Your Baby Week 5
Can you believe it’s already been an entire month since you first came home from the hospital? Though you may have several more weeks of maternity leave, your partner may have already headed back to work. This may mean many hours alone with your baby during the day, which can be exhausting. Just like previous weeks, be sure to reach out to others for support and be sure to take care of yourself.
By week 5, your baby might be smiling back at you when you engage them in play or give them a smile of your own. Your baby is most likely turning his head to respond to different sounds and can probably now hold his head up for longer periods of time when he is on his stomach. Remember that all infants are individuals, and if your baby isn’t reaching these milestones just yet, that is alright, too.
Is my baby eating enough?
Because every baby is different, there really isn’t a steadfast rule about how much your baby should be eating every day. Breastfeeding moms should be trying for at least 8 to 12 feedings in a 24 hour period. Formula feeding moms should schedule at least 5 to 7 feedings a day for a total of 24 to 32 ounces of formula. If your baby has regained their birth weight and is now steadily gaining about one-half ounce to one ounce every day, and she is regularly soaking at least six diapers a day and having two to three soft bowel movements each day, then she is probably eating enough. Breastfed babies may reduce their bowel movements between 6 and 8 weeks, going from stools at each feed to stools every few days. If you have any concerns, of course, speak with your baby's pediatrician.
Is this dandruff?
It is common for babies to develop what is called cradle cap by their fifth week at home. These white or yellow-orange flakes that appear on their head may look a lot like adult dandruff. If you notice that your baby does have cradle cap, don’t try to shampoo it away. Shampooing on a daily basis can make it worse by drying out their little scalp. Also, keep your baby’s head cool and dry as sweat can make the amount of flakes increase.
How much should my baby being growing?
In terms of your baby’s growth, it is most important to look at their rate of growth, as opposed to how much they weigh or how long they are. Generally speaking, a healthy infant gains about 1 ½ to 2 pounds per month, his head circumference grows about 2 centimeters a month, and he will grow approximately 25 centimeters (10 inches) from the time he is born until the end of his infancy (12 months).
It’s important to remember that these are general guidelines. If you have any fears that your child isn’t growing, or growing too slowly, be sure to check with his pediatrician. It’s probably just about time to schedule your baby’s two month appointment anyway.
