It might be hard to believe that your baby is already 7 weeks old, and quickly approaching the 2-month mark. You're likely more confident in your ability to care for your baby, but each day still has its own set of challenges, so it's normal to feel some uncertainty.
This week, your baby should be finishing theirlatestgrowth spurt, and they might be a little lessfussyas a result. Your little one is also becoming increasingly social and aware of their surroundings.
Here, we break down the exciting 7-week-old baby developments and milestones you'll notice in your little one. We also share tips on feeding, sleep, health, safety, and baby care.
7-Week-Old Baby Development
Over the past few weeks, your baby has become quite the social butterfly, and this week is no exception. At 7 weeks, some babies have flashed their firstsmiles (if not, the milestone is likely coming soon). You may also notice that they're smiling more responsively.
“They're starting to have social smiles in response to something and/or someone, and not just randomly,” says Gina Posner, MD, a pediatrician at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center. “They're watching you and turning their head to sounds, reacting to external stimuli.”
In general, 7-week-old babies are more aware of the world around them, says Norma Perez, MD, pediatrician and medical director atAltaMed Health Services. You may notice that your baby studies your face and readily turns toward sounds in the room. “They're consistently making more eye contact and smiling in response to someone smiling at them,” says Dr. Perez.
Your baby just finished their 6-week growth spurt, which hopefully means they're slightly less fussy this week.Additionally, if your baby had colic or colicky symptoms, they may have decreased slightly from their peak at 4 to 6 weeks. However, if your baby is still acting fussy or colicky, this is normal, as colic doesn't usually disappear completely until around 3 months.
At This Age
Development: Your baby will have more social smiles this week, and they may be able to hold up their head when lying on their belly.Sleep: Your baby still doesn't sleep through the night yet. That said, they're likely starting to have some longer snooze stretches.Food: Your baby still needs to be fed frequently based on their hunger cues; some babies start to stretch out their feedings this week.
7-Week-Old Baby Milestones
Your baby keeps getting stronger and stronger! “During tummy time, you may notice that your baby is now able to hold up their head for longer periods,” says Dr. Perez.
By spending time on their stomach, your infant is developing important muscles that will eventually help them sit, roll over, crawl, and walk. Right now, though, their little bodies still need support from you. “The neck muscles are still getting stronger every day, but at this age, babies still need help to support their head when held,” says Dr. Perez.
Your baby is also starting to develop theircommunicationskills. “You'll also see some language/communication development at this stage in the form of cooing from your baby,” says Dr. Perez. They'll also make other vowel sounds, begin to gurgle, and have more refined cries that sound different when they're hungry, tired, or need changing.
Additional Behaviors
Some other milestones you may notice this week include:
Your baby may start to self-soothe by sucking on their hands and fingers.They'll make smoother, more deliberate motions with their arms and legs.They'll briefly open and close their hands.Your baby will study you intently and get excited when you're near.Some newborn reflexes will start to disappear.
7-Week-Old Baby Food
Feeding is still a big part of your baby's day. After all, they have a lot of growing to do right now! Continue feeding your 7-week-old baby responsively, saysRoya Samuels, MD, a pediatrician at Northwell Health Adolescent & Pediatric Medicine in New Hyde Park, New York. “It's important to be in tune with your baby's hunger cues and learn to feed on demand,” she says.
Around this age, babies usually take 4 to 5 ounces per feeding, and they eat every three or four hours (though some babies will eat less, which can also be normal). Formula-fed babies may space their feedings out a little more than breastfed babies; that's because breast milk digests more quickly. As Dr. Samuels says, though, there's a lot of variation when it comes to feeding frequency at 7 weeks. “Every infant is different and doesn't necessarily follow hard and fast rules about timing between feeds,” she says.
An Age-by-Age Feeding Chart for Newborns and Babies
Prevent overfeeding your baby
At 7 weeks, are still prone to gassy tummies and frequent spitting-ups. One common culprit is overfeeding. “Babies who are overfed can have more spit than usual, excess gas, stomach pain, and vomiting,” says Dr. Perez.
Always pay attention to your baby's cues, and stop feeding when they seem full and less interested. Babies might also tell you they're done by moving their head away from the bottle or breast, unlatching while breastfeeding, pausing often, or falling asleep.
You're less likely to overfeed a breastfed baby because the milk doesn't flow unless your baby is actively suckling. However, some parents are prone to having an oversupply that can contribute to a faster flow at the breast, leading to excessive spitting up and an upset stomach. You can remedy breastfeedingoversupplyby making sure that your baby finishes one breast before offering another. Also, lean back while breastfeeding so the milk can go “down the hatch” better. Talk to a lactation consultant with any concerns.
7-Week-Old Baby Sleep
After weeks of sleep deprivation, parents of 7-week-old babies are often desperate to know when their babies will snooze a little better. Unfortunately, they're still too small to sleep through the night. Seven-week-old babies tend to sleep about 14-16 hours per day, and increasing amounts of that slumber will happen at nighttime.
Right now, your baby is growing rapidly and requires the extra calories that nighttime feedings offer them, says Dr. Samuels. It's not usually recommended that your baby sleeps without being fed until they're closer to 3 months and about 12-13 pounds.
That said, it's never too early to implement abedtime routinefor your baby, adds Dr. Samuels, which will set the stage for the longer stretches of sleep that will hopefully come soon. Try soothing rituals like warm baths, reading a book together, or singing a song. “Having a reliable routine will cue your infant into the fact that it is time to doze off to sleep,” says Dr. Samuels.
Newborn Sleep: What to Expect Between Birth and 3 Months
7-Week-Old Baby Schedule
As your baby becomes more alert and social, they'll want stimulation for longer pockets of the day. In between those feeding sessions and naps, you'll likely be brainstorming ways to fill the time and keep them happy.
Consider having some baby-safetoys for this purpose. The best options are designed with development in mind, and they're often brightly colored with interesting sounds. Consider rattles, softbaby bookswith “crinkly” pages, stuffed animals, and musical toys.
7-Week-Old Baby Growth
This week, your baby is probably bulking up due to their recent growth spurt. You may notice that their face has started to fill out and their arms and legs have gotten more chunky. All babies are different, though, and there's a wide range of normal when it comes to body shape and growth rate. The most important thing is that your baby is following their own growth curve and developing normally.
At 7 weeks old, most babies are gaining weight rapidly, about 1.5 to 2 pounds per month. They're also growing about an inch taller each month.
7-Week-Old Baby Health and Safety
Next week, your baby will have a 2-month check-up with the pediatrician. You'll learn how much your baby has grown, discuss their development, and ask any lingering questions. Your little one will also get a round of immunizations, including HepB (if they didn't receive it at their 1-month appointment), rotavirus, DTaP, Hib, pneumococcal, and polio vaccines. Babies are also eligible for the RSV vaccine, and they might receive a dose at some point after birth.
Keep in mind that you should stay in touch with your pediatrician between visits, especially if your baby shows signs of illness. Young infants have an undeveloped immune system and they're more vulnerable to illness and infections than older children.
Some signs of a sick baby include:
Refusal to feedDiarrheaor vomitingRunny noseRashEar drainageExcess fussinessSigns of dehydration, including fewer wet diapers and a sunken “soft spot” on their skull
You shouldn't hesitate to call the pediatrician if your baby seems ill; they'll tell you if a visit is necessary. Some situations necessitate urgent medical care, such as a fever over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, lethargy or refusal to arouse, or yellowish eyes or skin. Any bleeding that can't be stopped or poisoning requires a call to 911.
7 Common Baby and Toddler Illnesses and How to Treat Them
7-Week-Old Baby Care Basics
Around 7 weeks, many parents have questions about two common activities: baby-wearing and tummy time. Here's what to know about them.
Baby Wearing
Baby wearing is a wonderful way to bond with your baby and soothe them. You'll find manybaby carrierson the market, and it can be hard to know which to pick. Above all, you want a carrier that feels comfortable and is safe for your baby.
As the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) notes, it's important that a baby carrier allows your baby room to breathe, and that their airways aren't covered by the carrier or their position. While in the carrier, your baby's chin shouldn't be pushed into their chest, and you should be able to see their nose and mouth at all times. You also want a carrier that supports your baby's body adequately and supports healthy hip development. Always use your carrier according to the manufacturer's instructions.
Tummy Time
Tummy time lets your baby practice their skills and strengthen their muscles. At this age, they should lift their head while on their stomach. By 2 months, your baby should be getting 15 to 30 minutes of daily tummy time.
A Week-by-Week Guide to Your Baby's First Year Milestones
What Else to Know About Your 7-Week-Old Baby
If you're parenting your baby with a partner, check to see how they're doing. The early weeks of caring for a newborn can feel like a haze, and at 7 weeks, the haze may be starting to lift a little. As such, the feelings you've both been experiencing may be coming to the surface.
You both probably have questions about how your life and relationship have changed since your baby entered the picture. Talk through your concerns about intimacy, mental health, finances, work, and childcare. If you're finding it difficult to communicate, consider reaching out to a therapist who is experienced in counseling parents during the postpartum period.
Key Takeaways
At 7 weeks, your baby is likely meeting huge developmental and growth milestones. It's normal if you still feel overwhelmed as a new parent, though. Remember that you can't pour from an empty cup, so make sure you're tending to your own needs when you can.
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