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Growth Milestone - Two Weeks
Parenting 101
The following comments are designed to help you enjoy your new baby and develop
confidence in yourself as a parent. This information is not intended as a substitute for well-baby
visits with your newborn's pediatrician. Remember, no
two babies have exactly the same makeup or the same needs. Your baby is an individual with
his or her own special growth pattern. Comparing your infant's growth and development with
other children is not a good idea and usually causes needless worry. Never hesitate to ask
your child's physician for guidance concerning specific problems. This is the reason for
regular well-baby checkups!
Parenting and Behavioral
- Hold, cuddle, talk to, sing to and rock your baby as much as you can. A lot of your
infant's development depends on his or her interaction with you. Every touch stimulates the
baby's brain.
- Recognize the fact that parents can not always console their baby. Expect this. Of
course, always check your baby when he or she seems uncomfortable, to make sure the infant is not
too hot, too cold, hungry, wet or needs to burp. Give your child the benefit of the doubt
and do not worry about "spoiling."
- Try to spend time nurturing your baby when the infant is quiet, happy and alert, instead
of waiting for him or her to cry and fuss for attention.
- Parents should make sure they get adequate rest. Take the phone off the hook and nap
when the baby naps. Encourage dad and other family members to help care for the infant.
Keep in contact with friends and relatives. Go for a daily walk with the baby for fresh
air.
Development
- Begins to recognize family voices and makes small "throaty" noises.
- Recognizes sounds by blinking, crying or showing the startle reflex (arms and legs move
away from the body equally).
- Blinks at bright light and may begin to follow, but eyes often do not focus together.
- Watch for the first smile ... truly a milestone. It is the earliest sign of mental
growth ... the first thing your baby can do on his or her own! (Usually not seen until 2-3
months).
- Lifts head briefly when lying on his or her stomach.
Feeding
- Make feeding a pleasant time for the entire family. Remember, your baby's first love for
his or her parents arises from the bonding obtained during feeding time. The affection and
touching the baby gets during the feeding period is an important part of the diet.
- Babies need only breast milk or iron-fortified formula at this time unless otherwise
directed by your baby's doctor.
- Your baby's feeding habits will vary from day to day just like you. This is just another
way your baby is letting you know he or she is a unique individual.
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This information is for educational purposes only and it should be used only as a guide.