YOUR BABY GROWS OLDER
March 11th, 2009 | Posted by admin | Category: General healthNo Comments
The following list includes a very few of the things that the average baby does at certain ages. It gives you some idea of what you should look forward to, and for what you should be prepared.
16 weeks: The baby smiles, coos, and ‘plays.’ His eyes follow an object when it is moved in front of them.
28 weeks: The baby sits up fairly well with some support. He shakes his rattle and touches it with his other hand. He rolls from his back to his stomach and moves around. He recognizes members of the family, and makes talking sounds.
40 weeks: He sits up well by himself, crawls, and often walks with help. He says a few words, such as ‘ma-ma,’ ‘da-da,’ ‘bye-bye.’
Weaning
A baby should be weaned gradually, so he does not feel that he is being deprived of anything essential. Help and encourage him as much as possible, trying to get him to take the lead. Do not get upset by his resistance and spilling. But do not be so afraid of forcing the issue that you actually encourage the baby to cling to his bottle. He will enjoy drinking from a cup, so keep at it in a calm, relaxed manner.
Teething
Teething can be painful, and some babies are quite upset by it, losing their appetite or suffering from digestive disturbances. Teething may cause a slight fever, but not over 101° F. You can help your baby by giving him something hard and safe to chew on, such as a clean rubber ring—not anything that will crack or splinter. You can also help by comforting him if he is miserable. Your doctor will tell you if anything more can be done.
Trust yourself
As a new mother, you know much more than you think you do. Take the advice you need, and then use it in terms of your own baby. The loving care that you and your husband naturally give your baby is infinitely more valuable than checking the exact temperature of the bath water or knowing the best way to pin on a napkin. What your baby needs most of all is you. Without a mother’s tender, loving care, all the right food, water, fresh air, and sunshine will not help him grow and be healthy. Doctors can give you a lot of useful information. Only you can make it meaningful. Good nutrition, inoculation, medicines, accident prevention—and the healthy emotional attitudes that I discuss more fully in the next chapter—make it possible for babies to get a wonderful start in life.
*186\68\2*
