7-Week-Old Baby

Smiles and sounds abound as your baby soaks up stimuli and lets you know he loves the world around him.

When it comes to learning, no one does it faster than a baby. You can help by providing plenty of sensory-stimulating opportunities, but don't go overboard. An infant's circuits get overloaded pretty easily, so if your baby starts fussing or squirming he's letting you know he's had enough. Your little smarty-pants is also putting together consonants and vowels (ah-goo!) and rolling over (well, at least in one direction). He's likely smiling up a storm and maybe even laughing (the world's most delicious sound) or squealing in delight over Mommy's antics. Talk may be cheap but for a baby, conversation is invaluable, so chat him up. Tell him what you're doing ("I'm wiping your bottom!"); ask questions ("Whose toes are these?"); imitate the sounds he makes; and read aloud (his books or even yours!). For some parents, it's become clear by now that they have a challenging baby. What defines challenging? It could be an infant that's extremely active, unpredictable, high-intensity, or just seemingly unhappy. Take heart (most symptoms lessen considerably as babies grow) and there are many baby behavior strategies you can try to help your child (and yourself and your spouse in the process). Speaking of your spouse, chances are he's more than ready to resume lovemaking with you, so start slowly and don't be afraid to try strategies that'll help your body (and your mind) get back in the swing.

This time last year... You weren't even pregnant yet! Can you believe it? Time flies too fast! Be sure you start chronicling these infant memories now by creating your free baby journal today!

Your 7-Week-Old Baby:
Super Senses
At seven weeks, your baby is delighting in new sights, sounds and touches. Here's what else your newborn is up to.Do you learn something new every day? Your 7-week-old baby does — and then some! Around the seven-week mark, she's awake and alert more often during the day, so pencil her in for more playtime. Best ways to stimulate those senses? Provide plenty of opportunities for her to experience her surroundings through sound, sight, and touch. Small doses are best (if she's fussing or squirming, she's had enough), and simple toys are all you need. For example, now that she can track moving objects with her eyes, try slowly shifting a ball, rattle, or cloth from one side to the other as she faces you. Watch as she plays along by moving her eyes back and forth (tennis, anyone?).

Her baby blues (or browns) are becoming more discriminating these days, too. While she could once make out only bright colors and basic, two-toned patterns, she's now beginning to discern — and delight in! — more complex designs and a whole rainbow of colors. Now's the time to break out some vibrantly hued board books or give her a narrated tour of your fascinating backyard. Not only does she love the sound of your words (after all, she's been hearing them since well before she was born!), she's starting to be able to put your face to your voice, and those of other familiar folks like Daddy or Grandma. While it may not seem like it, she's listening carefully and may soon try to respond with some sounds of her own. Encourage her by chatting and cooing along in a conversational pattern. (No, you won't sound silly — you'll sound like a mom!)