Wow, can you believe it? Eight weeks have flown by! Your little one has transitioned from a sleepy newborn to a more alert infant, allowing for deeper interactions with those around them. At this stage, your baby’s development seems to accelerate as they gain strength and awareness. Here’s what to expect in terms of your 8-week-old baby’s growth and milestones.
Milestones & Development of an 8-Week-Old Baby
Growth
During this week’s pediatrician appointment, your doctor will assess whether your baby is growing as expected. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an average 8-week-old baby weighs about 11 pounds for girls and 11.9 pounds for boys, with heights averaging 22.3 inches for girls and 22.8 inches for boys. However, it’s completely normal for your child to be slightly above or below these averages as long as they are consistent with their own growth pattern. Premature infants may particularly be on the smaller side. Over the next month, your baby will likely grow around 1 to 1.5 inches in length and gain up to 2 pounds in weight.
Emerging Skills
At 8 weeks, your baby has been busy adjusting to life outside the womb. They should be able to lift their head for longer periods during tummy time and track objects with their eyes. Additionally, your little one may start to explore with their hands, opening and closing their fists, or soothing themselves by sucking on their fingers. While they may not be able to grab items independently yet, they can likely hold onto a rattle when you place it in their hands. You might also notice that their movements are becoming more fluid instead of jerky. If your baby is not tracking objects, lifting their head, making eye contact, or responding to sounds, it’s a good idea to mention this during your pediatrician visit.
Health and Wellness for Your 8-Week-Old Baby
Feeding
As your baby grows, their appetite increases. Typically, an 8-week-old baby will consume about 4 to 5 ounces every three to four hours. To ensure they are getting enough nourishment, check for at least five wet diapers daily. If your little one is spitting up frequently or showing signs of gas, they might be eating too much, although babies usually self-regulate well. The total feeding amount should not exceed 32 ounces of formula within a 24-hour period.
Sleep
Your baby is still in the process of establishing their sleep patterns. At this age, they will begin to develop a rhythm linked to cortisol, a hormone that helps regulate sleep cycles. As they grow, these cycles will become more consistent.
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In summary, your 8-week-old baby is blossoming both physically and emotionally. Keep an eye on their growth, emerging skills, and health as they continue to develop into a more interactive little person.
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