mom hugs her cutest baby

Your Baby's Daily Routine 8-12 Weeks

Between 8-12 weeks, a definite pattern will have emerged. Your baby is now much more predictable. This is because you have probably learnt to recognise their signs of hunger, tiredness and overstimulation and know when to settle them to sleep. They may also be starting to learn to soothe and settle themselves. They are more responsive to people and the environment around them.

Your baby is now more efficient at feeding (with about 5-6 feeds in 24 hours), they are sleeping for shorter periods during the day (perhaps 1½ hours at a time) and for longer at night (maybe 3-5 hours). They will have 2-3 playtimes during the day, lasting about ½ hour each time, either before or after feeds.

At this age, it’s even more important to use different tones in your speech. Baby will learn to copy you and will often use the different tones in their voice to indicate excitement or tiredness.

Young father playing with his daughter inside with toys

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Play on the floor will now be more active. Put toys out in front of them, get down on the floor and play with them, roll coloured musical balls across their line of vision.

When they’re on their tummy, they will put their arms on the floor and push to support their head as they lift it and turn from right to left to follow the toys or your face – rather than just following with their eyes. While on their tummy they will also enjoy looking at their own reflection in a mirror toy propped in front of them (make sure it’s unbreakable).

Also make sure they have some time lying on their back on the floor, perhaps with an activity gym above so they can start to reach out towards the toys. Or sit them in a rocker chair or bouncer with an activity gym.

At this age, it’s even more important to use different tones in your speech. Baby will learn to copy you and will often use the different tones in their voice to indicate excitement or tiredness. Now is a good age to enjoy activities such as singing, nursery rhymes and games like ‘Peek a Boo.’

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