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Infant - Week #25


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Newborn Week Twenty Five

By Angela Sawinski, edHelperBaby

Best Buddies
           Have you noticed how your baby turns to you when you speak? Those expressions of attentiveness are really gratifying after the many hard hours of baby care you've logged. A relationship that seemed rather one-sided for so long is beginning to blossom into something truly interactive. Don't be surprised if, more and more often, you feel like dropping everything just to get down on the floor and have fun with your baby.

   

Encourage Development
           You can encourage your baby's development by ensuring that he has plenty of opportunities to exercise when he is awake. Remember that your baby is a unique individual and will develop at his own pace. There are a variety of activities that you can do with your baby to help your baby discover more about his movements and environment. Here are a few suggestions:
  • Lay a large, thick non-slip mat or rug on the floor so he has room to flap with his hands, kick his feet, and roll over without hurting himself.
  • Place differently textured toys, colorful toys, or baby safe mirrors near your baby. This encourages him to lift his head, exercise his hands and legs, and reach for those objects. Mirrors help him learn more about himself. He'll love looking at his reflection!
  • Encourage him with sounds and smiles as he discovers his new skills.
       

       Your baby is also curious about his own body and what he can do with it. He might amuse himself by sucking his toes or by rolling from side to side on his tummy. Soon he'll be able to push himself forward by sticking his bottom in the air and lunging forward when he is excited. He'll also start to crawl on his stomach by inching himself forward and backward. This is an exciting time for you and your baby! You'll both be surprised to see the difference a few months makes in activity and development.

   

Baby Food
           Homemade baby food is an easy way to provide your child with healthy meals. Many families make their own baby food from organic produce. This way, you'll know what your baby is eating.

       You can use vegetables, fruits, and even meats to make purees for your baby. Keep your recipes simple.  Your baby's digestive system is unable to process spices or sugars yet, so do not add anything to the food. As your baby grows, you can adapt the recipe with salt, sugar, or pepper, but not to start with.

       Carrots are a wonderful first food, and it's easy to puree them into a baby friendly consistency. To make:
  • Wash, peel, and chop 2 carrots into small pieces
  • Boil until tender, or steam if you prefer
  • Drain and save some of the cooking liquid
  • Puree using a blender or food processor adding as much liquid as necessary
  • You can vary the consistency depending on your baby's age and ability to eat solid foods.
  • Fill 1/4 cup plastic containers or ice cube tray with the leftovers and freeze
  • To thaw - microwave for 10 seconds (check temperature before feeding)
       

       Homemade applesauce is another delicious and easy food you can make for your baby. To make:
  • Wash, peel, and core 4 pounds of apples
  • Chop into 1-inch pieces
  • Simmer apples, covered, in a large saucepan with 1/3 cup of water until apples are tender (about 10 minutes)
  • In small batches, place apples in blender and blend until smooth
  • Fill 1/4 cup plastic containers or ice cube trays with the leftovers
  • Freeze until ready for use
  • To thaw, microwave for 10 seconds (check temperature before feeding)

   

Father Bonding Idea
           There are lots of ways for Dad to be involved in playtime with your baby. Music is just one way to bond with your baby while encouraging healthy development. You can groove together to an upbeat tune or settle down with a classic lullaby for some soothing snuggle time. As you play different kinds of music for your baby, you'll notice what he responds to and what he doesn't.

   

Try This!
           Lie on the floor facing each other with you and your baby on your tummies (you will want to avoid doing this if baby has a full tummy). Make your fingers crawl like a spider. Make them disappear and reappear. Wiggle your fingers. Crawl your fingers over your baby's hands, and then make them disappear. Always say, "Here comes the spider!" Crawl your fingers on your baby's nose and then make them disappear. Always say, "Here comes the spider!"

   

Dayvian's Experience
           Dayvian is such a content baby that I knew this activity would just bring out his giggles. In all honesty, this activity should bring out at least a small smile in all babies. I played this game with Dayvian after his morning nap. As this activity engaged Dayvian's interest, his facial expressions at first were saying, "Mom,what are you doing to me?" As the activity continued and I kept telling him "Here comes the spider," Dayvian started to realize that this was supposed to be fun. That's when the giggles and his special laugh came about. It seemed as though he appreciated the extra special attention he was receiving.

   


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