Your Baby Week 40

Babies get hurt. Just like all of us. And your baby may seem to have a new scrape every day. This is because of how active your baby is becoming. He is exploring more, playing with new things, and doesn't yet understand fear.

It is probably a good idea to get a first aid kit to keep handy, possibly one for home and one to put in the car. Make sure the first aid kit has all the essentials. You will need Band-Aids of multiple sizes and types, gauze or a cloth for applying pressure on a cut, a pair of tweezers, and ointment or gel to apply to a scrape or cut. If you can find some, there are packages that get cold when you break them, which will make for an instant ice pack. If you are concerned about your baby's injury, be sure to call your doctor immediately.

Week 40 Milestones

Your baby is talking! Not only can he say "mama" and "dada", but he can possibly say one other word that means something. It will probably be a nothing two syllable word, but the sky is the limit. You may hear him trying to say the names of other family members, like grandparents!

What Might Concern You at 40 Weeks

Has your baby started to pitch fits and have tantrums? Not all babies go to the extreme on this, but there are a few that will and it might get a bit scary. Your baby might start throwing toys, and although he can't throw far, if someone is near by it might be dangerous.

What is more scary is if your baby starts throwing himself back on the ground, hitting his head on walls or on the floor in an effort to get your attention when he is upset. Generally this works because as parents we don't want our children to hurt themselves.

If you are at home a good idea might be to have a play pen stashed somewhere handy so that if your baby begins to act out, you can put him in a safe place where he won't get hurt. If you are out you could strap him in his car seat or stroller until he calms down. Be careful about picking up and soothing your baby or giving him what he wants. He may start to associate tantrums, with getting his way. That could make it a hard habit to break.

This time last year...

You were 28 Weeks Pregnant!   Can you believe it? Time flies too fast! Be sure you start chronicling these infant memories now by creating your free baby journal today!

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