7-Week-Old Baby

Shortly after you gave birth, it's likely that your baby was given a newborn hearing test. While most babies do pass, it’s vital that this test be done as soon as possible since babies start learning language from the get-go (long before they utter that first word). 

It’s especially important to follow up on a “failed test” (as some infants don't pass that first screening) so you can address any auditory issues quickly. If your baby failed this screening, check in with your pediatrician, and check out these resources from Hearing First.

Do you learn something new every day? Your 7-week-old baby does — and then some!

Around the 7-week mark, baby is awake and alert more often during the day, so pencil in more playtime.

Best ways to stimulate those senses? Provide plenty of opportunities for your baby to experience those surroundings through sound, sight and touch. Small doses are best (if she's fussing or squirming, she's had enough), and simple toys are all you need.

Now that your baby can track moving objects with those beautiful eyes, try slowly shifting a ball, rattle or cloth from one side to the other as she faces you. Watch as baby plays along by moving the eyes back and forth (tennis, anyone?).

Those baby blues, greens or browns are becoming more discriminating these days too. While she could once make out only bright colors and basic, two-toned patterns, she's now beginning to discern — and delight in! — more complex designs and a whole rainbow of colors.

Now's the time to break out some vibrantly colored board books or give your baby a narrated tour of your fascinating backyard.

Not only does she love the sound of your words — after all, she's been hearing them since well before she was born! — but she's also starting to be able to put your face to your voice, and those of other familiar folks.

While it may not seem like it, your baby is listening carefully and may soon try to respond with some sounds. Encourage your little talker by chatting and cooing along in a conversational pattern. No, you won't sound silly — you'll sound like a parent!

Around 8 weeks, it's time for another well-baby checkup.

At this 2-month doctor's visit, your child will be vaccinated against DTaP (diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, aka whooping cough), Hib (Haemophilus influenzae type b), IPV (polio), pneumococcal disease, Hep B (hepatitis B — the second of three doses, unless she got it at the 1-month appointment) and RV (rotavirus).

Chances are you're much more nervous than your baby, so remember: The pain of a vaccine is very temporary (feels like a pinch) and insignificant compared with the pain of the diseases the immunization is protecting against.

You can minimize the discomfort by holding and distracting your baby (studies show babies cry less this way),  breastfeeding immediately before or during the immunization, and/or using an anesthetic cream an hour earlier. Ask your pediatrician about that last remedy — it needs a prescription.

Not sure whether or not you should contact your baby's pediatrician? Follow these tips:

• For coughs and colds, check in with your doctor if your baby has a dry cough that's been hanging around for more than a week, the cough becomes wheezy or productive (meaning, she's coughing up mucus), or it seems like she’s having trouble breathing. Also call if a runny nose lasts more than about 10 days, there's green mucus from both sides of the nose for more than 10 days, or the mucus is streaked with blood.

• For constipation, call for help if your baby passes hard small balls of poop regularly or if you notice blood in the stool.

• Does your baby have diarrhea or is she vomiting? A few episodes are usually not a big deal. Seek your doctor's help if either vomiting or diarrhea (very watery, sometimes mucus-tinged stools, occurring more frequently than your child's normal pattern) lasts for more than 24 hours or is accompanied by a fever, or if the stools contain blood. Call right away if you see signs of dehydration: few or no wet diapers, urine that is dark yellow instead of clear, dry skin, lack of saliva or tears, dry lips, or sunken eyes or fontanelle (the soft spot on your baby's head).

• For babies under 2 months, call right away if a fever is 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher and go to the emergency room if you can't reach your doctor.

Unless your little one loves the water, there’s no need to bathe your baby every day — especially if she’s prone to dryness (too much tub time could dry out that tender skin).

Besides, babies don’t get dirty enough to need daily baths until they’re crawling around and eating solid (messy!) foods.

If that’s the case for your cutie, a couple of baths a week with mild soap and shampoo are plenty.

In between those rub-a-dub-dubs, you can always practice daily spot checks with a warm, wet washcloth.