New parents have thousands of questions about how to give their baby the best start in life.
📝“Did you know that your baby is developing memory from as young as two or three weeks of age?
A baby as young as two or three weeks will remember your smell.
You’ve asked me lots of questions that many parents have about their young child growing up and I’m here to answer them.
📍How often should I feed my baby?
Newborns typically need to be fed every 2 to 3 hours, or whenever they show signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking on their fists. As your baby grows, the feeding frequency will decrease, and you can gradually increase the amount of milk or formula at each feeding.
📍How do I know if my baby is getting enough milk or formula?
You can assess if your baby is getting enough nourishment by monitoring their weight gain, wet diapers, and bowel movements. Consult your pediatrician to understand the specific guidelines for your baby's age and feeding method.
📍How much sleep does my baby need?
Newborns sleep for about 16 to 17 hours a day, typically in short stretches of a few hours. As they grow, their sleep patterns will change, and they will start sleeping for longer stretches at night. However, each baby is different, and their sleep needs may vary.
📍How do I soothe a crying baby?
Crying is a common way for babies to communicate their needs. You can try various methods to soothe your baby, such as rocking, swaddling, gentle bouncing, singing, or offering a pacifier. It may take some trial and error to figure out what works best for your baby.
📍How do I establish a sleep routine?
Establishing a sleep routine can help your baby develop healthy sleep habits. Start by creating a calm and consistent bedtime routine, such as giving them a warm bath, reading a book, or singing a lullaby. Put your baby down to sleep while drowsy but still awake to encourage self-soothing.
📍When should I start introducing solid foods?
Most babies are ready for solid foods around 6 months of age. Signs of readiness include being able to sit up with support, showing interest in food, and being able to move food from the front to the back of the mouth. Consult with your pediatrician for specific recommendations.
📍How can I promote my baby's development?
You can promote your baby's development through various activities and interactions. Offer plenty of tummy time to help strengthen their muscles, engage in gentle play to stimulate their senses, talk and sing to them to encourage language development, and provide age-appropriate toys and stimuli to explore. Remember that each baby develops at their own pace, so focus on creating a loving and stimulating environment for them to thrive in.
Yours, Lakshmi Biswas