There is so much to do and to understand and learn about your baby’s development in it’s first month so we have compiled a list for you to read below.
Natural Abilities
Sounds – Your voice holds your Baby’s attention. They will turn their head towards you and move their eyes in your direction.
Smiling – The smile develops at first as a muscular response. Over time this becomes a smile of contentment
Strength – When lying on their stomach on a flat surface, your Baby will attempt to lift their head briefly.
Visual – At around 6 weeks of age you can begin using a bouncing chair. Your Baby will easily be able to look around to see everything going on.
Movement – Your Baby becomes more active in terms of movement of their arms and legs, which assists both growth and strength.
Co-ordination
Vision – Focus has continued to develop and your Baby can see items at various distances. Objects can be followed easily when moved close to your Baby’s face.
Hands – While still holding their hands in a fist movement of your Baby’s hand and arms is improving.
Mobiles – Attempts will slowly be made to reach for mobiles hanging above cots. Make sure they are close enough to your Baby
Grasping – Your Baby will be able to hold objects for a very short time
Sounds – Crying More demanding and different cries will be heard, occasionally coo-ing and grunting. At 6 weeks your Baby should be able to attempt “ooh” and “aah” sounds.Needs Your Baby should begin to make more discernible cries at various times and you will become more perceptive to “understanding” what it is your Baby needs.
Contentment -Your Baby will also be being to express more and more sounds of contentment at this time.
Teaching
Recognition – Your Baby will easily recognise you and your partner by voice.
Crying – Your Baby will cry for both comfort and feeding and changing.
Sounds – Your Baby will show signs of response to familiar sounds and music.
Vision – Hanging mobiles with sounds/music can provide lots of amusement. Black and white or primary colours are best.
Enjoyment
Touch – Cuddling and skin-to-skin contact
Stimulation – The company of another person, being talked to and being fed.
Contact – Being held over your shoulder as you rock from side to side. Being carried in a Baby sling and walking around the house and outside.
Attention – Eye to Eye contact is important.
Senses – Holding objects especially soft toys.
Sounds – Music, in particular music you may have listened to while pregnant. Music with rhythmic beats may remind them of the sound of a heartbeat.
Play Suggestions
Facial – Expressions Begin to show your Baby lots of different facial expressions. Your Baby will attempt to mimic you.
Strength – While lying on their tummy, hold a small toy in front of them and call their name. Your Baby will respond by lifting their head little by little.
Vision – Slowly move brightly coloured toys in front of your Baby’s face from side to side. This will assist with your Baby’s visual tracking and concentration. By placing a child-safe mirror in your Baby’s cot, they will be able to view their own reflection and expressions.
Touch – Try placing your Baby on lots of differing materials from soft blankets and sheets to wool and silk.
“Bicycling” – While your Baby is lying on their back, using a cycling action gently move their legs.
Viewpoint – Your Baby will enjoy sitting in their bouncing chair more and more.
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