Your 2-week-old's development

It's a scary world

Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it'll take time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet, as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.



The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (Your baby can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)



Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.

Colic cries

If your baby cries for more than three hours in a row on three or more days a week for at least three weeks, and there's no medical explanation for his distress, chances are he's colicky — a term used to describe uncontrollable crying in an otherwise healthy baby.



A colicky baby may act truly uncomfortable — alternately extending or pulling up his legs and passing gas. His crying and discomfort can happen at any time of day, but it's usually most intense between 6 p.m. and midnight.



Thankfully, colic doesn't last forever. Sixty percent of babies will be through the worst of it by 3 months, and 90 percent are better by 4 months of age.

Innie or outtie?

After your baby was born, your doctor (or your partner) painlessly cut his umbilical cord, leaving an umbilical stump. You'll notice during your baby's first couple of weeks that the remaining piece of cord tissue will begin to fall off.



During this time, give your baby sponge baths instead of tub baths to keep the area dry. When the cord has totally separated and fallen off, what remains is your baby's cute belly button.

Take it slow

You may notice your baby becoming irritable or fussy at the end of the day. This is normal. It could be that your baby is just overwhelmed by all the new sights and sounds. (There's a lot to take in even if your home is relatively calm.)



A baby's heart rate and sucking patterns actually change when he encounters a new sound. When you see your baby getting agitated, arrange for some quiet time — a massage, snuggle, or rocking — to help soothe him.

The baby blues

As a new parent, it's normal to feel some degree of emotional vulnerability. At least 60 to 80 percent of new mothers experience the "baby blues," a mild form of depression that causes weepiness, anxiousness, sleeping problems, irritability, and moodiness.



If your blues last more than two or three weeks, you may have postpartum depression (PPD), a serious condition that affects up to 20 percent of new moms. If you're feeling any of the symptoms — insomnia, weepiness or sadness that persists all day, diminished interest in almost all activities, difficulty concentrating, change in appetite, anxiety, excessive guilt, panic attacks (symptoms include a racing heart, dizziness, confusion, feelings of impending doom), or suicidal thoughts — contact your healthcare provider right away. Not only will you get the help you need, your baby will benefit from your healthier mindset.

Remember, your baby is an individual

All babies are unique and meet milestones at their own pace. Developmental guidelines simply show what your baby has the potential to accomplish — if not right now, then soon. If your baby was premature, keep in mind that kids born early usually need a bit more time to meet their milestones. If you have any questions at all about your baby's development, ask your healthcare provider.

source : babycenter

Your 2-week-old

How your baby's growing:

Your womb was a warm and cozy environment, and it takes time for your baby to adjust to the various sights, sounds, and sensations of life outside your body. You may not be able to detect much of a personality just yet as your baby spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.



The only way your baby knows to communicate is by crying, but you can communicate with him through your voice and your touch. (He can now recognize your voice and pick it out among others.)



Your baby probably loves to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. He may even make an "ah" sound when he hears your voice or sees your face, and he'll be eager to find you in a crowd.



• Learn more fascinating facts about your 2-week-old's development.

Your life: The baby blues

It seems to make no sense: At a time when you expected to be so happy, you feel down, weepy, moody, or irritable. In fact, there are very good reasons why about half of new moms get the so-called baby blues.



During the first weeks home with a baby, sleep deprivation, recovery from childbirth, the demands of newborn care, lack of experience with babies, and not having enough help can all be highly stressful. The huge hormonal shifts that occur after you give birth can also affect your moods, especially if you have a history of severe PMS. Then factor in modern America's expectations about moms "doing it all" and new moms being "blissed out," and you have the makings of a perfect storm for mild depression.



Knowing that these feelings are normal can help. It's a good idea to confide your feelings to people you love and trust: your partner, your parents, another relative, or a close friend. Connecting with other new parents online or in your community can help you see that you're far from alone.



Carve out time for yourself. Let your partner or a grandparent stay with your baby while you visit a friend, go shopping, or just take a relaxing bath. Even sitting outside or taking a walk with your baby in the fresh air can be beneficial.



Leave work behind. Really! Remember this is maternity leave. Turn off your cell phone and avoid your computer. Use these weeks to nurture your ties with your family.



If feelings persist more than a couple of weeks, tell your doctor. You may have postpartum depression (PPD), a more serious condition. The causes of PPD aren't completely understood, but it's not a reflection on whether you're a "good" mom or "coping well." Symptoms of PPD include extreme anxiety, panic attacks, changes in eating habits (overeating or loss of appetite), insomnia, and thoughts of harming yourself or your baby.

3 questions about: Reducing the risk of SIDS

What is SIDS?

Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) is sometimes called crib death. It occurs when a baby under 1 year old dies suddenly and without warning, usually while asleep.



Should I worry?

Even though SIDS is the leading cause of death among babies between 1 month and 1 year, it's still rare. SIDS claims about 2,500 victims a year — that is, fewer than 1 in 1,000 — usually between the ages of 2 and 4 months. No one knows exactly what causes SIDS, although the following factors are thought to increase the risk:



• A parent or caregiver who smokes

• Sleeping facedown on the mattress

• Being born prematurely

• Low birth weight

• Sleeping on a too-soft surface

• Being too hot while sleeping



How can I reduce my baby's risk?

Always put your baby to sleep on his back. When pediatricians and SIDS researchers began recommending this practice in 1992, the rate of SIDS deaths fell an astounding 50 percent. Even putting your baby to sleep on his side isn't advisable. Clear the cradle or crib of any pillows, soft toys, and bumpers, which can unexpectedly cover your baby's mouth and affect his breathing. Keep your baby's head uncovered. Keep the room cool (around 65 degrees Fahrenheit), especially if you swaddle your baby.



Don't overdress your baby at bedtime — put him in as little or as much clothing as you'd wear to bed. Some experts advise against sleeping with your newborn in your bed during the early months because the soft bedding is a risk. Others believe that sharing a bed allows parents to respond more quickly to changes in their baby's breathing or movements. If you do co-sleep, remove fluffy comforters and make sure the mattress is firm. Your baby should sleep on his back even in your bed.



Never smoke around your baby and keep him away from those who do. It's possible that breastfeeding your baby and giving him a pacifier during sleep may lower his risk for SIDS, but more research is needed to confirm these links.

source : babycenter