Laadlee Parenting

As a new mom, you want to do everything possible to help your baby grow strong and healthy. One simple but powerful activity you can start early is tummy time. While it might seem like just another task on your to-do list, tummy time plays a crucial role in your baby’s development. But let’s be real—not all babies love tummy time at first! Some fuss, cry, or resist being placed on their belly. That’s completely normal. The good news? With the right approach, tummy time can become a fun, engaging, and rewarding experience for both you and your baby. This guide will walk you through why tummy time matters, how to do it, how much your baby needs, and tips to make it enjoyable—all in a way that feels manageable for new moms like you. What are the benefits of tummy time? Strengthens Muscles for Future MilestonesTummy time builds the muscles in your baby’s neck, shoulders, arms, and back, which are essential for holding up their head, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, etc. Prevents Flat Head Syndrome or PlagiocephalySince babies spend a lot of time on their backs while sleeping, they can develop a flat spot on the back of their head. Tummy time gives their head a break from that pressure and helps their skull develop properly. Improves Coordination and BalanceAs your baby lifts their head and pushes up with their arms, they develop better control over their movements. This helps with future motor skills like grabbing, reaching, and even walking. Boosts Sensory DevelopmentTummy time allows babies to experience new textures, movements, and visual perspectives, which enhances their sensory processing. Helps Prevent Delays in Motor SkillsBabies who get regular tummy time are more likely to reach developmental milestones on time, such as when babies start rolling over and sitting up independently. How to do tummy time Now that you know why tummy time is important, let’s go over how to do it correctly and make it comfortable for your baby. Choose the Right TimeThe best time for tummy time is when your baby is awake, alert, and not too hungry or too full. After a nap or diaper change is a great opportunity for tummy time. Get older siblings involved, as if you have other children, they can help make tummy time exciting! Pick a Comfortable SurfaceLay a soft blanket or tummy time mat on a flat, firm surface like the floor. Avoid placing your baby on a bed or couch, as these surfaces are too soft and unsafe. Start Small and Build UpFor newborns, tummy time should last just a few minutes at a time. At the same time if your baby starts fussing, try again later rather than forcing it. You must also gradually increase tummy time sessions as they grow stronger. Use Different PositionsIf your baby doesn’t like tummy time on the floor, try starting by introducing tummy time on your chest. You can also lay back slightly and place your baby on your chest so they can look at your face. Another idea would be to sit comfortably and rest your baby across your legs for tummy time on your lap. You can also try placing a small rolled towel or a nursing pillow under their chest for support. Make It Fun and EngagingTummy time should be playtime, not a chore! One idea to keep your baby entertained is using a baby-safe mirror. Babies love looking at faces, even their own! Try soft toys and rattles. Place them just out of reach to encourage movement. Sing, talk, or make funny faces—your voice and expressions can keep your baby engaged. How much tummy time babies need by age It’s important to introduce tummy time gradually and increase it as your baby grows stronger. For newborns (0-2 weeks), start with a few minutes per session, 2-3 times a day. By 1 month, aim for 5 minutes at a time, 3-4 times daily. At 2 months, aim for 10-15 minutes per session, totaling 30-60 minutes throughout the day. Between 3-4 months, your baby can handle 20-30 minutes of tummy time daily, broken into shorter sessions. By 5-6 months, they’ll be ready for 60-90 minutes spread out over the day. Remember, tummy time doesn’t need to be done all at once—short sessions throughout the day are most effective! How to make time for tummy time As a busy mom, it can be tricky to find time for everything. Here’s how you can incorporate tummy time into your daily routine without stress: After each diaper change: Just 2 minutes of tummy time after every change adds up! During playtime: Use tummy time as a chance to bond and play with your baby. Right after naps: When your baby is well-rested, they’ll be more willing to engage. Before bath time: tummy time before bath time is always a fun way to sneak in an extra session. Tummy time supplies Having the right tools can make tummy time more comfortable and engaging for your baby. Here are some helpful supplies: Tummy time mats: go for soft, colourful mats with different textures and patterns. Baby-safe mirrors: This can also encourage visual tracking and self-awareness. Soft plush toys & rattles: These can help you stimulate movement and interest. Nursing pillow or rolled towel: Helps provide extra support for younger babies. High-contrast cards or books: These can be great for capturing your baby’s attention. Tummy time safety Since your baby is still developing strength and coordination, it is important to create a safe and comfortable environment for them. Here are a few key safety tips to keep in mind:  Since newborns and young babies have limited head control, they may struggle to reposition themselves if they get tired or uncomfortable. Avoid placing them on soft, squishy areas like beds, couches, or pillows, as these surfaces can cause them to sink in, making it harder for them to lift their head or move freely.  Not all babies take to tummy time immediately, and some may resist it at first. If your baby becomes fussy or cranky, check if they are too tired, hungry, or uncomfortable.  It is best to avoid tummy time immediately after feeding, as placing your baby on their stomach too soon can cause spit-up or discomfort. Wait at least 30 minutes to an hour, as this helps prevent reflux and ensures your baby enjoys tummy time without any discomfort.  By following these simple safety guidelines, you can ensure that tummy time remains a safe, enjoyable, and beneficial activity for your baby. Conclusion Tummy time is a crucial part of your baby’s development, and with a little creativity, it can be a fun and comfortable experience. Using supportive essentials like a maternity pillow can help your baby feel at ease while practising tummy time. A soft baby blanket adds warmth and familiarity, while a colourful baby toy keeps them engaged and curious. At Laadlee, you can explore a variety of baby essentials designed to make these early moments more special and enjoyable for both you and your little one. We offer a selection of baby-friendly products that help turn these developmental moments into cherished bonding experiences. Take a look at our collection of baby essentials to make tummy time a joyful experience for your little one. Sources - https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/positional-plagiocephaly.html https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/baby/sleep/Pages/Back-to-Sleep-Tummy-to-Play.aspx

One day, your baby lies still, gazing up at you with curious eyes, and the next—they’ve suddenly flipped over! “Watch out, world—I'm on the move!" If your baby could talk, that’s precisely what they’d say the first time they roll over. Rolling over is a significant milestone that lays the groundwork for crawling and walking. But when do babies begin to roll, and how can you encourage them? Whether your baby is almost there or still figuring things out, this guide will help you understand when and how babies roll—and what you can do to encourage them. Let’s explore the journey of your little one’s first big move and discover everything you need to know about rolling over, from timing to tips! When Do Babies Start Rolling Over? The Common Ages for Newborns to Roll Over As a new parent, you might wonder when your baby will start rolling over and what you can do to encourage this important skill. Most babies start rolling over between 3 to 6 months of age. However, each baby develops at their own pace, so some may roll earlier or later than others. 3 to 4 months: Babies often roll from their tummy to their back first. Their neck and upper body muscles strengthen during tummy time, helping them push up and eventually roll over. 5 to 6 months: Many babies learn to roll from their back to their tummy, which requires more coordination and strength. Some babies might roll over as early as 2 months, while others may take until 6 months or later. As long as they’re showing progress in their motor skills, slight delays are usually not a cause for concern. Signs That Your Baby is Ready to Roll Over Before your baby rolls over for the first time, you may notice some clues that they are getting ready to do so. Increased Head Control: Your baby can hold their head up for longer periods during tummy time. Pushing Up with Arms: They start lifting their upper body when lying on their tummy. Rocking Side to Side: Your baby may shift their weight from one side to the other when lying on their back. Kicking and Wiggling: Their legs move more actively, helping them gain the strength needed for rolling over. These little movements indicate that your baby’s muscles are getting stronger and preparing for the big moment! How to Help Your Baby Roll Over While rolling over is a natural milestone, there are ways to encourage your baby’s development and make the process smoother. Here’s what you can do: Make Tummy Time EngagingTummy time is one of the best ways to build the strength needed for rolling over. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends starting tummy time as early as the first few days after birth, with 3 to 5 minutes per session, several times a day. As your baby grows, gradually increase the duration. Use Toys to Encourage Movement Babies are naturally curious, and you can use that to your advantage. Placing a favourite toy, a rattle, or a soft plushie just out of reach encourages them to stretch, shift their weight, and eventually roll over. Research shows that visual and auditory stimulation can improve a baby’s motor skills, so interactive toys that make gentle sounds can also help. Dress Your Baby for Sleep and Movement Your baby’s clothing plays a crucial role in their ability to move freely. Opt for soft, breathable, and stretchy fabrics that allow them to kick, stretch, and roll comfortably. Avoid swaddling once your baby shows signs of rolling over (usually around 8 weeks to 3 months) to reduce the risk of suffocation. Instead, consider using a sleep sack for safe and cozy sleep. A well-designed baby bassinet also provides a secure sleep space while allowing for movement. Offer Gentle Assistance If your baby is trying to roll but struggling, you can give them a little hands-on support. Gently help them shift their weight by tucking one of their arms under their body while they are on their tummy or rolling them halfway and letting them finish the motion. Always encourage independent movement so they develop muscle strength and coordination naturally.   Give Plenty of Floor TimeBabies need room to explore! Instead of keeping them in swings, bouncers, or rockers for extended periods, allow them to spend time on a firm, flat surface, such as a play mat or soft carpet. Research suggests that babies who get more floor time tend to reach their motor milestones earlier than those who spend a lot of time in confined spaces. By using these simple techniques, you can support your baby’s journey to rolling over while ensuring they develop strong muscles and coordination. What If My Baby Isn’t Rolling Over Yet? If your baby hasn’t started rolling over by 6 months, don’t panic! Every baby develops at their own pace—some take a little longer, while others may skip rolling altogether and move straight to sitting or crawling. However, if your baby shows little interest in movement, struggles with tummy time, or has difficulty building muscle strength, it’s a good idea to check with your pediatrician for reassurance. In the meantime, you can encourage their physical development with plenty of floor play, engaging toys, and interactive activities that stimulate movement. If you're looking for toys that promote physical development or baby care essentials to support your little one's growth, we at Laadlee have a thoughtfully curated collection to help your baby explore, play, and thrive! Conclusion The first roll is just the beginning—soon, your little one will be sitting, crawling, and then walking! Each stage of development comes with its own joys and challenges, but with love, patience, and the right baby essentials, you’re giving them everything they need. Just remember to make tummy time engaging, dress them comfortably for movement, and transition away from the swaddle when they’re ready. If you’re looking for cosy sleep solutions—whether it’s a baby bassinet, baby blanket, or soft clothing—Laadlee has you covered! Sources cited - https://safetosleep.nichd.nih.gov/reduce-risk/tummy-time 

How often has it happened that your baby was sleeping through the night just fine, and suddenly, out of nowhere, they've begun waking up at odd hours, fussing, or refusing naps? Sound familiar? You’re not alone! So what exactly is going on? The answer lies in baby milestones! As your baby learns new skills and their brains mature, it’s a sign of healthy development, and with a little patience and the right approach, you can help them through it while keeping your sanity intact. The good news? This is completely normal, and it won’t last forever. By understanding why these changes happen and how to manage them, you can ease your little one through these transitions while keeping your sanity intact. In this blog, we’ll explore how baby milestones affect sleep, the most common developmental stages, and practical tips to help your little one sleep better during these transitions. How Baby Milestones Affect Sleep Babies grow rapidly during their first year, and each developmental leap brings new skills and abilities. In fact, during the initial few months, babies gain around 1 ounce daily, but weight gain significantly slows around 4 months. A baby's head may increase by about 1 inch in the first month, and on average, the skull grows about 0.4 inches monthly.  But with all these exciting changes, sleep can sometimes take a little hit. For example, when your baby starts rolling over, they might wake up more often as they adjust to their new movement skills. Here is how these physical changes affect their sleep patterns in various ways. Increased Brain Activity: As little ones discover new skills, their brains light up with excitement, which might result in them waking up more often during the night. Excitement and Practice: Babies sometimes stir at night to practice their new talents, like rolling over, sitting up, or standing—what a busy time for them! Separation Anxiety: Between 6 to 9 months, many babies go through a phase of separation anxiety, which can make them less inclined to sleep on their own. Changing Sleep Cycles: As they grow, babies' sleep patterns start to solidify, occasionally leading to those pesky sleep regressions. Teething and Physical Discomfort: When those little teeth start to emerge, they can cause some discomfort and restlessness, impacting how well your baby sleeps. The Most Common Baby Developmental Milestones Newborn Stage (0-3 Months): The Fourth TrimesterNewborns sleep in short cycles and wake up frequently for feeding. They are still adjusting to life outside the womb, and their circadian rhythm is not yet established. Sleep can be unpredictable, so properly dress your baby for sleep, swaddle the right way, use white noise, and try to maintain a consistent routine. Four-Month Sleep Regression At around four months, babies experience a major shift in sleep patterns. Their sleep cycles become more like those of adults, leading to frequent wake-ups. This is a common time for sleep regression, but encouraging self-soothing habits can be beneficial. Rolling Over and Increased Mobility (4-6 Months) Babies start rolling over and become more active, which can cause more wake-ups at night. They may wake up mid-roll or get frustrated when they can’t roll back. Providing a safe sleep space and practicing rolling during the day can help them adjust and make tummy time engaging. Crawling and Sitting (6-9 Months) Around this time, babies become more mobile. They may wake up to practice their crawling or sitting skills in the crib. Separation anxiety may also peak, making it harder for them to fall asleep without reassurance. Standing and Walking (9-12 Months) Babies learn to pull themselves up and may even start taking their first steps. This newfound mobility can lead to disrupted naps and bedtime struggles. Many babies also start resisting naps as they transition from multiple naps to fewer ones. Toddler Stage (12-18 Months)With increased independence, toddlers may test bedtime boundaries. Some transition to one nap during this stage, Consistency and routine are crucial for maintaining good sleep habits. Tips To Help Your Child Sleep During Different Baby Developmental Milestones Navigating sleep disruptions during developmental milestones can be challenging, but with the right strategies, you can help your baby rest better. Stick to a Routine: A predictable bedtime routine signals to your baby that it’s time to sleep. Keep activities calming, such as a warm bath, gentle rocking, or reading a short story. Encourage Independent Sleep: Try putting your baby down drowsy but awake to help them learn to fall asleep independently. This can reduce night wake-ups during milestone transitions. Offer Extra Comfort During Sleep Regressions: If your baby is struggling with separation anxiety, offer extra cuddles and reassurance without creating new sleep dependencies. Comforting words and a soothing touch can help. Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment: Keep the room dark, use white noise to block out sudden sounds, and maintain a comfortable temperature to encourage better sleep. Practice New Skills During the Day: If your baby wakes up at night practicing rolling, crawling, or standing, encourage these activities during daytime playtime to reduce nighttime disruptions. Manage Teething Discomfort: Offer teething toys, cold washcloths, or a gentle gum massage before bedtime to ease discomfort and help your baby sleep better. Adjust Nap Schedules as Needed: As your baby grows, they may need fewer naps. Watch for sleep cues and adjust nap times gradually to avoid overtiredness. Conclusion Watching your little one grow and reach new milestones is such a special journey! Keeping a bedtime routine, offering extra cuddles, and ensuring your baby feels safe and snug can make a world of difference. Fun tummy time sessions during the day, comfy sleepwear, and a peaceful sleep setup can all help make bedtime smoother. Don’t worry—these little sleep hiccups won’t last forever! With a little love, the right baby essentials, and gentle reassurance, your baby will soon be back to sleeping soundly (and so will you!). At Laadlee, we know how precious sleep is for both you and your little one. Whether it’s a soft swaddle, a cozy baby bassinet, or comfy outfits for bedtime, we’re here to make this journey a little easier for you!   Sources cited - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/expert-answers/infant-growth/faq-20058037

As a new parent, you’re probably running on fumes, your body aching for just a few uninterrupted hours of sleep. You’ve likely found yourself in the middle of the night Googling, “When do babies start sleeping through the night?” Your friends might be telling you, “Hang in there. It gets better after three months,” or “My baby slept through the night after four months.” But what if you’re still stumbling around in a sleepless fog at six months? When do you finally get your sweet sleep back? Let's dive into the unpredictable world of baby sleep patterns, discuss what’s normal, and share some practical baby care tips to help you (and your little one) rest easy. The Reality of Baby Sleep Patterns Let’s be real: The question isn’t “when” babies will start sleeping through the night, but rather “how” you can help them get there. It's important to understand that every baby is different. Some might bless you with 6–8 hours of sleep as early as 8 weeks, while others may need a bit longer to find their rhythm. A baby’s sleep cycle is influenced by several factors: feeding habits, growth spurts, developmental milestones, and even temperament. Fact check: Most babies will not start sleeping through the night—meaning a stretch of 6-8 hours—until they are between 4 to 6 months old. Before this, their tiny tummies can't hold enough food to keep them satiated for such long periods, which means night feeds are inevitable. Common Sleep Challenges Parents Face If you’ve been lulled into believing that all babies magically sleep through the night at three months, you’re not alone. Parents often face several sleep-related challenges, such as: Frequent night wakings: Most newborns have shorter sleep cycles and wake up every few hours. If your baby wakes up crying every 2-3 hours, it’s normal. Trouble self-soothing: Some babies find it difficult to self-soothe, which means they need you to help them get back to sleep by rocking, feeding, or holding them. Sleep regression: Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, a growth spurt or developmental milestone may throw off your baby's sleep routine. Colic or gas issues: Colicky babies often have disrupted sleep patterns due to discomfort and frequent crying. The habit of comfort feeding: Babies might get used to being fed or rocked to sleep, creating a pattern that is hard to break later on. If you find yourself nodding your head to these points, remember—you’re not alone, and these are completely normal challenges every parent faces. Thankfully, there are solutions and strategies to help you navigate through these sleepless nights. How Can You Help Your Baby Sleep Through the Night? While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, there are several tried-and-tested baby care tips that might make your nights a little easier: 1. Establish a bedtime routine: Babies thrive on routines. Create a calming bedtime routine that includes activities like a warm bath, gentle massage, soft lullabies, or reading a book. Over time, this will signal to your baby that it's time to wind down and sleep. 2. Create a sleep-inducing environment: Keep the room dark, quiet, and at a comfortable temperature. Consider investing in a white noise machine or a soothing night light. This can help drown out other household noises and create a consistent sleep environment for your baby. 3. Teach your baby self-soothing: While it’s tempting to rock or feed your baby to sleep every time they wake up, this can form habits that are hard to break. Instead, give them a few moments to see if they can settle on their own before intervening. 4. Mind the sleep associations: If your baby associates falling asleep with being rocked or fed, they might struggle to get back to sleep without those cues. Gradually reduce these associations by transitioning from rocking to simply holding them, then gently patting them while they are in their crib. 5. Try a dream feed: A "dream feed" is when you gently wake your baby for one last feed before you go to sleep, which may help them sleep longer during the night. 6. Keep night feedings calm and quiet: If your baby does wake up in the night and needs to be fed, keep the lights dim and your interactions minimal. This will help them understand that nighttime is for sleeping, not playing. 7. Make sure they’re getting enough daytime sleep: Ironically, an overtired baby is often harder to put to sleep. Make sure your little one gets the right amount of daytime naps. Sleep begets sleep. 8. Monitor baby's sleep needs: Pay attention to your baby’s sleep needs and look for signs of overtiredness. Newborns need about 14–17 hours of sleep, while 4- to 11-month-olds need around 12–15 hours. When Should You Be Concerned? It's natural to worry about your baby's sleep patterns. However, it's important to note that there isn't a universal answer to when babies start sleeping through the night. If your baby is over six months old and still waking up frequently, consult with your pediatrician to rule out any underlying issues such as reflux, allergies, or other medical conditions. How Laadlee Can Help You Create a Restful Environment At Laadlee, we understand that every parent wants the best for their child. That’s why we offer a variety of baby care products designed to promote better sleep, such as: 1. Swaddle blankets: Swaddling can help recreate the cozy feeling of the womb, making your baby feel secure and calm. 2. Sleeping Bags: When your baby starts to roll over, sleeping bags are a great alternative to swaddling, allowing for safer and more comfortable sleep. 3. Soothing Toys and Night Lights: These can provide comfort and familiarity, especially for older babies transitioning to sleeping in their own rooms. Explore our range of thoughtfully curated baby care products at Laadlee to help make those restless nights a little easier. With the right tools and strategies, you can create a calming sleep environment that promotes healthy sleep habits for your little one. Conclusion Parenting is a journey of trial and error. When it comes to baby sleep, there are no guarantees, but there are ways to set yourself and your baby up for success. Be patient, stay consistent, and know that every sleepless night brings you one step closer to a full night’s rest. Remember, you're not alone in this journey, and there's always help and support available. For more baby care tips and the best baby care products, visit Laadlee today. We're here to make your parenting journey just a little bit easier, one sleep-filled night at a time.

The first week of parenting is a whirlwind of feeding, changing and sleepless nights filled with small yet significant milestones. But in the second week, you are going to notice more changes in their behavior as they become more and more aware, gaining control of their body. Along with this, as new parents, you are flooded with advice of all kinds from families, friends and relatives, but you are unsure which one to trust because, like every other baby, yours is unique too. To help you in this situation, we at Laadlee have curated a blog loaded with tips and advice from experts to help you understand what to expect and how to provide the best care for your little one. Understanding Two-Week-Old Baby Development In terms of developmental and care milestones for your baby, the second week is just as important as the first one. By this time, your baby should be back to their birth weight, and the bonding between you and your child gets even stronger now that you are well aware of the portion sizes and sleeping patterns. Around this time, the baby also begins responding to external stimuli, due to which most parents cannot contain their excitement. Here is a detailed expansion on the major two-week baby development milestones. Two-Week-Old Baby Milestones 1. Physical development At two weeks old, your baby is still in the initial stages of development, which is why changes may be subtle. This is the time when your baby enters a second growth spurt and can grow up to an inch in a month. At the same time, they must also be gaining around 150-200 grams every week and should begin exhibiting newborn reflexes such as the rooting reflex (turning their head toward a touch on their cheek) and the Moro reflex (startle reflex). These reflexes are vital for survival and are an indicator that your baby's nervous system is developing as it should. 2. Routine establishment The second important milestone that you must be on the lookout for is that your baby should be feeding at least 8-12 times in 24 hours. If you are using baby formula, then you should feed them every 3–4 hours. This frequent feeding is necessary as babies need constant energy for sustained growth, and their stomachs can hold only a tiny amount of food. By this time, you must also notice that the baby's stool becomes more regular, suggesting that their digestive system is maturing. 3. Sleeping patterns Around this time, most babies sleep at least 16–18 hours a day, but this sleep is punctuated with periods of wakefulness. Generally, a baby's sleep lasts for 2 hours as their small stomach needs to refill, but every baby is different. Many babies are known to wake up every thirty minutes, but many sleep for more than 2 hours without interruption. It is important to learn baby-specific cues and be on the lookout for them, and tailor your care accordingly. 4. Sensory Development Now, the sensory development of your baby is still in the early stages, but there are clear signs that they are beginning to interact. By this time, they can comfortably focus on objects less than 10 inches away, which is why doctors suggest holding your baby 8-10 inches from your face and sticking your tongue out. Your baby might also respond slightly to your voice and track you with their eyes for a few seconds at a time. 5. Motor skills A two-week-old baby has limited motor skills as their body is still getting accustomed to life outside the womb. During this time, most of their movement will be uncoordinated and reflexive, and you might notice that they bring their hands to their mouths. They might also make some sudden jerky movements but do not worry, as it is all part of their motor skill development. Additional Baby Care Tips for Your Newborn The second week brings ‌with it many additional developmental milestones, such as the falling of the umbilical cord, which requires the utmost care, along with gentle cleaning. This must be followed by the first bath for the baby, after which you must keep the area sanitized and clean. Around this time, the outer layer of the skin of your baby might also be peeling off, so don't get alarmed, as this is normal. To curb these, you can use some baby-safe moisturizers after consulting with your doctor. You must also not hesitate to consult a lactation expert if you feel any problems with the flow or if your baby faces latching issues. The baby poops around this time will be slightly yellowish if you are breastfeeding, or more tan or brownish if using formula feed. The diapers must also be changed around six times each day at equal intervals, and if the flow is less, then you can also consider getting in touch with your pediatrician. Conclusion The first few weeks with your baby are filled with many small milestones. Understanding and keeping track of these developments can help you provide the best care for your baby in the upcoming days. If you need any assistance in caring for your baby or for yourself, then you can check out our collection of baby and mother care collections. We have curated the best pediatrician-approved baby care products that can help you and your baby enjoy these early days.

Welcoming a newborn into your life is a journey filled with love, excitement and a touch of anxiety. As you embark on this journey, you may wonder what to expect during your baby’s first week. Understanding the development and care milestones for your 1-week-old can help you steer these early days with confidence and joy. Physical Development In the first week, your baby’s body is adjusting to life outside of the womb. Here are some key physical developments to look out for: 1. Weight and length: It’s common for babies to lose some weight in the first few days, but they typically regain it by the end of the first week. Don’t be disturbed; this is normal as they adjust to feeding. 2. Feeding and digestion: Your baby’s stomach is tiny, about the size of a marble. Frequent feeding, usually every 2-3 hours, helps to keep them nourished. Breastfeeding might be challenging at first, but with practice, it becomes a beautiful bonding experience. 3. Sleep patterns: Newborns sleep a lot, up to 16-18 hours a day. However, they sleep in short bursts, usually 2-3 hours at a time, because their tiny tummies need constant refueling. 4. Reflexes: Your baby is born with several reflexes, like the rooting reflex, which is when the baby turns their head toward your hand if you stroke their cheek or mouth. They also have a grasp reflex which is grabbing your finger when placed in their palm. These reflexes are nature’s way of helping them connect with you. Sensory Development Your baby’s senses are already working, but they are still developing and adjusting to the outside world. 1. Sight: Newborns can see, but their vision is blurry. They can focus on objects near them, roughly the distance to your face when you are holding them. They are naturally drawn to high-contrast patterns and human faces. 2. Hearing: Your baby’s hearing is well-developed at birth. They can recognize your voice and also find it soothing. Talking, humming, and gentle shushing can comfort them and help in developing their auditory skills. 3. Smell and taste: Babies have a keen sense of smell and can recognize the scent of their mother’s milk. They prefer sweet tastes, which is why breast milk is naturally sweet. 4. Touch: Touch is essential for your baby’s development. Gentle caresses, skin-to-skin contact, and soft fabrics provide comfort and protection, creating a sense of trust and bonding. Emotional and Social Development Even at one week old, your baby is starting to form emotional connections and social bonds. 1. Bonding: Holding, cuddling and talking to your baby helps build a strong emotional bond. Skin-to-skin contact, also known as kangaroo care, is particularly beneficial for both you and your baby. It promotes bonding and helps regulate their body temperature and heartbeat. 2. Crying: This is your baby’s way of communicating. They might cry because they are hungry, uncomfortable, tired or need a diaper change. Learning to crack their cries takes time, so be patient with yourself as you get to know your child’s cues. 3. Comfort and soothing: Every baby is unique, and what soothes one baby might not work for another. Experiment with different techniques like swaddling, rocking, gentle bouncing, or using a pacifier to find what works best for your little one. Care Tips Taking care of a newborn can feel like a challenge, but here are some tips to help you through the first week. 1. Feeding: Whether you are breastfeeding or formula feeding, ensure your baby is feeding regularly. Look for signs of hunger such as lip-smacking, rooting or sucking on their hands. If you are breastfeeding, don’t hesitate to seek help from a lactation consultant if required. 2. Diaper changes: Newborns can go through 8-12 diapers a day. Frequent changes help prevent diaper rash. Keep an eye on the color and consistency of your baby’s stools; this can give you insights into their health and digestion. 3. Bathing: In the first week, stick to sponge baths until the umbilical cord falls off. Use warm water and a gentle baby soap. Keep the bathing area warm and comfortable for your baby. 4. Sleeping: Create a safe sleep environment by placing your baby on their back in a crib or bassinet with a firm mattress and no loose bedding or toys. 5. Health check-ups: Your baby’s first pediatrician visit usually happens within the first week. This is a great time to ask any questions you might have about their health and development. 7. Self-care for parents: Taking care of yourself is equally important. Rest when your baby sleeps, eat nutritious meals, and don’t hesitate to ask for help from family and friends. Remember, taking care of your well-being allows you to take better care of your baby. Milestone Celebrations Every tiny achievement is a milestone worth celebrating. Here are a few simple yet special ways to capture these precious moments. 1. Photographs and videos: Document your baby’s first week with photos and videos. These will become treasured memories when your baby grows. 2. Baby journal: You could also start a baby journal to record your thoughts, feelings and observations. This can be a wonderful memento to look back on and share with your child when they’re older. 3. Footprints and handprints: Capture your baby’s tiny footprints and handprints. You can use non-toxic ink pads and paper for this remembrance. Conclusion: Embrace The Journey The first week with your newborn is a time of immense learning and bonding. It’s filled with sleepless nights, countless diaper changes, and moments of pure joy as you catch yourself gazing at your baby’s tiny face. Trust your instincts, seek support when needed, and cherish every moment. At Laadlee, we want to help you with all your baby and maternity essentials, providing the best mother and baby care products to support you and your little one. Whether you are looking for diapers, bathing products, maternity pillows—you name it, we have it. Our goal is to make your parenting journey as smooth and joyful as possible. Your love, care, and attention are the most important gifts you can give your 1-week-old baby.