Nutrition for a 2-Week Old
Your baby is growing and needs only breast milk or iron-fortified formula -no cereal, baby food, juice or water is needed-for good nutrition. Breast fed babies usually eat every 2 to 3 hours, on demand. Formula-fed infants take about 2 to 3 ounces every 2 to 3 hours. Wash bottles in the dishwasher or by hand. You do not need to sterilize bottles if you plan to feed the baby soon after filling the bottle. If your baby gets breast milk only or less than 33 oz of formula/day, they need to take 1 dropperful every day of vitamin drops such as D-Visol to prevent vitamin D deficiency. These can be purchased over the counter.
Babies often wake regularly to feed at night. Your baby is probably gaining weight well at this time, so unless you have been instructed otherwise, you can allow your baby to sleep for longer periods at night. You should wake your baby to feed at least every 4 hours during the day, so that he can learn the difference between night and day. If your baby seems to be hungry all the time it may be just a need to suck. You may try a pacifier or your baby may find their thumb.
Most babies strain to pass bowel movements because of they lay down while stooling, which is naturally more difficult. As your baby’s digestive system matures, you may find that the frequency of BM’s decreases. Your baby may not have a bowel movement every day. As long as the stool is soft, there is no need to worry about constipation. Babies usually wet their diaper about 6 times each day.
Development and Behavior for a 2-Week Old
Your baby is probably sleeping most of the day and night. Remember: Babies should sleep on their backs! Remove all pillows, sleep positioners, stuffed animals, and quilted bedding from the crib to reduce the risk of suffocation.
Babies are beginning to use their eyes and ears more. They enjoy looking at brightly contrasted pictures but prefer gazing at human faces. Soft voices and music are pleasant to hear. Your baby will begin smiling at you in the next few weeks.
Your baby’s personality is starting to develop. Whether your baby is a fussy fellow or a quiet observer, crying is a form of communication and should be interpreted as your baby trying to tell you something. Colic is prolonged crying, usually at the end of the day and usually it is difficult to find out the reason for the crying. If you feel your baby is colicky please let us know!
Newborns need a lot of holding, cuddling, and talking to. They also require a great deal of your time and energy. This can be exhausting for a new parent. Help from friends and relatives is very important at this time. You are a very special person to your baby and owe it to them to take care of yourself. Rest when your baby sleeps and accept support from your family and friends.
Safety for a 2-Week Old
In the car, always use a rear-facing car seat in the back. Wear a seat belt yourself! Never place your baby in a seat with an airbag or in the front seat. Never leave your baby alone in the car. In the home, do not leave your baby unattended, especially on an elevated surface, or with young siblings or pets. Carefully select baby-sitters and leave emergency numbers near the phone. Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and check batteries regularly. Set your hot water heater at <120 degrees to avoid splash burns. Keep your car and home smoke free.
In the baby’s room, select a crib with slats less that 2 5/8 inches apart. Keep the side rails on cribs and the mesh sides of playpens up at all times. Do not attach pacifiers or put anything around your baby’s neck.
Next Appointment
At 2 months, your baby will receive a checkup and be measured for height, weight and head circumference and receive the Pediarix, Prevnar, Hib and Rotateq immunizations . Call our office at any time if your baby develops a fever (rectal temperature) over 100.4, has difficulty feeding, or if you have other concerns.