August 27, 2009

Baby Development Week 4

Week 04 - Your New Baby

When you see your baby in the morning does she seem to be bigger than the day before? You aren't imagining things! Your little one is now capable of deep sleep, or non-REM sleep, during which the growth hormone somatotropin is released, so your baby really does grow while sleeping! She is also spending more time in lighter REM sleep, when dreams occur, so you may begin to notice your baby's body twitching, eyelids fluttering, and breathing increasing when she is dreaming.

Has your baby displayed the Moro, or startle, reflex? Babies are born with this protective reflex, which is triggered when the baby's head falls backward or changes position quickly. If your baby feels herself falling, she will extend both arms out sideways with palms up and thumbs flexed.She will then quickly bring both arms back together and cry. The Moro reflex gradually disappears around three months of age.

You may notice your baby is becoming a bit more interactive this week and will probably begin making wet, throaty noises that amuse you both. If your baby is fussing, she may now become quiet when you start talking to her.

Babies' eye color is a shifty thing! Most Caucasian babies are born with dark gray-blue eyes that can take weeks or months to reveal their true color. Many African-American, Asian, and Hispanic babies are born with dark gray-brown eyes that don't change color significantly, but some may start out with hazel eyes that get darker as they approach 6 months. After six or nine months of age, the eye color you see is probably what your baby will have for the rest of his or her life. However, some children's eye color is still changing after a few years.

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