As your baby turns 5 weeks old, you might still be on the healing process, but things are starting to get better now.

How is my 5 week old developing?

If your baby is of average size at birth, he/she will weigh around 9 1/4 pounds and will measure around 21 ¼ inches. If you want to know more about your baby’s growth, here are some of the things you can watch out for:

• Your baby may start to recognize your voice.

You will notice that he/she begins to connect with you. For instance, your baby starts to open and close his mouth or even bob his head every time you speak. In some cases, they may even respond to you with his/her own sounds. You might also notice that your baby would easily calm down when they hear voices, especially that of a soothing, female voice like yours.

TIP:  Try talking in high pitched, low pitched, loud, soft and funny voice.  Babies like the contrast and think it’s funny!  Also, babies love the Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes because of it’s flashing lights and sounds!

• Your baby will be able to hold his/her head steady for a short time

Since your baby’s neck muscles are getting stronger, they can their head up even for just a brief period of time. In fact, you will see that your baby can already lift his/her head for a few moments while lying on your stomach. If you want to further strengthen the neck muscles, try putting your baby on their tummy or back. If you do this in various positions when he/she is awake, their neck muscles will gradually develop. Prior to that, your baby can support his/her head although it can be a bit wobbly. You would soon see the difference if you try that simple exercise for your baby.

A boppy pillow is a great thing to consider at this point.  It allows them to lay comfortably, as well as move into different positions.

• Your baby will begin to perform voluntary actions.

You would also see that your baby’s actions become more voluntary as reflexes start to disappear. He/she may touch or push objects. Your baby will also begin to grasp and release objects. For instance, your baby may grasp your finger, find its way to your mouth and then they will begin sucking. When your baby cries, just give him/her a pacifier and they will simply quiet down as soon as they suck the pacifier.

• Your baby may also begin to stretch out.

When babies are newly born, they usually spend most of the time in fetal position. But when they reach 5 weeks, your baby would start to stretch their body in other positions. He/she may bend his/her back, throw out their arms and legs, and twist their body from side to side.

• Your baby begins to see clearly.

At 5 weeks, your child can already see clearly from 18 inches. But then again, they don’t have enough control over his/her muscles. Here, you would notice that your baby would already start to recognize your face. His/her memory for objects continues to grow. They would also love to watch another person and wave an arm in the direction of what his/her eyes can see.

TIP:  Try showing them a baby picture book with contrasts in color.  They like patterns, shapes and colors such as reds, blacks and whites, maybe even primary colors as this point!

• Your baby shows their first smile.

At this stage, your baby will already begin to show that beautiful, toothless smile. By talking to him/her, they can already respond to you with that heartwarming smile. Babies are truly angels. Parents who are caught up with a lot of work may find themselves relieved of their stress once they capture their babies’ smile.

• Your baby may begin to sleep longer at night.

Between 5 weeks and 6 months of age, your baby will start to sleep longer during night time. This ranges from 4 to 6 hours.

• Highly recommended toy

Your baby is becoming more aware of their surroundings each day.  Therefore, a play mat is a great thing to consider.  With this toy, they can explore new sights, sounds, and colors, and also keep themselves highly entertained!

As you can see, your baby’s development is progressing very quickly.  If you want to keep up with these developments and see what’s ahead, check out these great baby milestone books!  However, remember that every baby is unique. Each of them will meet their milestones at their own pace.