2 weeks

Behavior and development

How does the baby develop?

Your baby's second week won't be so different from week one. Your baby will still sleep a lot. Loud sounds like phone ringing or dog barking can not wake your baby. The baby's eyes are still very blurry, only able to see objects from a distance of 20 cm to 40 cm.

Two weeks old, your baby can recognize your voice. This is when your baby realizes that he can rely on you. Listening to your parents' voices will help your baby adjust to the new world and help her know that she is not alone. Therefore, you should talk to your baby as much as possible. Your baby will not understand what you say, but he can feel the love and protection in every word you say to him.

During the first few days of the second week, your baby may be able to slightly lift his head while lying on his back (always monitor and observe your baby while he's lying on his or her stomach).

What do you need to do to support your baby?

This is the time when the baby gradually becomes aware of everything around. You should allow your baby to observe your identities by looking at him at a close distance. You can do these in everyday baby care activities. As you feed your baby, move your head from side to side and see if your baby's eyes are watching you. This exercise can help strengthen your baby's eye muscles. Don't worry if your baby is just looking at you, his eyes often go blank and quickly sweep everything in the first few months of life.

Always talk and communicate with your baby to gradually get used to your voice and presence. Most of all, even though you don't understand what you say, your baby can feel the overwhelming love in every word and action you give to your baby. This helps the baby feel safe and peaceful.

Health and safety

What should mom discuss with the doctor?

Clean the airway by sucking the baby's nose, this will help reduce gagging and choking;

Apply antibiotic ointment to the baby's eyes to prevent gonorrhea or parasitic infection;

Measure the height, head circumference to track the development of the baby.

Mother should know more?

At this stage, your baby can get jaundice. This is very common, especially in premature babies or some breastfed babies.

Jaundice is yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes. Most of the jaundice cases are due to the incomplete liver of a newborn that cannot remove bilirubin from the blood. High levels of bilirubin in the blood can cause the skin to turn yellow. Premature babies and infants with genetic diseases or infections are more likely to develop jaundice.

Signs of jaundice include the baby's face turning yellow, then the skin of the chest, abdomen and finally the legs. If your baby has dark skin color, you can tell if your baby has jaundice by observing the yellow color in the whites of his eyes or on his gums. Another sign of whether your baby has jaundice: gently press the baby's nose or forehead with your finger. If this happens, your baby's skin will turn yellow as soon as you lift your hand.

To diagnose jaundice, in addition to visual observation, the doctor may also take a small amount of blood from the baby's heel to check the bilirubin concentration.

Most cases of neonatal jaundice do not require treatment and usually go away on their own within two weeks. Because bilirubin is excreted mainly in the feces, so doctors recommend that mothers should breastfeed more if the baby has jaundice. Babies suck up a lot, from which bilirubin is excreted more.

If your baby has severe jaundice, light therapy may be prescribed to remove bilirubin.

Do not worry too much if your baby has jaundice, always follow the instructions of your doctor for effective treatment.

Mother's concern

What are the things you need to care about?

In the first few weeks, what every mother must care about is the baby's weight. Will the baby be malnourished? Will the baby reach the correct weight? Why is my baby lighter than other babies?

Don't put too much pressure on this. With just a few signs, you can check if your baby has been feeding enough. Signs that your baby is getting enough breastfeeds include: you feel your breasts are empty and lighter after the feed, your baby's skin is rosy and firm, and elastic as soon as you press it down. If you are dehydrated, when pressed, your baby's skin will wrinkle before it is elastic again. When you suckle, you can listen to your baby swallowing, which shows that your baby is enjoying the sweet breast milk. Your baby has regular yellow or black stools. In addition, your baby pee wet and must change diapers 5-8 times a day. These are signs that your baby is getting enough energy and nutrients.

Whether you're breastfeeding or bottle feeding, remember that your baby's growth rates will vary from stage to stage and many babies tend to slow down at certain times.

If your baby is always full of energy, happy, active and healthy, then he or she is growing well. If you have any questions about your baby's weight, contact your doctor for advice and answers. The doctor will give advice and the most suitable nutrition for the baby.