Learning About Stages of Development, Babies Born at 35 to 37 Weeks
Babies born at 35 to 37 weeks are close to full term, but they may still need extra time and support as they continue to grow and develop. Every baby is different, but here are some things you may notice. At this stage your baby may: Grasp your...
What can you expect when your baby is born at 35 to 37 weeks?
Babies born at 35 to 37 weeks are close to full term, but they may still need extra time and support as they continue to grow and develop. Every baby is different, but here are some things you may notice.
At this stage your baby may:
- Grasp your finger.
- Suck on a pacifier.
- Communicate with facial expressions, movement, and vital signs (such as breathing and heart rate).
- Stay awake more around feeding and caregiving times.
- Enjoy interacting with you.
What can you do to help your baby develop?
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.
Contact with you is an important part of your baby’s development. Be sure to talk, read, or sing to your baby often. Your baby likes to hear your voice and feel you close by.
Try to keep your baby comfortable. For example, avoid bright lights and try rocking your baby to soothe them. Help your baby bring their hands to their face for self-soothing. You may find that your baby interacts and feeds better when positioned with their arms and legs tucked in (nested).
Spend time face-to-face with your baby. They prefer looking at your face and hearing your voice rather than being around toys. Keep things calm by avoiding bright lights and too much activity at once, as your baby can become overstimulated easily at this age.
Your baby may enjoy different types of touch at this age. Hold your baby skin-to-skin as much as you can. Infant massage helps you provide positive touch.
Your baby likes smelling you. Your scent is comforting and reduces stress. Do not wear perfumes or colognes or use strong soaps.
Your baby may be trying tastes of milk, breastfeeding, or small bottle feedings. Your baby's care team will guide you on when and how to start and will help you learn your baby's feeding cues. Feeding takes a lot of energy, so don't be discouraged if your baby doesn't like breast or bottle feeding right away.