2 weeks old baby

What's New For Infants

Every week of your baby’s life, he will seem a bit more alert and awake. You will see that you are having a bit more fun with him, and will find him doing and learning new things, as little as they may seem. While your baby will still spend much of his time sleeping and eating, you will notice that he is awake a little bit more during this time, and definitely focusing more on his surroundings.

At this point he may startle even while sleeping, and he will jump at loud noises, but not wake up. These noises could range from the phone ringing, to a dog barking, to the vacuum cleaner running. This reflex helps protect newborns and helps them sleep through noise and is the reason why many newborns can sleep in a room that has a loud radio playing or vacuuming.

Developmental Milestones*

By the end of the month your baby will most definitely be able to lift and hold his head off the floor slightly, for a small period of time during tummy time. By this point some babies can lift their heads to about a 45 degree angle, and there are a few that can even lift their heads to a 90 degree angle. You might notice your baby making noises other than cries, perhaps even like dove coos! If you are lucky, you might see your baby's beautiful smile for the first time during the first month

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