Parent and Baby

Written on April 17, 2008 – 3:59 pm | by Staff |

Week 8 – How big Is Your baby This Eighth Week?

Baby weighs 10-1/4 pounds and is 21-3/4 inches long this week.

Baby Care and Equipment

Baby Massage—Relaxation

This massage technique helps baby relax, and it can also help relieve any gas he may have. You might even feel the gas bubbles releasing under your fingers as you massage baby’s chest and tummy.

Place baby on his back on the floor or on the bed. Use your fingertips to walk across his tummy lightly from right to left. Next, massage baby’s chest by placing your hands in the center of his chest. Moving your hands in a heart-shaped motion, move hands out to the side at the same time, down the side of his chest. Move down the rib cage, then back to the starting position. Repeat 8 to 10 times.

Are Plastic Baby Bottles Safe?

Recent news stories have suggested that clear plastic baby bottles might be unsafe because they contain the chemical substance BPA (bisphenol-A). It was implied that heating a baby bottle could cause BPA to leach into formula or breast milk.

The Federal Drug Administration (PDA) maintains these bottles are safe. They have found no problems with baby-bottle usage and no risk from other food containers that contain BPA.

If you want to make sure your bottles are OK to use, don’t heat them in the microwave. Instead, heat formula or breast milk on the stove, then put it in a bottle. Using soft plastic liners made of opaque, colored plastic is also safe.

Facts about SIDS

In the United States, sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) strikes about 3,000 babies a year. It most often occurs in children under 1 year of age. There are few warning signs, and its cause is unknown.

Sleep position is important. A few years ago, the American Academy of Pediatrics began advising parents to place a baby on his back or his side to sleep. This advisory was based on foreign studies that showed babies who slept on their stomachs were at higher risk of SIDS. Since this sleep position has been used, some researchers claim a 50% reduction in the rate of SIDS. Be aware that when a baby sleeps on his side or back consistently, his head may become flattened as a result. This isn’t a serious problem, but discuss it with your pediatrician if you notice it.

Keep crib free of clutter. Other factors are believed to contribute to the occurrence of SIDS. Recently, parents have been advised to remove everything from baby’s crib except a fitted crib sheet and baby himself. Keep baby’s crib free of bumper pads, toys, blankets, sheepskin pads, pillows and comforters. Make sure his mattress is firm and flat—don’t use a waterbed mattress! If baby needs added warmth, dress him in warm sleep clothes, such as a blanket sleeper. Researchers believe this practice could reduce the rate of SIDS by an additional 30%!

Other safety recommendations. Further recommendations to reduce the risk of SIDS include the following.

• Don’t smoke around baby! We know that second-hand smoke contributes to the problem.
• Keep baby off of soft surfaces, such as couches, waterbeds, bean-bag chairs, adult beds, quilts and comforters. Some of these surfaces may trap carbon dioxide and suffocate him.
• Breastfeed baby. We aren’t sure why this protects him, but it appears breastfeeding offers added protection against SIDS.
• Don’t keep your house or baby’s room too warm. Keep your house at a temperature that is comfortable to you. Babies who become overheated are at higher risk of SIDS.
• If your baby sleeps with you, keep him near but not too close to reduce the possibility of suffocation.
• If you are concerned, discuss the situation with baby’s doctor. With certain medical conditions, such as symptomatic gastroesophageal reflux, it may be better for baby to sleep on his tummy.

Alternative sleep position. If baby has a difficult time sleeping on his back, place him on his side, with his lower arm brought forward. This keeps him from rolling onto his stomach. You might also use a special cushion designed to keep baby on his side. Many stores sell these cushions.

If your baby sleeps on his side, he might develop a flattening of the side of his head. It’s not a serious problem, but it’s not attractive either. Place him on his other side if the problem occurs, or turn his crib around so he turns his head to the other side to see what’s going on around him.

Milestones This Eighth Week

Baby’s Memory Is Growing

You may not realize it, but your baby is storing memories already, which enables him to associate certain events with particular consequences. He begins to anticipate certain events when given a particular clue. For example, he may show excitement at the sight of a bottle because he associates it with being fed.

2-Month Checkup

Make your baby’s 2-month well-baby checkup appointment now. See the immunizations he may receive at this next visit.

What Happens at Well-Baby Checkups?

When you take baby in for his well-baby checkups, he will receive his scheduled immunizations.
His weight, height and head circumference will be measured at each visit. His progress will be noted on a weight-and-height chart. Your baby’s doctor will also check him out from head to toe. At each appointment, your pediatrician will check the following.

Head check. Your pediatrician will examine the fontanel to see how it is closing. He or she will measure baby’s head and record it on his growth chart.

Eye check. Baby’s eyes are examined to see how his pupils dilate. The doctor will look for any vision problems and check his vision and eye movement by moving a light in his visual field.

Mouth check. An examination of his mouth will reveal any problems, such as infections. Signs of teething will also be noted.

Nose check. Looking into his nostrils will reveal signs of infections. Doctor also examines nasal passages for signs of abnormal development that could interfere with breathing.

Ear check. Your pediatrician may do some things to test baby’s hearing. He or she will also look for signs of ear infection. If there’s any wax buildup, your doctor will note it, as well as fluid behind the eardrum.

Abdomen check. Feeling baby’s abdominal area reveals any abnormal growths or enlarged organs. Your doctor may ask questions about your baby’s feeding routine and any problems he may be experiencing. His bowel habits will also be discussed.

Chest check. Examining baby’s! heart and lungs is important. The doctor will evaluate the heart for abnormal sounds or rhythms. He or she will examine your baby’s lungs and listen for signs of infection or breathing difficulties.

Legs, hips and feet check. The doctor rotates baby’s legs to check for a dislocated hip. Legs and feet are examined for proper growth and development. When your baby starts walking, your doctor will check for proper leg-and-feet alignment and for any walking difficulties.

Genital check. Your pediatrician will check baby’s genitals to make sure there are no unusual symptoms or signs of infections. With a baby boy, the doctor will check that a circumcised penis has healed properly. If a boy is undrcumcised, the doctor will make sure the penis is being cleaned properly. He or she will also check the testicles.

Baby’s development check. Your doctor will ask questions about your baby’s development. These questions will cover physical, mental and emotional development. Your observations of baby’s development are important in this assessment.

Diet and sleep check. Your pediatrician will ask you questions about how your baby is eating and sleeping. As baby gets older, his diet will change as you offer him solid foods. Sleep problems may appear then disappear throughout this first year.

Baby’s Immunization Schedule

During the first five years of baby’s life, he will receive various immunizations to protect him against many illnesses. Your pediatrician will give him these injections, or you may take your child to a community health center or local public-health clinic for them. It’s important for your baby to receive these immunizations for his protection and for the protection of all the other children he’ll be around.

Birth

• Hepatitis B—first shot
• Vitamin K—only one shot

2 months

• DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis—first shot
• Polio—first shot
• Hib: influenza, type b—first shot
• Hepatitis B—second shot

4 months

• DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis—second shot
• Polio—second shot
• Hib: influenza, type b—second shot

6 months

• DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis—third shot
• Polio—third shot
• Hib: influenza, type b—third shot

12 months

• Varicella: chicken pox—first shot
• MMR: measles, mumps, rubella—first shot
• Hib: influenza, type b— fourth shot

15 months

• Hepatitis B—third shot
• DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis—fourth shot

4 years

• MMR: measles, mumps, rubella—second shot
• Polio—fourth shot

5 years

• DTaP: diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis—fifth shot

He’s Smiling More Now

By this week, he’s smiling when you smile at him. He may even smile on his own! He’s making many different noises now, such as gurgling, grunting and humming, to express his feelings. He may try to imitate your exaggerated facial expressions, and he’ll probably enjoy looking at himself in the mirror.

His Physical Control Increases

Lifts his head somewhat. His physical abilities are increasing, too. He can lift his head up 45 degrees when he’s hungry. When you hold’ him in a sitting position, he can keep his head up most of the time. His eyes can focus up to 10 feet away, and they will follow you when you move away from him. Bright colors are still favorites. He may turn his head and look toward a sound that interests him.

Increasing activity! His increased physical control spurs him to constant activity. When he’s on his back, he may make bicycling motions with his legs. In a sitting position, he may circle his arms above his head. When he’s on his tummy, he may rock back and forth with his arms and legs stretched out and his back arched.

He’s Fascinated by His Hands

Now that he has discovered his hands, he may examine them closely. He’ll bring them to his face and touch his nose, eyes and mouth. If he puts something in his mouth, such as a toy, he’ll suck on it and his fingers! He experiences the double sensation in his fingers and his mouth. Sucking helps him realize that his fingers are a part of him and the toy isn’t. He’s beginning to distinguish between what is part of his body and what is separate.

What’s Happening This Eighth week?

Traveling with Baby

Because baby is getting a little older, you may be planning to take him to meet his grandparents or other relatives. Our discussion here provides general advice to follow when getting ready to go. We cover travel by car and by plane in later weeks.

As we and almost every other parent we know has discovered, when you travel with baby, you’re going to need a lot more stuff than you would normally. It might seem like a lot to cart around (and it is), but we know from experience that if you don’t pack it, you’ll undoubtedly need it!

Diaper-bag essentials. As you pack, think about what you’ll need short-term (have at hand in your diaper bag) and long term (in the suitcase). For the diaper bag, consider the following:

• two changes of baby clothes, including extra socks
• plenty of disposable diapers, at least 8 or 10
• a few cloth diapers to use as bibs and burp cloths (they also can be used as diapers in an emergency)
• one resealable plastic bag containing a damp washcloth
• baby wipes
• something for baby to eat, already prepared, such as premixed formula
• a couple of large plastic bags for soiled things
• 4 or 5 medium-sized resealable bags
• 2 or 3 bottles
• toys for baby—include his favorites
• several pacifiers—more than a couple, in case you lose one or two
• an object that comforts baby, such as a blanket or stuffed toy
• a “mother’s first-aid kit,” which includes infant pain reliever, bulb syringe, diaper cream, decongestant or antihistamine, ear drops and any prescription medicines your baby uses

Suitcase essentials. In addition to the clothes you pack for baby, you may want to include other things in your suitcase that may make traveling a little easier for all of you. Select those items you believe you’ll need from the list below:

• more of the familiar toys baby likes to play with
• clothes for various climates—if you’re going to a warm place don’t forget to pack a couple of sweaters, because air-conditioned buildings can be quite chilly
• a copy of baby’s medical history and important telephone numbers for reference, if needed
• prescriptions to be filled, if baby will need any medications
• extra formula, bottles, nipples and liners, if you use them
• extra diapers

Malabsorption Syndrome

What it is. Some babies do not absorb enough nutrients from the food they eat. When a baby has malabsorption, he loses weight, displays physical weakness and has gas and diarrhea, often with foul-smelling bowel movements. The problem can arise from, or be associated with, infections, lactase deficiency or antibiotic treatment.

What to do. If you believe your baby may be experiencing this problem, observe his bowel movements. Make note of their amount and regularity. Indicate whether they are particularly foul smelling, Increase the number of times you feed him each day, and offer him more at each feeding.

Call the doctor. Call your doctor for advice. He or she may war to see the baby, especially if there is no obvious reason for the problem, such as baby has been taking antibiotics. Your physician may change baby’s diet or prescribe vitamins. Further testing may also be necessary.

Diarrhea

What it is. When your baby gets diarrhea, it’s not an illness. It’s a symptom of a medical problem, usually one involving the gastrointestinal area. It’s more common in older infants, although babies of almost any age can have diarrhea.

How to recognize it. If your baby has more than five loose, liquid or watery bowel movements in one day, and he is otherwise healthy, he has diarrhea. Loose stools may be accompanied by irritation or diaper rash around the anus. He may also be fussy or have cramplike pains in his lower abdomen. In some cases, he may run a fever.

What to do. When baby has diarrhea, the most important thing you can do is increase his fluid intake. Don’t give him medications, unless your pediatrician tells you to do so. If baby is eating solids, decrease the amount you feed him.

When to call the doctor. Contact your pediatrician if you notice any of the following.

• Diarrhea lasts longer than 36 hours.
• There is blood in the stool.
• His temperature is higher than 102F (38.9C).
• He isn’t feeding well or refuses to eat.
• He appears dehydrated—his mouth is dry or urination decreases.
• You see worms or other parasites in the stool.

Your doctor probably won’t prescribe medication to treat the diarrhea if baby is less than a year old. Your pediatrician may recommend you stop feeding him his regular diet of formula or breast milk and solids. You may be advised to give him an electrolyte solution to replace those he has lost. In some cases, you will be advised on how often to feed baby and the amounts to give him.

Toys and Play this Eighth Week

Your baby continues to learn from toys that appeal to his developing senses. Bright colors, bold patterns, interesting textures and fun sounds will make him smile as they help him learn.

Baby may “ask” for quiet time. By this time, baby will begin sucking, wrinkling his face, staring vacantly, yawning, squirming or crying when he’s tired of playing. Be aware of these various clues that he wants some quiet time.

Encourage His “Push-Up”

Because his neck muscles are getting stronger, your baby may start doing “mini-push-ups,” which raise his head and chest off the floor. Put him down on the floor several times a day to practice. P an unbreakable mirror or a dangling mobile (be sure it’s complet out of reach) a little off the floor in front of him, to encourage him 10 practice this activity. It strengthens his neck muscles.

Tell Him Stories

Storytelling may be one of your earliest interactions with baby. Make up stories about what you’re doing with any activity. You might want to show him some simple pictures in a magazine or book, and make up a story about them. They don’t have to make sense. It’s fun to be silly together.

The Bell Game

Find a tiny bell to use with baby. Tinkle it on one side of his head, then move it slowly to the other side while ringing it. Bring it into his line of sight, and let him reach for it. This helps him develop eye-hand coordination. It also strengthens his ability to locate a sound while it’s moving.

Act Like Baby’s Mirror

Act like a mirror with baby. When you’re interacting, such as changing his diaper or giving him a bath, imitate his facial expressions. When he smiles, you smile. When he grimaces, you grimace. Exaggerate your expressions. When he sees his face reflected in yours, it reinforces his self-awareness.

Playing helps strengthen family bonds, while it helps your baby develop physically and mentally.