5 wks
old
Baby
D is learning that she has hands and fingers and feet and toes. She's also
starting to talk more. Not with words, of course, but by cooing — with
increasing goos, gurgles, and grunts. This marks the beginning of her language
development. Talk to your baby often. You'll be able to keep her attention
by shifting from a low to a high pitch — the singsong style that parents in
every culture tend to use when speaking to a baby.
6 wks
old
At 6 weeks, about half of all
babies can recognize their parents, and many of those babies are so delighted
that they welcome Mom or Dad with an excited, gurgly grin. This is one of the
first signs that your baby is developing an ability
to socialize. In fact, it's called a "social smile," and it's one
of the more emotionally gratifying milestones you'll see your baby reach.
7 wks old
Your baby's hands should be
mostly open now and ready to reach out to the world. Although your baby can't
grab objects just yet, she can grasp things placed in her hands. And once she
wraps her hands around something, she might not let go so easily. She'll also
try to bat at objects, so keep potentially dangerous items far from her reach.
This means not holding hot liquids or sharp objects while you're holding her.
8 wks
old
Coos are your baby's way of
expressing delight, as well as exercising his vocal cords. You can carry on a
"conversation" with your baby now. When he gurgles or coos, say
something brief or coo back at him. Then wait for him to "say"
something back to you. This kind of conversational turn-taking may not sound
like much to you now, but it's actually the beginning of learning
how to talk.
