Learning About Stages of Development, Babies Born at 31 to 34 Weeks

Babies born at 31 to 34 weeks are still developing, but they are becoming stronger. They may spend a lot of time sleeping, but they can also have short periods when they are awake and alert. Every baby is different, but here are some things you may notice.

At this stage your baby may:

• Need help to stay warm.
• Move their arms and legs around.
• Bring their hands to their mouth.
• Grasp your finger.
• Suck on a pacifier.
• Stay awake for a little while.
• Communicate with facial expressions, body movements, and vital signs (such as breathing and heart rate). You may notice some regular patterns to your baby’s communication.

You’re an important part of your baby’s care, and there are things you can do to help them.

When your nurse says it's okay, you can help with diaper changes and other daily care. Being part of your baby's care helps both of you.

Be sure to talk, read, or sing to your baby often. Your baby likes to hear your voice. Otherwise, try to keep the bedside quiet.

Hold or touch your baby skin-to-skin as soon as your doctor says it’s okay. Your baby may get their best sleep while skin-to-skin. Your baby might like some simple stroking of their head and back.

Your baby will move more. They may do more stretching and may bring their hands to their face for self-soothing. You may use soft rolls or a nest around your baby to create gentle boundaries in the bed. This helps your baby feel snug and secure, like being back in the womb.

Your baby's suck is getting stronger. Your baby needs to develop the suck, swallow, breathe reflex. When your nurse says it's okay, offer a pacifier or dry breast to your baby to practice. This is soothing and helps develop the patterns needed for breast or bottle feedings. You may also introduce small drops or tastes of breast milk or formula.

Learn your baby's cues. Watch for signs that your baby is stressed, such as hiccupping, sneezing, arching, or crying. Signs of comfort include relaxed arms and legs, hands near their face, and calm sleep.

It's a good idea to collect your breast milk. Pump your breast milk and save your early colostrum (the first form of breast milk). Give it to your neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) nurse. Even small amounts can help protect your baby. Your baby may be ready to start practicing breast or bottle feeding soon. Your baby's care team will tell you when your baby is ready.