3 weeks old baby: care and developmental achievements

Your 3-week-old baby isn't trying to torment you with his crying—he's just trying to tell you something. Raising a 3-week-old baby can be the start of big changes for you and your baby. At 3 weeks the baby will become much more cheerful and active. He may even seem like a completely different baby than the baby you brought home. You were already beginning to understand that the child was changing again.

As your baby grows, it is important for you to know what to expect at each stage of life and to best prepare for these changes. Here's what you can expect from your 3-week-old baby. Your baby begins to transform from a precious but mostly unresponsive newborn into an almost fully-fledged infant. Here's what's in store for you this week.

Development of a newborn baby at 3 weeks

Newborn baby: First 3 weeks of life

Sleep Basics Newborns under 3 to 4 months of age need 14 to 17 hours of sleep per day, and typically wake up every two to four hours to feed.

Flex those muscles! Your baby is gaining muscle control, so his movements and reflexes will become less jerky and more graceful this week.

Did you know? About 15 to 20 percent of newborns experience inconsolable nicks that last for hours.

Walking with a newborn baby

It is necessary to walk with your baby in any weather. A child who is often in the fresh air gets sick less often, eats with greater appetite and digests food better. Under the influence of sunlight, vitamin D is formed in the baby’s body, which prevents the development of rickets.

• The first time you should not be outside with a baby for more than 10 minutes, but gradually the walks will take longer and longer - up to 1.5-2 hours and preferably several times a day.
• In the autumn-winter period, walking for more than 2 hours is not recommended. Remember that the baby needs to be protected from the wind. At first, the baby's face is only slightly revealed during a walk. After a couple of weeks, the child can breathe air in a stroller or in his arms with his face open.
• In summer you can be outside almost all day, except for the hottest hours. During walks, the baby should be periodically given water or offered breast milk.

Baby care basics for 3 weeks

At week 3, your baby gains muscle control, so this week his movements and reflexes will become less abrupt and more graceful.

Be sure to give him plenty of time to watch his belly during the day so he can practice lifting his head. Some three-week-old babies will be able to lift their head 45 degrees while lying on their tummy, and the more the baby practices, the better.

Tummy time will also help prevent head flattening, which is more common in babies who spend all day and night lying on their back or propped up in bouncers and car seats.

Development of brain activity at 3 weeks

In brain-related news, your little one is ready for more complex shapes (goodbye circles, hello zigzags!) as his vision, focus and concentration improve quickly. Maybe he's actually digging for his cell phone right now, or maybe there's a stuffed animal being waved in front of his face.

Of course, when he is not in the mood to play, he may cry. All babies cry, but some babies cry all the time. In fact, 15 to 20 percent of newborns have inconsolable cries that last several hours, and doctors usually diagnose such cries as colic if they last at least three hours at a time, at least three days a week for the duration of the course. at least three weeks.

No one knows exactly what causes colic, but potential culprits include immature digestion, reflux, milk problems and environmental factors. Dealing with colic is definitely difficult, but keep in mind that this phase will eventually end (colic typically peaks at 6 weeks and resolves by 3 months).

In the meantime, use tried-and-true strategies to soothe a crying baby, including rhythmic rocking, skin-to-skin pressing, wearing your baby in a sling or carrier, swaddling, massage, using white noise or other soothing sounds, feeding a pacifier, or going for a walk and breathing fresh air. Even if none of these strategies work, time will pass and your baby will eventually stop crying all the time. Remember that you are only human and doing the best you can, so don't feel guilty about letting him cry for a few minutes when you just need a break.

How a child changes in 3 weeks of life

During the first year of life, so many changes occur in the human body that never happen in a lifetime. The baby is changing every day, and parents are happy to watch the changes.

Just a week ago you noted that the baby can grab your finger with his fingers, and if you give him a rattle, he squeezes it so that his fingers turn white. And now he can already briefly fix his gaze on bright objects and close objects. When you lean towards him, he sees you. True, it seems that he is not looking into the eyes, but at the forehead or chin. This is because he still does not know how to focus his eyes for a long time. Your newborn responds to your voice when you call or talk to him.

Care with boys for 3 weeks

If your baby was circumcised at birth, you can continue to wash the penis with regular soap and water. By this time, the circumcision site should be healed, so if you notice any redness, pus, or discharge, be sure to see a doctor.

If the baby is uncircumcised or has foreskin left on the penis, you should never force the foreskin down. Men's foreskin retracts naturally by age 5, but in some cases it may take longer. Until then, just clean the head of your penis like you would any other part of your body.

Care for girls for 3 weeks

For little girls, you may have noticed occasional vaginal discharge during diaper changes or bathing in the last few weeks. It may appear clear, white, or blood-tinged, and although this may be alarming at first, it is normal.

Vaginal discharge can be caused by the mother's hormones during pregnancy, childbirth and breast milk production, and should subside around this time. If you notice a discharge that lasts longer, discuss this with your child's doctor.

Maternal hormones can also cause your baby to look like he or she has enlarged breasts during the newborn days. By this week, however, the swelling will have subsided.

What changes in a woman’s physiology characterize pregnancy at 3 weeks?

In fact, changes in every woman’s body occur monthly. Gynecologists take as an example the average menstrual cycle, which consists of 28 days, and calculate obstetric weeks. The third obstetric week is the first embryonic week, and the name speaks for itself. Obstetricians claim that the body of any woman who has reached puberty prepares for the implantation of a zygote in the second obstetric week, which is the 14th day of the menstrual cycle, that is, ovulation.

Also, during the third obstetric week, the mature egg is completely released from the follicles, forming the so-called corpus luteum - a special endocrine formation that is responsible for the release of the pregnancy hormone - progesterone. The presence of such a hormone reduces the sensitivity of the uterus, preparing it for implantation of the zygote, and also prevents fetal rejection. If fertilization does not occur, the corpus luteum dies and comes out during menstruation.

If fertilization is successful, a small ball appears inside the body, consisting of numerous cells that do not stop dividing throughout the entire pregnancy. According to the pregnancy calendar, at the same time the zygote moves through the fallopian tubes deep into the uterus, where it takes hold at the 4th week of pregnancy.

With the correct and normal release of progesterone in the body, during pregnancy the uterine mucosa becomes denser, collecting as many nutrients, minerals and vitamins as possible. They enter the body with foods that the expectant mother consumes, and are also needed to strengthen and properly nourish the fetus itself. The role of micro and macroelements during pregnancy cannot be overestimated even in its earliest stages. Therefore, it is extremely important to monitor your diet if you are preparing for pregnancy in advance.

Eye care for 3 weeks

During this time, your child may develop a blocked tear duct, called a tear duct obstruction, in one or both eyes. You may not even realize it until you notice watery or green drainage near their eyes.

Clogged ducts are common in babies and often go away on their own by the time the baby is one year old. However, in some cases they can become infected. Help clear your baby's tear duct by applying a warm washcloth compress to clear the drainage and help empty the duct.

Baby skin care for 3 weeks

While older babies are known for their smooth complexions, three-week-olds are definitely not. Conditions that may leave your baby's skin colorful but less than flawless include: red pimples and whiteheads (didn't expect them until middle school at least?), pink diaper rash, peeling, yellow cradle cap, and purple mottling (don't worry – this is simply a sign of immature circulation in your baby).

You may also notice new skin problems in your 3-week-old baby, such as rashes, baby acne (no, it's not the teen years yet!) or "scales" on the scalp called cradle cap. Many skin irritations at this age are minor and normal, but to keep your little one comfortable, try the following:

• Avoid bathing with harsh soaps.
• Reduce bathing time to once or twice a week.
• Use mild, child-safe detergents and fabric softeners.
• Watch for worsening symptoms after changing skin care products, and try to avoid anything that irritates your baby's skin.
• Don't pick or squeeze your baby's spots - they will go away on their own over time.
• Use a baby comb or brush to gently loosen the cradle cap scales while you're in the bath.
• Allow your baby to spend an hour or two in the house without clothes or even diapers, especially in the summer if he is experiencing a fever or diaper rash.

All baby skin imperfections are temporary (some, like pimples and blemishes, will go away on their own; others, like diaper and cradle cap rash, respond well to treatment)—meaning clear baby skin is just around the corner.

Baby care

Bathing

By the third week, the umbilical wound in most children has already completely healed. But contrary to popular belief that you can now bathe your baby every day, you should still do this no more than 2-3 times a week. Many authoritative pediatricians in the world agree with this today.

While bathing, you should not use any detergents such as gels, lotions, bath foams, or even soap. Immerse your baby in plain tap water. In some cases, it is recommended to add a weak solution of potassium permanganate or chamomile solution to it, but this is not necessary. The water should be 37-38°C.

After bathing, it is better to lubricate the body with oil for newborns in the folds and places of contact with the diaper.

Health and safety of your 3 week old baby

Many 3-week-old babies enjoy being swaddled to help them calm down or go to sleep. If you decide to swaddle your baby, it's important to know the American Academy of Pediatricians' safe sleep guidelines, which state that there is a high risk of SIDS in babies who are swaddled and then placed on their stomach or side.

If you are swaddling your 3-week-old baby, only place him on his back to fall asleep. Pediatrics also suggests that parents swaddle tightly around the chest and loosely around the hips to prevent any cases of hip dysplasia from getting worse. But as soon as the baby starts rolling, pediatricians say it's time to stop swaddling. At this age, your baby should not be completely ready to ride, but start monitoring him while he sleeps.

Any persistent jaundice in your baby should be resolved by now. If your baby is yellow, has yellowing of the whites of the eyes, yellowing of the skin, or seems lethargic, you should consult your pediatrician.

There are no treatment visits or shots this week (yay!), but there are still a lot of changes to come with your baby's health.

Recommendations for parents

Parents should remember that touch and close bodily contact are very important in the development of a child, so it is recommended to often pick him up and place him on his bare stomach. The more touch a baby experiences, the faster he will develop. The baby has a keen sense of smell and senses smells from afar. This is why you should not use powder that has a smell for washing.

Experts do not advise swaddling babies too tightly, but too much freedom should be avoided so that the baby is not afraid of his own movements. The best option would be loose swaddling, when the diaper does not restrain movements, but creates a deception of the feeling that there is support. The baby's arms and legs should regularly encounter obstacles in the form of diapers, loose clothing, and mother's hands. With the free swaddling method, the baby should wear a minimum amount of clothing. The sewn sleeves of the vests also make it difficult to develop the sense of touch. The baby is allowed to suck a finger and dangle its legs. This way he will more quickly adapt to his limbs.

Three-week-old babies, who hear and distinguish sounds, feel touch, and receive joy from touch and food, will very soon begin to perceive their mother as a source of satisfying their needs. Parental attention and restraint guarantee the successful growth and development of children.

How a child grows:

What happens in the womb during the third week of pregnancy? A lot of. Your baby is still just a tiny “ball” consisting of several hundred cells, the number of which is multiplying at an insane pace. Once the “ball” of cells (these cells are called blastocysts) is located in the uterus, the part from which the placenta will later develop begins to produce the pregnancy hormone hCG (human chorionic gonadotropin). HCG “instructs” the ovaries to stop producing eggs, and also ensures the synthesis of progesterone and estrogens necessary to maintain pregnancy. HCG stimulates the growth of the placenta, maintains the existence of the corpus luteum until the fetus-placenta complex acquires the ability to independently form the necessary hormonal background.

HCG is an early pregnancy test. At 1-2 weeks it reaches values ​​of 25 - 300 mU/ml, and at 3-4 weeks 1500 - 5000 mU/ml (in non-pregnant women hCG Note: The development of each child in the womb may differ slightly. Our information gives you a general idea of your baby's development.

How your life is changing:

The meeting of the sperm and the egg inside you has taken place. A few days after conception, the fertilized egg implanted in the uterus and began to grow. The child is already growing! Many women in the third week do not yet know that they are pregnant, but may notice minor spotting until the end of this week. This is the so-called “implantation discharge,” which is caused by the implantation of an egg into the uterus. The discharge is very scanty and few pregnant women notice it.

Amazing facts: Early pregnancy symptoms.

Some women feel pregnant even before the test comes back positive. The earliest signs include:

• Swelling of the mammary glands. Many women say that the sensitivity of the mammary glands changes.

• Feeling tired. Fatigue can be as severe as if you had run a marathon. The cause of fatigue is increased levels of progesterone and other hormones necessary for the development of the child.

• Frequent urination. You may suddenly realize that you are visiting the toilet with alarming frequency.

• Heightened sense of smell. Many pregnant women cannot tolerate certain odors during early pregnancy. A heightened sense of smell is a side effect of rapidly rising estrogen levels in your blood.

• Aversion to certain foods. It occurs even more often than cravings for certain foods during pregnancy. You may suddenly discover that some foods, even your favorite ones, disgust you.

• Morning sickness or vomiting does not usually occur this early in pregnancy, but some women experience nausea as early as the third week.

• Your basal body temperature remains high. If it remains elevated after ovulation has occurred on schedule, you are likely pregnant.

• Bleeding or spotting. Some women notice a small amount of red discharge (spots) that may be pink or reddish brown. If you have pain along with spotting or bleeding, contact your doctor immediately as this may be a sign of an ectopic pregnancy.

As tempting as it may be, don't rush to use a home pregnancy test. The vast majority of them do not work correctly at these times.

What to do this week of pregnancy:

1. Buy a pregnancy test in case you don't get your period next week.

Every woman who is awaiting the long-awaited moment of pregnancy can safely talk about a miracle that has happened, starting from the 3rd week of pregnancy. It is this period that marks the exact fertilization of the egg, the advancement of the seed in the uterus, division and the beginning of fetal maturation.

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Most often, pregnancy at 3 weeks is not accompanied by any special sensations in the woman. Only a small number of expectant mothers may feel weak and drowsy. Sometimes discomfort and heaviness in the lower abdomen appear, as well as mood swings. But, if you have been busy planning your pregnancy for a long time, then such symptoms may turn out to be simple nervous experiences, and may also be triggered by PMS.

These are just external manifestations that are formed by the fact that the zygote has no connection with the woman’s body, and therefore is not able to influence hormones. But what is happening in your body? We will talk about this in more detail.

Your 3 week old baby's growth

Your cutie is probably packing on the pounds now that he's 3 weeks old! But when noting your baby's weight, don't allow yourself to compare it to your best friend's weight or your sister's baby weight. That's because the most important indicator of your baby's growth is not how he stacks up compared to other babies, but rather how he stacks up against his weight-to-height curve.

The doctor will want to track your baby's growth trends over time and will watch closely to make sure he is moving along the same curve (whether it's the 15th percentile, 50th percentile, or 90th percentile). A big jump (say, from the 20th percentile to the 80th percentile) could mean your baby is gaining weight too quickly. A large dish may mean that your baby is not eating enough.

Another important measure: the ratio between weight and length. While the percentiles do not have to match exactly, they should be within 10 to 20 percent of each other. When there is a large gap between the two, it may mean your baby is overweight or underweight. Your child's pediatrician will help you understand these percentiles and how your child is growing.

Burping up baby

If your baby spits up a lot, don't be alarmed. What you think his entire lunch is probably no more than a tablespoon or two of milk. It's also likely that some pretty explosive noises are coming from the bottom as the baby's digestive system goes into overdrive (babies are rarely discreet when it comes to pooping). In a month or two things should calm down.

Pros and cons of newborn sleep

This week, baby should still sleep most of the time, about 16-18 hours a day. You can continue to try to introduce sleep cues, such as bath time or children's books, but setting a strict sleep schedule is probably not the best idea just yet. During the first few weeks, continue to allow your baby to sleep better.

You'll long for the days when your newborn sleeps longer, but remember that babies won't sleep through the night until they're 6 months or older. This is because they need to fill their still tiny tummies at least once a night to promote their growth. If you try to establish a bedtime routine too early, it will not only disrupt your milk supply but will also affect your baby's growth.

Feeding

At 3 weeks of age, your baby should be old enough to try a pacifier if you want to introduce one. Some doctors advise parents to avoid using pacifiers in the early stages of their baby's life, as breastfeeding begins to prevent nipple confusion and ensure that mother's milk is properly established—as it should be by this time. Although newborn babies will grow at a tremendous rate throughout the first year, you may notice a slight decrease in feeding frequency since last week. Remember that your baby went through a growth spurt in the second week. Your baby should still be fed on demand this week, and feeding sessions can last anywhere from 20 minutes to a full hour. If you are breastfeeding, it is also very important to continue giving your baby vitamin D supplements every day. Vitamin D supplements are very important for your newborn baby if you are breastfeeding because breast milk does not naturally contain enough vitamin D that your baby needs. Vitamin D deficiency can be extremely serious for newborns, especially as their bones continue to grow. By the third week, if you are breastfeeding and plan to bottle-feed your baby at all, whether returning to work or just having a bottle as an option, you can start pumping to establish frozen breast milk.

This week, your baby should still sleep most of the time, about 16-18 hours a day. You can keep trying to introduce sleep cues like bath time or reading children's books, but setting a strict sleep schedule is probably not the best idea yet. During the first few weeks, continue to allow your baby to sleep peacefully.

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Already 3 whole weeks have passed since the birth of the baby. He grows up like in a fairy tale. A few days left until the first anniversary - a month. The baby has become noticeably stronger, the baby’s feeding and sleeping routine is gradually being established, and new skills and knowledge are emerging. The helpless little man's achievements are still tiny, but they are increasing every day. The movements of the newborn are not yet coordinated, chaotic, convulsive, but he begins to learn to regulate them. By 3 weeks, the baby shows the first signs of reaction to others, responds to sounds and visual images.

Tips for parents

There's no doubt about it—new parents are tired parents. Make it an exhausted parent.

Not that you should expect otherwise. After all, you're juggling countless feedings (especially if you're breastfeeding), burps, diaper changes, and rocking, and then you'll have to do it all over again tomorrow, maybe three hours of sleep a night (and don't even count on those three hours will be continuous).

Not to mention, your body is still recovering from childbirth, plus you're also trying to keep up with your normal responsibilities (like laundry, bills, and showering).

Co-sleeping

Many parents who practice co-sleeping with their child say that the regression of four months has not affected them. Is it really? Research has shown that in this case:

• The baby's sleep becomes longer - the constant feeling of the mother's presence nearby brings relaxation;
• the mother has the opportunity to immediately calm the baby after he wakes up and prolong the rest;
• Often the child wakes up to have a snack - instant satisfaction of the need will not interrupt the baby’s sleep and will give the mother the opportunity to get some sleep.

There is always a fear of crushing a child, but the benefits of sleeping together, especially during his regression, are undeniable. The proof is provided by interesting studies conducted in 1992. Special sensors monitored the state of the baby’s body, first when he slept with his mother, then separately from her. Interestingly, during those 6 hours while the child was alone in the crib, 53 cases of cardiac and respiratory rhythm disturbances were recorded, and no anomalies were observed during co-sleeping.

Scientists have come to the correct conclusion: the biorhythms of a mother and child who are nearby are synchronized. As a result, the baby sleeps and breathes without interruption. By improving sleep, you will ensure healthy development for your child and peace of mind and balance for yourself.

Fecal incontinence in mothers

Childbirth, as you may have noticed, is very hard on your body, especially down there. The muscles and nerves in the perineum can be stretched or damaged, making it difficult to control how and when waste leaves your body.

Postpartum fecal incontinence usually goes away on its own as the body returns to normal; but until then, here are a few steps you can take to resolve this issue:

1) Follow a diet that limits the amount of gas. For now, avoid hard-to-digest foods (no fried foods, no beans, no cabbage) and avoid overeating or eating on the run.

2) Do your Kegels. Then do them again... and again. Kegels are just the ticket for tightening up those muscles, as well as those that control urine (which can also leak these days).

3) Don't be shy. If the problem persists, talk to your doctor. Your doctor may recommend a mind-body technique called biofeedback, or perhaps surgery if the situation is particularly bad, which is rare.

Caring for a newborn while walking

In the first month, you should be especially careful - the younger the baby, the less time his immune system needs to strengthen. (This goes double for babies born prematurely or with other health problems.) So avoid crowded places during these first weeks. Inside or outside, keep your baby in a stroller, sling or carrier. And after a walk, wipe your baby’s hands with a napkin or damp, soapy cloth.

The child mixes day and night

If your baby constantly changes between daytime and nighttime sleep, try the following tips:

1) Limit naps to three-hour intervals during the day to prevent your baby from learning to pack all of his sleep into the daytime hours. (Even if your newborn doesn't have a sleep routine yet, you'll probably want to wake him up to feed every three to four hours or so at this age.)

If you're having trouble waking up a sleepy loved one, try these tactics: hold your baby upright, pat him down, remove some of his clothing, tickle his feet or arms, stroke his face, move his arms and legs, or place cool (mildly warm) water on him. diaper.

If all else fails, try changing his diaper - this is usually a surefire way to wake up a sleepy sleeper. As soon as he wakes up, keep him alert by singing happy songs and dangling toys in front of your baby's face.

2) Make sure your newborn's sleep schedule is different from nighttime - this will help your child avoid confusion. Keep curtains or shades open to keep the nursery dark. You can even let your cutie catch his Zzzs in the living room or family room.

Don't try to tiptoe during naps. Hearing normal sounds during sleep enhances the difference between day and night. At night, do the opposite.

3) Don't give up sleep. While it is important to teach your sleeping angel that night is the best time for a long nap, he will still need to get some sleep during the day. On average, a child sleeps at least 16 hours a day, so the baby should rest mostly during the day. And be grateful that your baby seems to be able to sleep for long periods at all—that's a good sign that he'll learn to sleep through the night in the not-too-distant future.

Signs of colic for 3 weeks

Colic usually appears in a baby by 3 weeks of age and is characterized by crying for at least three hours a week at least three times a week, usually ending within three months.

For most babies, fussy periods occur in the afternoon or early evening. Colicky babies seem to be in pain - and one theory is that they are also gas babies (though it could also be that they are gassed because they are swallowing a lot of air from all that crying).

But pain is a less likely explanation for colic than development. Babies at this age often become overstimulated and just need to relax and cry at the end of the day.

Colicky babies also often want to eat all the time, but sometimes it's because sucking is soothing and not because they're hungry, in which case a pacifier can help.

Baby may also be hungry all the time right now because he's going through a growth spurt—and if you're breastfeeding, he'll feed more often to encourage your breasts to produce more milk (in other words, helping your supply catch up to its demand).

Your milk supply may also be low at the end of the day (this is normal), which may encourage him to feed more often.

If your baby seems to be in real pain, be sure to check his temperature and call the pediatrician. Perhaps he's knocking something down. But if he has colic, it will probably stay colic to some degree for the next couple of months.

Hearing and reaction to sounds

The baby's hearing has become much better and plays a leading role in mental development. The baby listens to music with pleasure, showing his preferences through active babbling and movement. It is recommended to include classical compositions for 30-40 minutes a day.

Reading poetry allows you to introduce the baby to a sense of rhythm and involve him in the development of speech abilities. Along with the usual dialogue, nursery rhymes and poems expand the information base of the crumbs. One of the methods of ultra-early development (Glen Doman's approach) suggests starting learning at this age using cards on which objects are drawn. Seeing the picture and hearing the name, the child will gradually form a knowledge base. But even without cards, with simple conversation and developmental activities, you can achieve excellent success.

During this period, the sound environment of the baby is important. Try to avoid the presence of unnatural noise (TV, radio)

Loud, sharp sounds can frighten the baby, so try to maintain a calm environment.

When to worry

It can be difficult to determine whether a baby is experiencing "normal development." We suggest you pay attention to several points:

If your baby is showing signs of excessive spitting up , projectile vomiting, blood in the stool , not gaining weight , or refusing to eat, you should seek medical attention .

Colic typically starts around 3 weeks of age, so you can keep track of how long your baby cries and when it usually happens. Colicky babies may have periods of crying that last two to three hours a day, especially at night.

Colic usually starts around 3 weeks of age, so keep an eye on how long your baby cries and when it might happen.

Take care of yourself and your baby! Be healthy!

Explore Further: Week 4