Child development at 16 weeks after birth

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II Le Thanh Cam - Pediatrician - Department of Pediatrics - Neonatology - Vinmec Danang International General Hospital.
A 16-week-old baby can learn to roll over. When trying to put the baby on the stomach, the baby begins to raise the neck and shoulders with the support of the arms and helps the baby to turn up and down. This exercise will support the child's muscles to develop well and help them discover more interesting abilities of themselves. Children will learn to do this movement on their own, but it is quite a risky thing.

1. 16-week-old infant development

This week, your baby is focusing on working hard on hand-eye coordination for more flexible actions. The fine motor development of the 16-week-old infant is increasing, and the baby has better access to the objects around him, helping him to grasp objects more quickly and firmly. You can help your 16-week-old adjust this hand-eye coordination by moving a toy or object in front of your baby. At the same time, you will also be watching to see if the baby's eyes are following the object, and if the baby's hand is reaching for it.
Your baby is four months old now. You may begin to notice a lot of changes in your baby's personality, and he may peek at you more. How can I see the changes in my baby at this age? Did you know there are nine different characteristics that describe a child's temperament and how a baby responds positively and experiences the outside world. Here are nine of those characteristics:
Activity level: is the baby active, or less active? Distractions: can babies be more easily distracted, or focused? Intensity: Intense personality, or more relaxed and easygoing? Frequency of activity: can the baby have activity very often in routines, or more spontaneously? Sensitivity: High sensitivity, or little response? Accessibility: can the baby be very approachable, or more timid? Adaptability: Adapt easily, or take longer? Persistence: can the baby persevere with things, or get bored easily? Mood: can the baby be cheerful and quick to smile or more serious and pensive? From these nine personality traits, you can get to know your baby on a deeper level, and help them acquire the skill to experience the world around them in their own special way.

2. 16-week-old baby's sleep

The main reason babies have sleep degradation at four months is the fact that they have dropped their infant sleep patterns and are now sleeping the same way as adults. This major change in sleep leads to more frequent nighttime awakenings. Here are some ways you can help ease this change:
Stimulate your baby to sleep during the day. The return of pain occurs in the first weeks after giving birth, so stimulate the brain to develop and make an effort to clear these pain sensations before going to bed. You can try things like baby games, tummy time, and reading... Get some fresh air. One study found that babies who spend more time outdoors in the afternoon sleep better. Try baby massage. Massage effectively impacts levels of cortisol which is the stress hormone and stimulates melatonin production to help your baby fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer. Stick to your baby's routine, even if your baby's sleeping position looks a little different at night than during the day, help your baby sleep the same way they're used to. Any changes will be chosen by the baby himself. Try a wearable sleeping bag. Remember, a bassinet is often no longer suitable if a baby begins to roll. Because, it poses a suffocation risk, but there are many types of sleeping bags that can provide similar comfort and promote baby's sleep Ask for help. This can be an extremely tiring time (for both the baby and the mother) so don't hesitate to ask for some help while you want a good night's sleep. Above all, know that this is only a temporary phase and that your baby will soon be back to a sleep pattern that works for the whole family.

3. Time for baby to prepare complementary food

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends introducing foods to babies between 4 and 6 months. Typical first food: a cereal with a relative iron content. You can do this by mixing a small amount of cereal with formula or breast milk to make a paste. When it's time to eat, put your baby in a high chair or booster seat, scoop some cereal with a baby rubber spatula and dab a little on her lips. As your baby gets a taste of this new food, try scooping up some more and putting it in her mouth. Babies will make a natural tongue-push response when what they eat comes out, but be patient with it.
Some babies are natural eaters, in which case all you need to do is provide enough ingredients for your baby's meals. Other children are reluctant to eat, so do it slowly and don't expect them to eat much. Apply by giving your baby half a teaspoon the first few times. Children who are picky eaters often adapt to new tastes after many exposures. Within a few weeks, you can easily feed your baby other foods, such as mashed bananas, sweet potatoes, peas, and carrot puree. You can introduce your baby to vegetables first, before your baby realizes that everything edible must be delicious.

4. Food allergy in children

As your baby begins to chew on new foods, keep an eye out for allergic reactions. If food allergies or eczema run in your family, your baby may be more likely to get it. Symptoms of the disease will vary, but some common allergic reactions include itching, redness, or GI problems as well as problems such as vomiting, constipation, or diarrhea. In severe cases but very rarely, the reaction can cause anaphylaxis with severe swelling or difficulty breathing, if you find your baby gasping, wheezing or swelling, let him or her go. first aid right away.
To reduce your baby's risk of an allergic reaction, the doctor will give you some advice on certain foods, such as egg whites, cow's milk and peanut butter until the digestive system and immune system are free. The baby's translation is more developed. It also gives you the ability to recognize certain proteins in food as foreign substances and attack them, causing an allergic reaction.
One food-related condition whose symptoms may not be immediately apparent is celiac disease. This is a reaction to gluten, a protein found in many grains, and is one of the reasons why most pediatricians suggest that infants should begin their supplement with rice, which is gluten-free. cereals. These babies cannot digest gluten and at the same time may experience symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and overall fussiness. While less than one in 100 people have celiac disease, there's a good chance your baby will be diagnosed with it. If a family member has it, monitor your baby's symptoms after you give him oatmeal or other cereals, and let the doctor know if it runs in the family. friend.
If you notice unusual signs in your child, parents should take their child to a reputable medical facility for advice and examination.
Parents can take their children to Vinmec International General Hospital, which is one of the leading hospitals in the country for examination, diagnosis and treatment of digestive, urinary, and respiratory diseases. , special nutrition in infants and young children. With modern equipment, sterile space, minimizing the impact as well as the risk of disease spread. Along with that is the dedication from the doctors with professional experience with pediatric patients, making the examination no longer a concern of the parents.
If you have a need for consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals under the nationwide health system, please book an appointment on the website for service.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.

Reference sources: parents.com, mamanatural.com
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