6 Week Infant Development
Bringing a new baby into the world--and into your house--can be one of the most beautiful, rewarding experiences of your life. But many questions arise, especially for new parents. "Is my baby's development normal?" "Should he be teething already at 6 weeks?" The good news is, that while there are always healthy exceptions, most babies develop at a predictable rate. At 6 weeks, for instance, babies are learning to grab, developing sensory perception, needing tummy time, receptive to beginning routines, and may even be popping some teeth.
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Hand-Eye Coordination
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Babies at 6 weeks are becoming more alert and starting to get grabby. At this stage, their hand-eye coordination is improving daily and most are starting to reach for objects and practicing their grip. Mobiles, rattles and other objects rewarding to get a hold of and shake are excellent toys at this age. Also, encourage your little one to trace objects with her eyes; hold a favorite toy in front of your baby and move it side to side, encouraging her to follow it visually. Even if she can't do it yet, it's good practice.
Sensory Perception
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Sensory perception is really starting to grow at six weeks, making babies sensitive to sights, sounds, tastes, smells and tactile experiences. To stimulate your baby's development, use toys and activities that force his senses to work. Slowly wave a low-level flashlight on a dark wall or floor (being careful not to make direct contact with little eyes), play tickling games, make funny faces, play music, get out a mirror--anything that (pleasantly) uses the five senses. At this stage, however, babies are not ready for solid foods, so avoid the temptation of giving them snacks.
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Tummy Time
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Placing your baby on her stomach for a few minutes at a time (commonly referred to as "tummy time") is essential for developing your baby's little muscles. It's quite a workout. You will notice her trying to lift her head, move her arms and legs, maybe even think about flipping over (though the latter is rarely accomplished at 6 weeks). Some babies don't enjoy this much, but it is still important to get a few sessions in every day. Always be there to supervise and offer encouraging words and coos.
Establishing a Routine
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Start establishing a loose routine with your baby if you haven't already. Gone are the days of forcing babies to meet precise, by-the-clock schedules, but integrating particular activities at approximately the same times every day can help babies feel safe--and parents feel more relaxed and rested. Many babies are already well on their way to this. Build on this natural schedule. Starting with a bedtime routine is an excellent idea. Try dimming the lights, cozying up for a last feeding, reading a story, and then laying down for sleep.
Teething
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If your little one is already popping teeth, don't worry. The acceptable range of when those pearly whites arrive is wide. Most babies don't teeth until the seventh month, but some are born with little chompers. Usually, however, the front bottom teeth (incisors) erupt first, followed by the front top teeth. Teething can cause quite a bit of pain, so if your little one is extra fussy, look for signs like swollen gums.
Call Your Pediatrician
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Don't be shy if you have questions regarding your baby's development, or if you feel something is just not quite right. Experienced pediatricians get truckloads of questions every day, so there's a good chance you won't ask anything that hasn't been asked before. Plus--on the small chance there is a problem--it's better to catch it and correct it now than let it go.
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References
- Photo Credit baby image by Dron from Fotolia.com
