Baby Development at 36 Weeks: Milestones and Care Guidance

36-Week-Old Baby Development: A Milestone-Filled Journey

As your baby reaches the 36-week mark, a world of new milestones awaits. This period, roughly around 9 months, is an exciting time for both parents and babies. Here's a guide to help you navigate this stage.

Teething and Eating

Your little one may start teething, which could make them prefer soft foods over hard solids. Teething jelly can be given to soothe the pain. Offering finger foods or snacks can also help stimulate their pincer grasp.

Sleep and Movement

Prepare for napping on the go as your baby may doze off unexpectedly. At 36 weeks, your baby may attempt to stand by holding onto furniture, and they might even try to walk with support or take a few steps.

However, it's essential to keep an eye out for any signs of concern. If your baby is not moving around a lot, is unable to sit properly without support, has a low appetite consistently, or has a fever over 100.4 degrees Celsius, consult a doctor immediately.

Communication and Interaction

At 36 weeks, your baby may utter their first words, such as 'bankee' for a blanket or some made-up versions of 'uh' for up. They may also exhibit separation anxiety, so it's important to be patient and comforting during this time.

Playtime and Learning

Your baby needs playtime too! Spending time in nature, such as lying on the grass and describing sounds, can help develop their observational skills. Games like Fruit Faces, where you cut up fruit and make faces, can nurture their observation and hearing.

During breastfeeding, your baby might get distracted. Engaging them by talking with them can help keep them focused.

Check-ups and Monitoring

A pediatrician may assess your baby's movement, grasping, playing, and eating patterns during a check-up. It's crucial to monitor their motor skills, communication attempts, social interaction, and sensory responsiveness during this stage.

Cognitive, Social, and Emotional Development

At 36 weeks, your baby's cognitive, social and emotional, and physical development are in full swing. In Germany, a baby at this age is typically expected to show developmental milestones such as sitting without support, beginning to crawl, babbling or making repetitive sounds, responding to their name, and showing increased curiosity and interaction with their environment.

Stay Patient and Flexible

Remember, every baby develops at their own pace. Your baby's development may appear to have rapid growth spurts or developmental delays, but it's important to remain patient and flexible as a parent.

As you navigate this exciting stage, enjoy every moment and cherish the milestones your baby reaches.