At 10 weeks old, your little one is becoming more engaged and interactive, kicking, gazing, and smiling as they start to explore the world around them. Let’s dive into what you can expect regarding development, health, and a few handy tips for this exciting stage.
Milestones & Development
Growth
Your baby is growing steadily at this age, typically gaining about an inch in length and up to 2 pounds over the month. Their head circumference will also grow by about 2 centimeters.
Emerging Skills
While there aren’t any huge milestones at 10 weeks, your baby is busy developing their gross and fine motor skills. They’re practicing movements that will eventually lead to rolling over and gaining better control over their hands. You can help facilitate this by giving them safe objects to hold, ensuring they have plenty of tummy time, and showering them with smiles and cuddles.
Health Considerations
Feeding
As your baby grows, you might notice they develop a more regular feeding schedule, typically consuming around 4 to 5 ounces every three to four hours. If you see at least five wet diapers daily, your baby is likely getting enough nourishment. For those bottle-feeding, try to keep total intake around 32 ounces in a 24-hour period.
Sleep
A common question new parents face is about their baby’s sleep patterns. At this age, even the best sleepers might not manage more than a five or six-hour stretch at night. Ideally, your baby will need about 14 to 17 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, with around three naps throughout the day.
Common Ailments
While Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) and Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs) are rare, they are critical to be aware of, especially since they most often occur between 2 and 4 months of age. To reduce the risk, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends placing your baby on their back to sleep on a firm surface free of toys, pillows, and blankets. If possible, keep your baby in your room (but not in your bed) for the first six months. Also, ensure they don’t overheat and avoid hats indoors.
For more detailed advice and tips on parenting, check out this post on our blog.
Summary
At 10 weeks, your baby is becoming more interactive and is growing steadily, reaching important developmental milestones. They typically consume 4 to 5 ounces every few hours and require around 14 to 17 hours of sleep daily. Be mindful of SIDS and ensure safe sleeping practices for your little one. For those looking into at-home insemination, you can find excellent resources at Genetics and IVF Institute and top-quality kits at Make a Mom.
Leave a Reply