Your baby's 6 Week Developmental Milestones

This age is acknowledged as a huge milestone in many parents' experience. Your baby's personality really begins to emerge as they start to interact with the world around them. It can be incredibly validating to talk to your baby and have them begin to smile or babble back.

Regardless, this may not be the only development you will see in your baby. As a brief overview, your baby's development may include the following.

Physical

At about six weeks of age, some of the physical milestones you may see your baby achieve include the following:

●      Your baby may show improved head control, from tummy time to being held upright.

●      From finding their hand to shoving their fingers in the mouth, your baby will have endless hours of fun exploring what their limbs can do.

●      No more smiling just from passing gas, your baby will now show joy at your words and actions.

●      Your baby may enter their first major growth spurt. This may result in a few days of very normal cluster feeding. It may even mean you’ll be spending a few quiet days at home on the couch feeding.

Cognitive

At the six week mark, babies begin to develop their cognitive skills. They may become more aware of their surroundings and become more interested in external stimuli. Some cognitive milestones your baby may exhibit at this age may include:

●      Your baby’s vision may become more refined, from tracking objects that move to an increased interest in bright lights or colours.

●      Babies may have the enhanced ability to recognise familiar faces, especially those of their parents or caregivers.

●      Around six weeks old, most babies may begin to coo and babble as a form of early communication.

●      Displaying brief periods of focused attention such as staring at particular objects or people for an extended period.

Emotional

For most babies at six weeks, they may begin to show signs of emotional development which may include:

●     Crying usually peaks in consistency at this age, which means there may be a few noisy weeks ahead. Your baby may develop different cries for different needs, for example, tiredness, hunger or discomfort.

●     Exhibiting more responsive behaviours, which may include turning when hearing familiar voices, or showcasing a sense of calm when being held.

●     Babies at this age may begin to show attachment signals such as wanting physical closeness, showing signs of comfort about familiar people or reaching out towards parents.

Communication

As your little one gets a grasp on their communication skills, some communication milestones you may notice at this age include the following:

●      While babies at this age can’t form cohesive sentences, that doesn’t stop them from trying! Babies may try to initiate conversations by making sounds, waiting for responses or pausing during conversations.

●      Your six week old may be able to respond to you by displaying responsive movements such as waving their arms or kicking their legs.

●      Babies around six weeks old may display longer periods of engagement and alertness when interacting.

Social

As your baby continues to develop, they may show increased signs of socialising. Some social milestones they may display at this age include:

●      Most babies may display signs of happiness when they are approached by a familiar face.

●      They may start looking at your face and maintaining eye contact.

●      Calming down when they are spoken to or picked up.

●      Babies at this age may become more aware of their social environment.

Milestones to monitor

It's crucial to understand that each baby follows their own unique developmental path, and there's a broad range of what's considered normal. In some instances, it may be important to be aware of potential delays in your baby's developmental milestones. 

Some of the following are common signs that may need a follow-up:

●      If your little one is experiencing frequent crying episodes or doesn’t cry at all.

●      If your baby isn't feeding well or has inadequate weight gain.

●      If they seem unusually tired or deviate from their typical sleep patterns.

●      If your baby is sleeping more than usual for their age.

●      If they seem to have limited limb movement.

●      If your baby doesn’t respond to bright light and visual stimuli.

●      If they aren't following your face or reacting to their surroundings.

●      If your baby isn't reacting to sounds or turning their head toward noises.

●      Displaying signs of illness, including fevers or difficulty breathing, seek medical attention immediately.

If you notice any of these signs, consider discussing your concerns with your GP, child health or Well Child nurse. They can provide the right guidance and support tailored to your baby’s requirements. Early intervention and open communication can make a positive difference in your child's development. 

Playtime is a great opportunity for your baby to continue to develop their skills and milestones. It also provides you with an opportunity to bond with your baby through each interaction.

Some ways you can interact with your baby include:

●      Practising tummy time and using a baby-safe mirror for them to see their reflection.

●      Spending time engaging in face-to-face interactions.

●      Introducing toys that have contrasting colours or bold patterns.

●      Playing soft sounds or music in the background to create a comforting environment.

●      Describing your own daily activities or routine.

Continue to learn their hunger and tired cues and respond with feeds and sleep. Don’t forget that babies at this age are unpredictable. You’ll need to be flexible in your approach to everyday life and let your baby lead.

Feed

Around this time your baby may start to show signs of having a more regular pattern to their day. This could be noticing they feed to sleep and don't need another feed until their next nap, or constantly wanting to play when they first wake. Continue to demand feed and don't be alarmed if you find one day things follow a pattern, and the next you're feeding all day. It's normal behaviour during the first 12 weeks, sometimes called the fourth trimester.

Play

After feeding, play with your baby to keep them awake and learning. Your baby's growing brain is interested in learning more about the world around them, and at this age, babies love to hear you talk. This encourages them to respond and with time they'll become more interactive. 

Sleep

After being awake for an hour or so, your baby may start to show sleepy cues. Reduce the distractions around them so they don't get overstimulated and become fussy.

Babies nap many times during the day and much like us, no two days will be the same. However, around this age, they can start to find more of a pattern to their day so follow your baby's cues and look at the length of time spent awake to help you better gauge their next feed/sleep.

Finding a good rhythm

As your baby grows, their daily pattern may become more predictable. By following their pattern, you can help your baby learn when it's feed time versus sleep time. Their day/night circadian rhythm doesn't develop until more like 12 to 16 weeks so there is no need to create a routine.

Most babies will not be predictable at 6 weeks old and may have short bursts of feeding and sleeping in the early hours of the morning. Working on getting to know their day pattern is more helpful than their night pattern. For nights, do whatever is needed to keep your baby comfortable and settled. 

At 6 weeks old, your baby may experience increased crying, fussiness, and colic symptoms. In fact, 6 weeks is a peak period for colic. Often this fussing and crying peaks in the evening which has led this time to be nicknamed “the witching hour”.

Crying

Although experts are not too sure why babies cry more during this time, you may find a peak in noisiness at 6 weeks. Some believe the increase in awareness at this time makes babies easily overstimulated, and by crying they can vent some of these frustrations. 

The best thing you can do is be patient and use your preferred soothing method to calm them down. If frustration creeps in or you’re on the point of exhaustion, lean on your support network to help you. This is the perfect time to take them up on the “Can I do anything to help?” question. Yes, some laundry, cooking, and cleaning please.

Vaccinations

Vaccines are typically given by a doctor or nurse through an injection in the arm or leg or by using liquid drops in their mouth. The schedule is deliberately spaced to boost your child’s immunity.

In Australia, the National Immunisation Program Schedule provides the childhood immunisations recommended for all children, free of charge. It is common for babies in Australia to receive the first of the following vaccinations from 5 and 6 weeks:

Diphtheria tetanus whooping cough polio hepatitis B hib vaccine
1 injection from 5 weeks, at 4 months and 6 months.

Rotavirus

Liquid drops at 6 weeks and 4 months

Pneumococcal disease

1 injection at 6 weeks, at 4 months and 12 months.

Meningococcal B

1 injection at 6 weeks, at 4 months and 12 months.

Speak to your child health nurse, doctor or healthcare professional with any questions you may have about immunisations.

In Aotearoa New Zealand, the National Immunisation Schedule sets out the free vaccines offered to babies, tamariki, teenagers and adults. From 5 and 6 weeks it is common for babies in New Zealand to receive the first of these vaccinations:

Diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, hepatitis B, and hib vaccine
1 injection from 5 weeks, at 3 months and 5 months.

Rotavirus

Liquid drops from 6 weeks and at 3 months

Pneumococcal disease

1 injection from 6 weeks, at 5 months and 12 months.

Speak to your Well Child provider, doctor or healthcare professional with any questions you may have about immunisations.

Immunisation pain relief

If you can’t relieve your child’s pain by comforting them, helping them to relax, distracting them or providing a cool compress, pain-relieving medicines may help.

In Australia, over-the-counter Paracetamol can be used for mild to moderate pain in babies over one month old and is administered with a dropper.

In New Zealand, over-the-counter Pamol paracetamol can be given to babies over 3 months and all dosing under 12 months is based on the baby's weight. So you will need a script from your GP with a weight and dosage breakdown.

Only use paracetamol if you have been advised to do so following vaccination. It is available over the counter if your baby is over 3 months old. If your baby is younger than this, and inconsolable, it is advised to call the vaccination medical practice for further advice. Always follow the written instructions carefully as the dosage is very small at this young age. Your pharmacist can advise you if needed.

Changes in poo

Around this age, it is normal to see your baby's poo frequency change. They might go from pooping once per feed to more like once or twice a day. Some babies, especially breastfed babies, can go up to a week! This process is normal as their gut matures and becomes more efficient.

From around day 3 to 4 you will have noticed your baby's poos change from green/brown to yellow/orange and often it will have little seed-like pips in it. This is what we expect to see every time they pass a bowel motion. Minor fluctuations in consistency or colour can occur depending on things like what you have eaten, or how much the baby has drunk. 

Consistency is the most important feature in newborn poo with pumpkin soup to toothpaste-like texture considered normal. Constipation is when poos become hard like pellets or firmer than toothpaste causing baby discomfort. If you notice red, black, or white/clay coloured poos or anything outside of the baby's normal, please see your Child and Family Health nurse or visit your doctor.

Congestion

It is common for babies to get congested, even if they are not sick. Watch their health carefully and if symptoms like a stuffy nose persist or are accompanied by other symptoms this may be a sign of a respiratory virus, environmental irritants, or allergies, all of which can range from mild to severe.

In the case of a respiratory syncytial virus, the cold-like symptoms will last for 1 to 2 weeks. It is best to talk to a healthcare professional for advice.

Medicine

At this age, you should only ever give your baby medicine that has been recommended by a doctor. This is because their liver and digestive system are very immature and take longer to clear certain medications. 

It’s extremely important that no medications for adults or older children be given to your baby. If you think your baby needs medicine at 6 weeks old, always talk to a healthcare professional first.

Self-care tips for parents 

While it has only been a short time since your baby's birth, it can feel like forever. Juggling a 6 week old can be busy and challenging at times, so endeavour to take time out to care for yourself when possible!

Some self-care tips include:

●     Getting some rest! If your baby is down for a nap, that is the best time for you to take one to catch up on sleep.

●     Set up a support network. Daily tasks can be made easier with someone to help, and you can nap when a loved one is taking care of the baby.

●     Stay active and go outside. Fresh air and exercise can do a lot to boost your serotonin levels. You can even take your little one out of the house with you, and the pram or carrier are great nap spots!

●     Keep an eye out for postnatal depression. If you feel sad or anxious as a new mother, it is best to see your GP, for a referral to a psychiatrist, therapist or mental health professional for support and care. Postnatal depression is more common than you think, and remember, you are not alone. 

If you are concerned about your baby's development, do not hesitate to ask a professional for advice. Your GP, child health or Well Child nurse will have plenty of information available on any question you have.

This time with your baby can be both exciting and exhausting, but there is nothing quite like seeing your baby smile at you for the first time. 

All your questions and concerns are valid, but just as every baby develops differently, so does your parenting style. Only with time will you become more confident in taking care of your baby, but you should celebrate the progress you have made so far!