5 week old
How your baby is growingBy now your baby can focus both eyes on an object and has begun to prefer more complex designs, colours, and shapes. He can track movement, so he’ll be transfixed by a simple rattle passing in front of his face. But the minute it disappears from view your baby will forget it exists.
Your baby’s memory is developing all the time. While he may forget the toy, he's been able to recognise your voice since he was in your uterus (womb). And if you're breastfeeding, it will only have taken him a week to remember your smell.
Let’s playAs your baby becomes more alert to people and places, your play with him can become more complex. Stimulate your baby's senses with two fun games.
Your life: getting out and aboutEven though you're constantly on the go, you probably don't get much time to go out. Why not think about signing up for a postnatal exercise class in the next week or so? Or join a bumps and babies group? You can compare notes with other parents and pick up some useful tips.
If you’re feeling desperate for a change of scene, it’s not too soon to consider a short break away. Or perhaps you feel ready to introduce your new baby to relatives or friends who live some distance away? Read up on travelling with a newborn.
Tips for you this weekIf you have other children, the novelty of having a new brother or sister may wear off soon. Perhaps your older child will ask you to send the baby back or demand attention when you're feeding. Sometimes they may seem so hostile that you worry about leaving them alone in the same room as your baby.
See if your partner, mum or a friend will sit with your newborn for a while so you can take your "big baby" out alone and reassure him that you love him as much as ever. And try to be patient if your toddler seems to have regressed to babyhood. He’ll soon give up when he discovers how being a baby restricts him from enjoying all the things he's learning to do.
Here are more tips for you:
- Keep doing your pelvic floor exercises as often as you can. They'll help protect against those unexpected little wees, called stress incontinence, which are caused by weak pelvic floor muscles.
- Is your baby less than keen on having a bath? Our safe bathing guide could make him feel more secure.
- If your baby has dry skin, don’t feel you have to cut down on his baths – particularly if he enjoys them. Try adding a moisturising emollient instead.
- A baby massage is a great way to round off the day. Find out which oils you can use on your baby's skin.
Parent know-how: becoming more confident"I was really confused by the conflicting advice I got from experts, books, my mum and friends about settling my baby. Some said to let her cry, others told me to carry her around all the time. In the end I decided to do what I felt comfortable with and not to feel guilty. I think my baby sensed my new confidence. She's a lot easier now."
Find out more about bonding with your baby.
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Last reviewed: December 2011
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