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Premature birth

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Original poster

Development at 6weeks actual age

9 replies

AlisonL1981 · 27/04/2013 09:39

Hi, my baby was born at 32+5. He is now 6 weeks actual. We came out of the hospital after 4 weeks. I just wanted to know if anyone could give me any ideas or advice of keeping him occupied and stimulated. When he is awake what activities are relevant to his age?

We have a fisher price play may but he doesn't seem too interested in it. After feeding I talk to him and he usually just stars toward the window. I've got a few rattles but he doesn't seem bothered by those either,

I'd had still to young or should I be doing different things when he is awake?

Many thanks for any help!

OP posts:

BrienneOfTarth · 27/04/2013 09:49

He's still a bit young to be doing anything much really - even if he wasn't early it would still be a bit soon. Be patient. The favourite activities of a 6 week old will be looking at your eyes, and drinking milk.

Before motor-skills develop to be able to hold and reach, staring at something IS being occupied and stimulated. Babies often prefer simple contrasting shapes rather than lots of colours etc, so he might be really enjoying looking at the window as a pleasing shape. Everything is new to him right now, so what seems to you to be just staring is him being fascinated. I don't think think they find rattles and play mats being particularly interesting before about 3 or 4 months.

Original poster

AlisonL1981 · 27/04/2013 10:29

Thank you for the reply. I did think he's probably a little young to be doing anything much right now. I did find a story book and sit and read to him last night while I was trying to get him up sleep just so he could listen to my voice xx

OP posts:

DeepRedBetty · 27/04/2013 10:40

dtds were born at 33+5, and in retrospect did most things very much as though they'd been born on their due date. So they were frankly very very boring for the first couple of months... They steadily caught up with themselves and by the end of their first two years were completely on a par with their peers - by which time two or three months age difference is nothing, iyswim.

RueDeWakening · 27/04/2013 10:46

So his current age is still negative iyswim - he's 38 weeks gestation? If he was still inside you wouldn't be worried about keeping him stimulated yet, use the same approach for the next few weeks

DS was born at 31 weeks, and didn't do much other than eat sleep and poo until his due date, then he gradually started to wake up. Mostly I put him in a sling and got on with stuff, seemed to work out fine - he's three now.

Original poster

AlisonL1981 · 27/04/2013 11:13

Thanks ladies. I assumed he shouldn't really do much as he shouldn't be here but wanted to check! He's becoming more alert and awake (10pm-1am) wide awake the last 2 nights! X

OP posts:

mrsbugsywugsy · 29/04/2013 10:11

dd was born at 35 weeks and did nothing but eat or sleep for the first few weeks. the only thing that interested her from birth was one of those black and white mobiles which we hung above where we change her nappy.

MiaowTheCat · 30/04/2013 09:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

OrangeFootedScrubfowl · 30/04/2013 11:13

I've had a 32 & a 33 week baby and they don't do much of anything for AGES.
I think the 32 weeker started showing an interest in her playmat hanging toys at about three months, and she smiled at about 12-13 weeks too. My 33 weeker hasn't got there yet.
It is a long time to wait. Luckily I quite like that expression they always have before then, I think they look adorably thoughtful.

MichaelaS · 01/05/2013 12:58

Hi there, I agree with the other advice re not worrying too much yet. Remember for prems everything goes on a corrected age except for food which is the only thing you should do on an actual age basis.

Interesting things at that newborn age are...

staring at light and dark, eg at the corner of a room where 2 walls meet, or at pictures which are black and white.
listening to mummy's voice and getting used to how it sounds different on the outside. Mummy can be reading, singing, chatting to friends, whatever.
being cuddled so I can hear mummy's heart beat like when I was in her tummy
drinking milk
thinking about these funny feelings in my tummy when I am digesting and having a poo, which is all brand new to me.
feeling what it's like to be touched which is different to how it felt to be floating around upside down

There really is a huge amount to learn when you are newborn, but most of it is about basic body functions and adjusting to the changes from coming out of your tummy. Learning calculus and reading Shakespeare can wait for a few months /years! :-)

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