5 Week Old Baby Milestones 👶
Don’t Overclean Baby
You may notice your little one putting everything in his mouth. While this can seem gross and even scary, know that this actually helps inform his immune system. According to the hygiene hypothesis, researchers believe that organisms (like bacteria, viruses, and even worms) that are found in dust and dirt, encourage a healthy immune system.
Of course, you want to be smart about it and not expose baby to filthy floors or unsafe environments. The point is, don’t feel that you need to sanitize everything. You also want to limit baths to no more than 1 to 2 times per week, using only simple soap to clean.
A Spa Day for Baby
Massage is more than a form of relaxation—all babies, particularly low birthweight babies, thrive when exposed to human touch. In fact, over 100 studies confirm infant massage helps with everything from gas, to colic, to sleeping problems. Even just five minutes per diaper change is enough to reap the benefits. Learn how to give baby a massage here.
5 week old baby Skylar Selene Mama Natural Baby Tracker Reader photo of 5 week old baby Skylar Selene.
You at 5 Weeks Postpartum 👩
This week you may find yourself venturing out of the house, and entering the land of the living. For a first time mama, this can be scary and exciting all at once. But, trust me, this is good for both baby and mama.
Babies who get outside:
- Sleep longer, because the natural light helps strengthen their circadian rhythms
- Get sick less frequently, because germs don’t circulate and prosper as much as they do indoors
- Have higher levels of vitamin D from the sunshine
- Develop more robust microbiomes from being exposed to all of the elements in the natural world
Mamas also benefit from getting outside, since they get more exercise, boost endorphins, crush feelings of isolation, and feel more connected to their community and to life in general.
So get outside! Even if it’s winter, bundle up your little one and go for it! Some tips include:
- Take baby on a stroller or babywearing adventure. Plan it a little before naptime, so baby is awake and stimulated by all of the sounds and sights, and can then doze off while mama gets a little exercise. (Just don’t overdo it—your postpartum bleeding, or lochia, may worsen.)
- Put a clean blanket down on grass or dirt for a little tummy time. (Be sure the grass wasn’t recently sprayed with pesticides.)
- Head to a destination like the grocery store to multitask, but avoid heavily trafficked and germy places like public libraries, hospitals, and communal sandboxes.
- If the weather is cold, be sure baby has a hat on and is bundled appropriately. If it’s hot outside, don’t overdress baby—this leads to discomfort and fussiness.
- If the temperature is below 25 degrees or above 85 degrees fahrenheit, wait until the weather is more moderate.