What's New For Infants

Personality is the theme for this month. It is hard to believe that 6 months ago you delivered a baby who slept, cried, and ate all the time. It is even harder to believe it, now that your baby is playing, laughing, eating regular food, and talking to you. Your baby's personality is really starting to show now. Is he an adventuresome baby or he is content to just sit and play quietly with the toys you give him? Is he outgoing, interacting with strangers, or is he shy and quiet, choosing to hide his face in your arms when you are out?

Play peek-a-boo with your baby, tickle him, and let him explore more of the world around him, including you! Babies are fascinated by faces, eyes, noses, mouths, even glasses. Watch out for hair though, as they tend to start pulling it at this age.

Developmental Milestones*

If you place a small object on the floor, your baby might be able to rake it towards him with his fingers. Always make sure it is not something that can be swallowed or that could be harmful to your baby. If you have introduced foods other than baby cereal, your baby might be able to pick up a small piece in his hand and bring it to his mouth to eat.

What Might Concern You at 22 Weeks

Is your baby still not sleeping through the night? Believe it or not this is normal. We all awaken several times a night, it is just at some point we learn to put ourselves back to sleep. Until your baby learns how to put himself back to sleep, you will be awoken at night when he awakens.

To help your baby along, first try making sure that your baby is not sleeping too much during the day. Then you will have to decide which method you want to use to get your baby to fall asleep on his own. Some people choose the crying it out (CIO) method, where a parent basically lets their baby cry themselves back to sleep. Others choose to gradually start putting their baby to bed while the baby is still awake, letting them fall asleep on their own to begin with. If he cries, wait 5 minutes and go in, letting him know you are there, and then leave again, without picking up. Repeat this adding 5 minutes each time until the baby has fallen asleep.

A helpful hint is to get rid of the aides that the baby uses to sleep, whether it be a bottle in bed, a pacifier, or you rocking him to sleep. This may help your baby not feel like he is "missing" something, or lacking something in his schedule.

This time last year...

You were 10 Weeks Pregnant!   Can you believe it? Time flies too fast! Be sure you start chronicling these infant memories now by creating your free baby journal today!

Discover Fun Facts About Your Little One's Birthday

Want to know what your baby's birth stone and flower is? How about when you'll be attending high school graduation ceremonies? Fill out this form to find out!