3-week-old baby: Development, milestones and growth
It's the third week with your little bundle of joy! By now, you've probably settled into some semblance of a routine, albeit a chaotic one.
As you navigate the world of nappies, feeds, and sleep schedules, it’s natural to wonder about your baby’s development and milestones. What should you expect at this stage? What are the common health concerns? And how can you ensure your baby is thriving?
In this article, we’ll delve into the growth, sleep patterns, health tips, and much more to help you and your baby get through this fascinating period.
Sleep patterns in the third week
Welcome to the third week, where sleep is still a hot topic!
At this stage, your little one might be clocking in around 16-18 hours of sleep daily. However, unlike previous weeks, you might notice a slight shift in their sleep patterns. While the chunks of sleep are still brief, ranging from 2-4 hours, you might see your baby adjusting slightly to the difference between night and day.
Keep the room dark and quiet at night to support this step towards more predictable sleep patterns
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Emerging skills and milestones
Week three brings a delightful surge in your baby’s alertness. You may find your baby locking eyes with you more frequently, and their gaze might follow moving objects for brief moments. These tiny yet meaningful milestones indicate that your baby’s visual tracking is starting to develop. Additionally, during tummy time, your baby might try to lift their head and turn it from side to side—a sign of strengthening neck muscles. These jerky, seemingly uncoordinated movements are essential building blocks for future motor skills.
Health and safety of a 3-week-old baby
Common health concerns in 3-week-old babies
In the third week, some common health concerns might become more noticeable.
Reflux, where your baby spits up milk frequently, is quite typical. This happens because the valve at the top of their stomach is still developing. To manage reflux, try feeding your baby in an upright position and keeping them upright for about 20-30 minutes after feeding.
Gas is another common issue, as your baby’s digestive system matures. Symptoms include fussiness, pulling their legs towards their belly, or passing gas frequently. Gentle tummy massages, bicycling their legs, or giving them a warm bath can help alleviate some of the discomfort – as well as trying to feed them while holding baby upright.
Skin conditions like baby acne and cradle cap are also common. Baby acne appears as small red or white bumps on your baby’s face and usually clears up on its own. It’ll look like flaky or crusty patches on the scalp and can be treated by gently washing your baby’s hair with a mild baby shampoo.
Safety tips for your baby’s head and body
At three weeks old, your baby’s head is still very delicate. Always ensure their head and neck are supported when you hold them. When laying your baby down to sleep, remember to place them on their back to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). Use a firm mattress with a fitted sheet, and keep the crib free of soft toys, pillows, and loose bedding.
When it comes to car safety, ensure your baby is properly strapped into a rear-facing car seat that meets Australian safety standards. Double-check the seat’s installation to make sure it’s secure.
For bath time, never leave your baby unattended, even momentarily, and always check the water temperature to prevent burns.
Feeding your three-week-old baby
Tips for successful breastfeeding
Breastfeeding can be a beautiful bonding experience, but it can also come with its challenges.
To make breastfeeding successful, ensure you’re positioned comfortably, and your baby is latching correctly. A proper latch is crucial for effective feeding and to prevent nipple soreness. If you’re unsure about the latch, consult a lactation consultant or midwife.
Frequent feeding is normal at this stage, as your baby is growing rapidly and your milk supply is establishing. Try feeding on demand, which means feeding whenever your baby shows signs of hunger, like rooting, sucking on their hands, or becoming more alert.
Staying hydrated and eating a balanced diet will also support your milk supply.
How much should a 3-week-old baby eat?
At three weeks old, babies typically eat about 8-12 times daily. For breastfed babies, it’s harder to measure the exact amount of milk they’re getting, but trust that if your baby seems satisfied after feeding and is gaining weight, they’re getting enough.
Formula-fed babies generally consume about 150-200ml per kilogram of their body weight daily. This translates to about 60-90ml per feed, every 2-4 hours. Remember, these are general guidelines, and your baby’s needs may vary. If you have concerns about their feeding, consult your GP.
Introducing vitamin D supplements
Vitamin D is essential for your baby’s bone development and immune system. While breast milk is the best source of nutrition, it might not provide enough vitamin D on its own. The Royal Women’s Hospital recommends both breastfed and bottle-fed babies receive a Vitamin D supplement daily.
Always consult with your healthcare provider before starting any supplements.
Emotional well-being and support
Managing your emotions as a new parent
Becoming a parent is a monumental life change, and it’s natural to experience a whirlwind of emotions.
From overwhelming love to sheer exhaustion from sleep deprivation – the emotional rollercoaster can be a lot.
It’s important to acknowledge your feelings and remember to ask for help.
Sharing your experiences with friends, family, or a parenting group can provide a sense of relief and community.
If feelings of sadness or anxiety persist, it might be worth discussing with your GP or a mental health professional to ensure you’re getting the support you need.
Building a support network for yourself and your baby
Having a strong support network can make a significant difference in your parenting journey.
Surround yourself with people who offer practical help and emotional support. This can include family members, friends, or other parents who are going through similar experiences.
Joining local parenting groups or online forums can also provide a sense of connection and camaraderie.
Don’t hesitate to reach out for help with things like household chores, cooking, babysitting, or another set of arms when the baby’s crying to give yourself a much-needed break.
Prioritising self-care and physical recovery
Take care of yourself over the next few weeks. Whether you had a vaginal delivery or a C-section, your body needs time to heal.
Make sure to get plenty of rest, stay hydrated, and eat nutritious meals. Gentle exercises, like walking or postnatal yoga, can help improve your mood and physical well-being. If you had a C-section, be mindful of your incision and follow your doctor’s advice on wound care and physical activity.
Prioritising self-care also means making time for activities that rejuvenate you, even if it’s just a few minutes a day. For example, you could read a book, take a relaxing bath, or simply sit outside for a bit.
Developmental milestones
Tracking cognitive and motor skill development
At three weeks old, your baby is making significant strides in both cognitive and motor skills. You might notice your little one focusing more intently on faces and objects, especially if they’re within 20-30 centimetres of their face. This increased attention span signals their brain is developing rapidly. Their hearing is also improving, so you might see them reacting more to familiar voices and sounds.
Motor skill development is in its early stages, but you might see your baby making more deliberate movements.
While these are still mostly reflexive, you might notice them trying to bring their hands to their mouth or making little kicks and stretches.
Encouraging tummy time and play to support development
Tummy time is important for your baby’s growth and development, as it helps strengthen their neck, shoulder, and arm muscles.
Aim for a few short tummy time sessions each day, gradually increasing the duration as your baby gets stronger. Start with just a few minutes at a time on their stomach, and always supervise your baby closely. You can make tummy time more enjoyable by placing toys within their reach or lying down in front of them to engage their attention.
Incorporate play into your baby’s daily routine to stimulate their senses and encourage baby development in the early weeks. Simple activities like singing, talking, and showing them colourful toys can engage and excite them.
Remember, at this stage, your baby doesn’t need complex toys; your face, voice, and gentle touch are their favourite playthings.
Identifying signs of developmental delays or concerns
While every baby develops at their own pace, it’s important to be aware of potential signs of developmental delays.
By a few weeks old, if your baby isn’t responding to loud noises, has difficulty feeding, or seems overly floppy or stiff, it might be worth discussing with your GP. Early intervention can make a significant difference, so don’t hesitate to seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
Baby care essentials
Bathing, dressing, and grooming your baby
Bathing your baby can be a special bonding time. At three weeks old, you don’t need to bathe your baby every day; two to three times a week is usually sufficient. Follow these tips for a safe and enjoyable bath:
- Use a baby bath or clean sink with warm (not hot) water.
- Choose a gentle, baby-friendly soap.
- Never leave your baby unattended.
- Pat dry with a soft towel, focusing on creases and folds.
For dressing and grooming:
- Select soft, breathable fabrics for clothes.
- Avoid clothes with too many buttons or zippers.
- Trim your baby’s nails to prevent scratches.
- Use a soft baby brush to keep their hair tidy.
Scheduling well visits and vaccinations
Regular well visits with your GP are recommended. During these visits:
- The doctor will check weight compared to birth weight, length, and head circumference.
- Discuss feeding, sleeping, and any concerns you have.
- Schedule the first vaccinations, usually given at around six weeks.
Vaccinations protect your baby from serious diseases and are essential for their health.
Introducing dummies and other comfort objects
Dummies can soothe your 3-week-old baby, especially if they have a strong sucking reflex. Tips for introducing dummies:
- Ensure the dummy is clean and used safely.
- Avoid using a dummy as the first response to every cry.
Comfort objects, like a soft blanket or toy, can provide reassurance for most babies, but ensure they are:
- Lightweight and breathable.
- Monitored during use to prevent suffocation risks.
Parenting tips and advice for the third week
Staying organised can help you manage the many demands of parenting a newborn. Here are some practical tips to keep things running smoothly:
- Create a routine: Establish a basic daily routine for feeding, sleeping, and playtime. Flexibility is key, but a loose schedule can provide some structure.
- Prepare essentials in advance: Stock up on nappies, wipes, and clean clothes ready. Consider setting up nappy-changing stations in different parts of your home.
- Use a nappy bag checklist: Make a checklist of essentials (nappies, wipes, change of clothes, feeding supplies) to ensure you’re always prepared when leaving the house.
- Track feedings and naps: Use an app or notebook to track your baby’s feeding and sleeping patterns. This can help you identify trends and ensure your baby is getting enough rest and nutrition.
- Delegate tasks: Don’t hesitate to ask for help from family or friends. Delegating tasks like cooking, cleaning, or shopping can free up your time to focus on your baby.
Frequently asked questions
1. What can a 3-week-old baby see?
Your baby can see objects about 20-30 cm away and is drawn to high-contrast patterns. They may start following moving objects with their eyes.
2. How much should a 3-week-old baby sleep?
Expect around 16-18 hours of sleep daily in 2-4 hour bursts. Their sleep patterns are still erratic and don’t yet differentiate between night and day.
3. How often should a 3-week-old baby feed?
Typically, 8-12 times a day. Breastfed babies feed on demand, while formula-fed babies consume about 60-90 ml per feed every 2-4 hours.
4. What are common health issues for a 3-week-old baby?
- Reflux: Frequent spitting up.
- Gas: Discomfort relieved by tummy massages or leg bicycling.
- Skin conditions: Baby acne or cradle cap.
5. How can I establish a sleep routine for my 3-week-old?
- Calm sleep environment: Dark and quiet at night.
- Day/night difference: Active daytime, calm nighttime.
- Follow baby’s cues: Put them to sleep when tired.
6. What should I expect at a 3-week-old baby checkup?
- Measure growth: Weight, length, and head circumference.
- Assess development: Feeding and sleeping patterns.
- Address concerns: Discuss any questions with your paediatrician.
Sources
Dietitians Australia, Pregnancy and Breastfeeding, April 2023.
Australian Breastfeeding Association, Education, n.d
Panda, Support for New Parents, n.d
Healthy WA, Child development 0–3 months, May 2019.
Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Eye Development in Babies, n.d
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