< Week 2 Tummy Time Tummy time is an incredibly important part of your infant's development. Tummy time not only prepares your baby for rolling over and crawling, but it also (perhaps more importantly) will help to strengthen your baby's neck and back muscles. Having good neck control will allow your baby to move her head, which will reduce the risk of SIDS. Additionally, these muscles are key for other large motor activities, such as sitting up, and eventually walking. For more information, please review the following tummy time videos from Pathways: Five Essential Tummy Time Moves Original source: Pathways.org Five Essential Tummy Time Moves Original source: Pathways.org Pathways.org is an incredible non-profit that utilizes evidence-based practice and multimedia as tools to promote each child’s fullest inclusion. They strive to empower parents with knowledge of the benefit of early detection and early intervention for children’s sensory, motor, and...
How do I know when my baby is actually hungry?
Most babies will be feeding regularly around the clock at this stage. Some babies may be able to take a 4-5 hour stretch after they reach 2 weeks but they will only do so once in a 24 hour period. After this long stretch they will wake in a regular feeding pattern (every 2-3 hours) for a feed the rest of the night. If it has been 2-3 hours since your baby’s last feeding then it is likely they will need to be fed especially if it is after a longer stretch of 3-5 hours. Babies will also have growth spurts around 7-10 days, 2-3 weeks and 5-6 weeks. During these growth spurts your baby will want to feed more frequently and you will need to follow their lead. This usually lasts a few days then feeding intervals will begin to resume in a regular feeding pattern again. If your baby’s sleep or feeding patterns change and it is around these time frames – it may signal your baby is going through a growth spurt and indeed will need to feed during night...
Newborn Feeding Patterns
Your baby will need to feed frequently in these early weeks and will be waking every few hours to do so. Circadian rhythms (our sleep/wake clock) is not developed and your baby will sleep in stretches throughout the day and night. The first two weeks of life, your baby and you are slowly getting over the birthing process. Your baby will pretty much be sleeping most of the day and waking every few hours for a feeding. This is the time where healthy feeding patterns are established. If you are nursing – this is a critical time of development for your milk supply and getting into a nice feeding routine can take some time. If you are struggling in any way with breastfeeding or find your baby is having feeding difficulties, please consult your pediatrician, health care provider and Lactation Professional, if nursing. Your baby’s ability to sleep well will be directly correlated to how well they are feeding. Getting help as soon as possible and at the first sign of struggles will help...