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My Baby - Week 4
Week four is a lot like week three. Most likely, your little one has her own schedule. When she is hungry she lets you know, when she needs to be changed, well, you can figure that one out, and when she’s sleeping, she’s sleeping. Loud noises might not even stir your baby while she is asleep. If your baby made an early arrival, you have already found that premature babies come with their own set of challenges and rewards. Whether your little one is still being cared for in the NICU, or is adjusting to life at home, the added stress of a preemie baby usually means that Mom needs some special care, too. Your hospital may offer, or be able to connect you with, support groups. Check out our online communities for preemie parents to share advice and concerns. Take good care of yourself, so you'll be able to take good care of your special little arrival.
You may notice that your baby is engaging in eye contact more and more frequently; and you may see your first genuine smile, a milestone usually reached sometime between four and six weeks. He may also be holding his head up more frequently, higher, and for longer increments during tummy time.
Taking your baby out of the house
It’s best to avoid taking your new baby out of the house frequently during the first couple of months. There is a greater risk of catching a cold, RSV, or even the flu the more often they travel outside of the home, because these infections are spread by contact with other people. Of course, it’s not always practical to keep your baby sequestered inside of your home. If you do want to take your baby out in the first couple of months, try to avoid big crowds, wash your hands frequently, and encourage other people who will be handling your baby to do the same. You may also want to invest in a baby wrap or sling. This will protect your baby from other people, while also affording you maximum mobility.
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