44-Week-Old Baby
Another week, another milestone—at least that’s what it feels like as baby gets closer to toddlerhood. Baby’s getting more mobile and understands you better than ever. (Now if you could just get a bit more sleep!) Here’s a closer look at what you can expect in 44-week-old baby development.
Growth
At 44 weeks, the average weight for baby is 18.8 pounds for girls and 20.3 pounds for boys. The average length is 28.2 inches for girls and 28.8 inches for boys. At this age, it’s common for babies to grow around half an inch in height a month.
Emerging skills
New cognitive skills abound at 44 weeks. Baby’s understanding of object permanence is improving and so is their ability to find hidden objects. While they might cry due to separation anxiety when you leave the room, they’re starting to understand that you still exist when you’re out of sight. And when you are there, they love to imitate you by pushing buttons on the remote control or “talking” on the phone. Baby’s motor skills are improving too: They’re crawling, pulling up to stand and walking while holding onto furniture—or you.
Feeding
Baby’s continuing to explore solids, although the bulk of their nutrition should still be coming from breast milk or formula. Offering more finger foods will encourage baby to self-feed and give them more opportunities to work on fine motor skills. Continue to steer clear of added sugars, foods high in salt and unpasteurized foods and drinks. Avoid juice until baby is at least one year old.
Sleep
Baby still needs around 12 to 16 hours of sleep per 24-hour period, including nine to 12 hours at night. While there might be interruptions, a consistent bedtime routine can go a long way.
Can baby watch TV?
At this age, baby learns best through hands-on experiences. Experts recommend avoiding any screen time for babies under 18 months old.
Sleep training
If you’re struggling with sleep, it’s not too late to start sleep training. There are a variety of methods out there. The Ferber method usually takes between seven and 10 days and involves coming to check on baby at longer intervals over time. There are also “no cry it out” methods that are more gradual. Just ensure to bring it up with your pediatrician first to make sure baby’s ready.
Diaper rash
Diaper rash can pop up at any time in baby's life, but the odds are pretty good that you’ll be treating diaper rash (or multiple cases of it) when baby is between 9 and 12 months old. That's because baby is now sitting for long periods of time, plus they're eating solid food, which makes their poop harsher on their skin. To handle a run-of-the-mill red diaper rash, let the area air out and give the skin time to breathe. (Just remember to lay down a towel or waterproof pad!) Use a zinc oxide-based diaper rash cream with every change to form a barrier against wetness and help the skin heal. Keep in mind, there are many kinds of rashes, so if it doesn't clear up after a few days, talk to your pediatrician.
- Journal. There are a lot of thoughts and emotions that come up while parenting, and it’s important to have an outlet. A journaling practice is a great way to destress and get your thoughts out of your head and onto paper.
- Try deep breathing. A focused breathing practice can help you keep calm amid the parenting storm. Find a quiet space, close your eyes and begin to breathe in slowly through your nose and breathe out slowly through your mouth. Focus on breathing from your stomach rather than your chest. As a thought comes to mind, bring your awareness back to your breath.
- Diaper rash cream. If that starter tube you got at your baby shower ran out and you're dealing with an uptick in rashes these days (thanks, solids!), it's time for a fresh one. These are our top picks.
- Stacking toys. Cups, building blocks and other stacking toys are great for baby’s fine motor skills. Next up, knock it down!
- Activity cube. Baby’s exploring so many skills right now, so this is the perfect versatile toy with plenty of flaps, buttons and other doodads to keep them busy.
Try playing hide-and-seek with objects this week. Hide one of baby’s toys under a blanket, for example, and encourage them to find it. As baby gets better at the game, you can make the objects a bit harder to find. It’s guaranteed entertainment—and helps baby work on an important cognitive skill: object permanence!
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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