As your baby reaches the 42-week mark, you may notice them resembling a little toddler more each day. At this age, they are likely to be grabbing, pulling, and banging objects, expressing a range of emotions, and crawling or even starting to cruise along furniture. Here’s what to expect in your baby’s development at 42 weeks.
Milestones and Development
Growth:
A typical 42-week-old boy measures about 28.6 inches in length and weighs roughly 20.1 pounds, while girls average around 28 inches long and weigh about 18.5 pounds. It’s important to remember that these figures are averages, and what matters most is that your baby’s growth is consistent during checkups.
Emerging Skills:
Your little one is honing their pincer grasp, and you can encourage this by filling an empty wipes box with colorful tissue paper, showing them how to pull it out. They also imitate your actions, display different emotions, and laugh, making games like peekaboo even more enjoyable. You can practice facial expressions together to enhance this skill. Additionally, your baby may start “cruising” by holding onto furniture to prepare for their first steps.
Health and Wellness
Feeding:
If you’re nursing, you might be feeding your baby about five times a day, while formula-fed babies typically consume around five bottles, each containing 4 to 6 ounces, especially a larger bottle before bedtime (but don’t exceed 32 ounces in a day). These figures can vary widely, so as long as your baby has wet diapers and your pediatrician has no concerns, they’re likely doing great! As they explore solid foods, stick with purees and soft options cut into small pieces, avoiding choking hazards like whole grapes and nuts, as well as cow’s milk and honey until their first birthday.
Sleep:
Your baby should be getting about 12 to 16 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period, roughly 9 to 12 of which should be at night, with naps during the day. However, factors like teething or illness can disrupt sleep. Striving for a consistent sleep schedule is key.
Common Ailments:
Ear infections can be common at this age, especially in winter. Look for signs such as fever, loss of appetite, ear pulling, and fussiness. If you suspect an ear infection, consult your pediatrician for next steps, which may include antibiotics. While it’s tough to prevent these infections, good hygiene, staying current on vaccinations, and breastfeeding as long as possible can help minimize risks.
FAQs
Can my baby eat eggs?
Recent guidelines suggest that introducing eggs can be safe, but always consult your pediatrician for personalized advice.
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In summary, at 42 weeks, your baby is rapidly developing their motor skills, exploring their environment, and showing more personality. Keep an eye on their growth, feeding habits, and sleep patterns to ensure they are thriving.
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