven't had the chance to put on any makeup or wash your hair that day, the chances are there are other new Mums who feel exactly the same and would love to see you. Invite some new Mum friends you have met around for a cuppa and a chat or go out for a walk together to keep each other company.

YOUR WEEKLY CHECKLIST

Weaning

Is your baby showing any signs of starting to take an interest in their food? If you are thinking ahead about weaning, read our Weaning to Solids section that will give you good tips for how to wean, when you should wean to solids and the equipment you will need.


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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.