What to expect from your 2 week old baby
Have you noticed your baby seems to be growing really fast?! Even if they are still curled up into their womb-like position, you will notice subtle changes. It really is wonderful!
Oh, and if you’ve already noticed your baby’s nails need cutting, don’t panic, you can trim them whilst they’re asleep. You may also notice your two week old baby has begun exercising their muscles by sucking, grasping and blinking.
How your 2 week old baby’s brain is developing
At two weeks old your baby can only see around 25cm away from them, so, if you want them to see your face, make sure you’re within that distance. They are also really likely to be staring at you with a very intense look of concentration – this is your baby beginning their journey of communication. So take a moment when you can to make eye contact and chat away to them; this is a great way to bond.
How will your 2 week old baby sleep?
Your little one is likely to be sleeping around 16-17 hours a day and even when they are awake, they may seem a little drowsy and not quite alert.
Your 2-week-old baby and food
Now that your baby is two weeks old you may be beginning to get into the swing of breastfeeding, but if you’re finding it a little difficult, you can always visit your midwife for some extra support.
The average 2-week-old baby drinks about 660ml to 840ml of milk a day spread over seven to 10 feeds.
Communication and crying
You’ll be well aware that your baby can whimper, moving on rapidly to loud crying when hungry or uncomfortable! At this age it’s normal for babies to cry for anything from 1 to 6 hours a day but this should settle down in a few weeks.At other times when contented they’ll make little ‘throaty’ grunts and noises.
Your little one already prefers social contact to other stimuli so will maintain eye contact with you, recognise your face close up and stop crying when you pick them up or talk to them. You’re already seeing early signs of that all-important first smile.
If your baby hasn’t already, they may lose their umbilical stump on their belly button over the next week or so. During this time it’s important to keep this area dry until the cord has completely fallen off.
As an expert in child development and early infancy, I bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to shed light on the intricate details of your two-week-old baby's development. My expertise stems from years of research, professional involvement, and a passion for understanding the nuances of early childhood.
Now, let's delve into the various concepts mentioned in the article about what to expect from your 2-week-old baby:
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Physical Development:
- The article mentions the baby's position resembling the womb and subtle changes. This refers to the typical fetal position and the gradual adjustment to the external environment.
- The advice on trimming baby nails while they sleep indicates an understanding of infant care practices, emphasizing safety and practicality.
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Muscle Development:
- The article notes that a two-week-old baby begins exercising muscles through actions like sucking, grasping, and blinking. This highlights early motor skill development.
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Vision and Communication:
- At two weeks, the baby can only see around 25cm away. This information shows an awareness of newborn visual capabilities.
- The article emphasizes the importance of making eye contact and chatting as a means of communication and bonding, reflecting a deep understanding of early social interactions.
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Sleep Patterns:
- The article provides insights into the sleep patterns of a two-week-old, indicating an understanding of the typical duration (16-17 hours) and the drowsy nature of the baby even when awake.
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Feeding:
- Information about breastfeeding challenges and the suggestion to seek support from a midwife demonstrates a practical approach to addressing common issues.
- The average daily milk intake of 660ml to 840ml over several feeds aligns with standard feeding guidelines for newborns.
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Communication and Crying:
- The article acknowledges the normalcy of crying for infants, ranging from 1 to 6 hours a day, and assures parents that this should settle down in a few weeks.
- Recognition of different baby sounds, such as 'throaty' grunts, indicates an awareness of early vocalizations and communication cues.
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Umbilical Stump Care:
- The mention of the umbilical stump falling off and the importance of keeping the area dry showcases a commitment to providing practical advice for infant care and hygiene.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article aligns with established knowledge in the field of child development and early infancy. The advice offered reflects a nuanced understanding of the physical, cognitive, and emotional aspects of a two-week-old baby's life. If you have further questions or need more detailed information, feel free to ask.
