Your Baby Week 22
Each week your baby's personality shows more and more. He is probably making his likes and dislikes more apparent, has a favorite toy and a favorite spot in the house. You may also be noticing more dispositional factors, like whether or not he is shy or outgoing, adventurous, loud or generally quiet.
Since most babies do become more adventurous and strong by week 22, it's important to double check your home for safety hazards. Even though it will be some time before he is up and walking, he is probably strong enough to rake smaller objects he finds around the house, like on the floor or kitchen table, towards him. Spot check each room for choking hazards before setting your baby down. This is especially important in new environments, or when you have company over. You never know what might fall out of someone's pocket, or what toys visiting children might leave around the house!
Sleep
It may seem like those first few weeks, when he slept most of the time, are just a distant memory. If your baby has stopped sleeping through the night and still isn't, don't worry! You are not alone. Below you will find some tips to help get your little one back to sleep each night, until eventually he will be able to fall back to sleep without waking you.
- Keep daytime sleep to a minimum.
If your baby is waking up late in the morning to make up for lost sleep at night, begin to wake him up at an earlier hour each day to help encourage sleep at night. - Use a well lit area for your baby's nap
Again, this will encourage less daytime sleep, keeping his naps shorter and promoting night time zzzzz's - Use a baby sling in the evening
Carrying your baby during the evening with the aid of a baby sling will not only make it easier for you to tend to your own needs, but it will also relax him right before bedtime. - Go out for a walk in the evening
Sunshine and fresh air are good for everyone. Evening walks will also help your little one get used to a pre-bedtime routine. Going out together, with your baby in their sling or stroller will probably relax both of you and hopefully tire him out!
If you find yourself seriously sleep deprived, don't be afraid to ask for help. Needing help is no indication that you are a bad mother, all mothers need a break sometimes! Chances are someone in your life would love to come over to tend to your little one while you catch up on some rest or errands yourself. Even a 30-minute break for a bath can make a big difference in your mood. Also, try resting while your baby rests; take advantage of the peace and quiet!
