Week 16 Your four-month-old is getting stronger by the day. She may protest when she's placed on her stomach, but she needs tummy time every day for exercising her neck, chest, rib cage and arm muscles. These muscle groups are necessary for rolling over, sitting up, and crawling. Join her on the floor and talk outside of her range of vision. She'll be distracted from fussing for a few minutes while she's busy looking for you!
Week 17 Your baby probably entertains everyone (including himself) by making razzing noises or blowing raspberries. He'll laugh when you tickle his belly, he'll mimic your words by making similar sounds. Boost both his ego and speech skills by chatting and making eye contact with him whenever possible--during playtime, while changing a diaper. He's a lot more responsive now, and there's nothing more exciting to him than your face and voice.
Week 18 It's awfully quiet in that crib. You may have been pleasantly surprised to find that your baby has been peacefully playing by herself for the past 10 to 15 minutes. Her eyesight is sharp now and her depth perception is also improving. She's very busy using her eyes and hands in play to learn about herself. Think about rotating her toys every so often--she doesn't need more than a few at a time.
Week 19 Your baby's dad claims that he distinctly heard "daa daa." But, at 19 weeks, your baby doesn't mean anything by those sounds-he's simply putting consonants together with vowels. You can help him connect sounds with meanings by labeling things: point to pictures in his books, touch his eyes, nose and mouth while naming them. Before long, he'll be calling you both by name!
Week 20 What a long way your baby has come since she was born! By now, she knows exactly who you are--and is even starting to know herself. She smiles when seeing her reflection in a mirror and is beginning to display some distinct personality traits--is she quiet or a nonstop babbler? By watching her face, you'll probably be able to detect how she expresses different emotions, too.
Week 21 Your baby is on the go at this age. He likes to move--he may creep around the floor and turn his direction to get a new view. In fact, he might be too busy to play with you. Honor his need for space. Put him on the floor or in a playyard and let him entertain himself. Keep your eye on him, but enjoy a few minutes of free time!
Week 22 Is there a budding scientist in your midst? This week, your baby's favorite mode for performing experiments is putting whatever he can into his mouth. He's also conducting some new tests: dropping his toys to the ground and comparing the different sounds they make when they land. Other ways to help sharpen his auditory skills: point out a plane flying overhead, or an ambulance speeding down the street.
Week 23 Babies develop muscle coordination and strength from the head down. By 23 weeks, she's acquired control and strength in her upper body--a long way from when she was first born! But now her legs and torso are ready for a challenge. Some ways to help her progress: gently pull her to a standing position on your lap and bounce, or pull her to a sitting position-froggy-style--on the floor.
Week 24 Your baby is already storing memories this week. He recognizes names, basic words like "no," and "bye-bye," and familiar sounds. He looks when you point out objects and he may also point at things when you name them. Called receptive language, this precedes his ability to speak. Since he remembers daily rituals, try greeting him each morning with the same phrase. He'll look forward to it.
Week 25 Some of a baby's big achievements--sitting, crawling, walking--occur at vastly different rates over the next several months. Your baby may be more steady and better at sitting up on her own, but she might still need help. Prop her up with a few pillows to cushion any falls. Then place tempting objects in front and to the side of her.
Week 26 Your baby is halfway through this incredible first year! He's still a charmer, but he may be more selective about giving out smiles to strangers. He may even be afraid to be away from you. To help soothe his anxieties and make your partings less sorrowful, try leaving shortly after a feeding. Stick to your schedule and establish a "goodbye" routine to give him a sense of security.
Weeks 27 through 52 Don't worry if your baby isn't doing what's described here at exactly the time listed. Remember, every baby grows in a way that's entirely unique and individual. If you have concerns about your child's development, be sure to discuss them with your pediatrician.
Week 27 You may have noticed your baby playing a new game: "drop things on the floor." It may seem like a simple pastime to you (and also a source for a sore back), but she is achieving a lot with her throwing. She's learning about cause and effect. When she gets the response she expects, it reinforces her understanding of how the world works.
Week 28 Let's hear some applause, please! By this week, your baby is using his hands in more sophisticated ways--he may start to clap or imitate you when you wipe off his food tray. He may be ready to start feeding himself, too, so arm him with supplies of soft finger foods (be sure they aren't choking hazards).
Week 29 She's not ready to host dinner parties yet, but your baby is eager for some more sophisticated ways of socializing. She's fond of peek-a-boo, and finding an object that you've hidden for her. Your playtime together teaches her the fun of sharing games--something she'll be able to draw upon in the coming years when she meets kids at the playground.
Week 30 If he hasn't already started to crawl, your baby is busy mastering the muscular coordination and strength necessary for this feat. His first attempts may be "creeping" (propelling herself on her belly). Next, he may push up on his hands and knees and rock. Give him lots of time to practice and loads of encouragement. Before long, he'll be out of the starting gates!
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