Your baby at 3 weeks
She’s settling into her new home and loves the company of other people. It’s great for her to have contact with lots of familiar faces from a young age.
What’s happening with your baby?
I know you! She knows your face and recognises you when you come into view – she may even get excited when she hears you approach, kicking her legs fast with delight.
I can do that too! If you stick out your tongue at her, she may well copy you and stick out hers too! Well, there’s no accounting for manners and you did do it first….
Listen to me: You may find your little chatterbox trying hard to start communicating this week – listen out for dove coo sounds, burbling and gurgling. It’s the very start of her trying to talk…
How you can help your baby this week
Let’s talk: Talk to your baby so she can see your mouth moving clearly. By watching you intently, she will soon learn to imitate your mouth movements. Capture her interest by smiling as you talk, singing, laughing and lilting your voice.
Keep moving: Your baby is used to swaying around in your womb, so why not pop her in a baby sling and let her enjoy the movement as well as a comforting snuggle.
Your baby’s health
Poor baby: The dreaded colic often appears by the third week. If she cries for 3 hours or more a day, at roughly the same time (usually early evening) at least three times a week, then she may well have succumbed. There’s often little you can do to help – try swaddling, rocking her gently and offering gripe water. And good luck. It will pass.
Play ideas for your baby
Black and white: It’s easiest for her to focus on objects with strong contrasts – so black and white patterns and objects are ideal. Look for black and white cot books you can place around the side of her cot to capture her attention.
Music maestro: Sing songs and play gentle music to your baby to develop and stimulate her senses. Even at this tender age, she can be soothed by a gentle tune, and pick up on rhythms and repetitions.
