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Your baby's nineteenth week after birth
At 19 weeks, your little one is growing and developing fast. As a parent, you might notice rapid development both mentally and physically. Although, remember that every baby is different and they grow at different pace and speed. There is no need to worry if you notice your baby achieving certain milestones faster or slower than other babies.
You might notice your little one is much more active than before. They might roll front to back and sideways. Moreover, babies have better hand-eye coordination by now. So, they’ll be able to hold their toes and may even put them in their mouth. Keep your eye on your baby as they might put objects or toys in their mouth.
Your 19-week-old baby's development and physical growth
Your baby’s weight:
- Your 19-week old baby might weigh around 14 to 15 pounds approximately.
- Plus, your little one might measure around 24 to 25 inches in height.
Your baby’s sleep:
- At this age, your little one needs 14 hours of sleep per day on average.
- Plus, they will sleep around 4 to 5 hours during the day, spread out over 3 naps.
- Your baby’s sleeping pattern might get affected by the erratic feeding schedule.
- This developmental phase will start affecting your little one’s sleep schedule for a couple of months.
- Try to comfort your little one by snuggling with them or sharing the same bed as this might ease their feeling of restless and unsettledness.
- Now your baby might need more feeding during the night so sleeping with them will give them easy access.
- Your bottle-fed little one might also get up more during the nighttime due to the general feeling of unsettledness that babies experience at this age.
- Simply work on some techniques to soothe your little one.
- To soothe your baby back to sleep, you can offer them your breast or a pacifier (limit the use of pacifiers and use when it’s required the most).
- During the night feeding sessions, place some extra pillows for support.
- This way both you and your little one feel comfortable.
Your baby’s diet:
- Your breastfed or bottle-fed baby needs to be fed every 3 to 5 hours.
- They might have started eating solid foods about 3 times per day.
- Your formula-fed baby needs to eat 4 ounces of formula about 6 times a day.
- At this age, most kids are exclusively on breast milk, but sometimes during the feeding sessions, your baby might get fussy and cranky.
- Usually, it’s due to the developmental changes that they might be going through.
- Now, your little one is much more aware of their surroundings and might get distracted easily.
- This pattern is more prominent during the day feeding sessions.
- Your little one could be feeling overwhelmed about the growth and development process.
- Don’t worry it’ll take some time for your baby to make peace with it.
- As a parent, you can soothe and calm your baby.
- Also, make sure there are no distractions, create a comfortable environment and then try feeding them.
- The good news is that this is a temporary phase, so be patient and offer to feed as and whenever your little one needs.
Your 19-week-old baby's reflexes
Here are some developmental milestones that your 19-week old baby might achieve:
- Your little one might recognize familiar faces. They might even smile at the people they see regularly.
- Your baby will become choosy and might want to stay around people they feel comfortable with. If they are around strangers, your baby might start acting fussy and irritable and might cry too.
- Although your little one doesn’t understand certain fun activities, they’ll enjoy them. So, try to sing, tell them a story, or simply hum any tune to them.
- Around this age, your baby loves to engage in activities and games. So, take some time out to play games such as peek-a-boo, itsy bitsy spider, etc.
- As your little one’s leg muscles are becoming stronger, when you hold their hands, they’ll make efforts to stand.
- At this stage, it’s a good idea to massage and engage your baby in some light exercises as it’ll strengthen their legs.
- Moreover, they might have shorter naps now. Your baby wants to spend more time being up and active.
- Additionally, do not panic if your little one is not showing the same progress pattern. Babies are unique and different, so it’s important to understand and appreciate this fact.
Your 19-week-old baby's health
Teething:
- At this stage, you might’ve noticed your little one drooling, cranky, or crying from discomfort.
- Usually, babies start to get their first teeth around this time.
- When your baby’s teething, sometimes they might get lucky and not feel any pain.
- However, they might have swollen or tender gums.
- To soothe their discomfort, give them a teething toy or ring.
- Also, to prevent a rash, wipe their mouth with a clean cloth when they’re drooling.
- Consult your pediatrician if your baby is in pain or is feeling irritable.
Conjunctivitis:
- Conjunctivitis or more commonly known as pinkeye happens when the white part of the eye and the inside of the lower eyelid turns red and inflamed.
- It’s itchy and painful and usually lasts for a week or 2.
- Usually, it’s caused by an infection, however, it can be provoked by an allergy or an irritation to something like smoke.
- Consult your healthcare provider for more information.
- Additionally, conjunctivitis is very contagious so wash your hands every time you administer any eye drops.
Vaccinations:
- Get in touch with your doctor as they might suggest a vaccination schedule for your little one.
- These vaccinations will keep your little one protected from deadly infections and diseases.
- At 19 weeks, your baby might need vaccinations for Dtap, Hepatitis B, HiB, Pneumococcal, Polio, and Rotavirus.
Postpartum baby tips: Week 19 after birth
Understanding your baby’s developmental issues
- At this stage, your little one will be fussy and cranky however these are normal developmental issues.
- Your baby will overcome all these issues with time.
- Consult your doctor if your baby is not gaining weight, eating properly, or sleeping well, or your baby is lagging in achieving the common milestones (sitting with support, rolling over, and holding things firmly with their hands).
- Although, each baby’s development index might vary if you notice any developmental issues in your baby seek your doctor’s help.
Understand the problems with your baby’s hearing
- Research suggests that at this age babies can recognize their name.
- Your baby can identify your voice and will turn their head when they hear it.
- Babies with hearing problems might have difficulty with hearing low tones, understanding certain speech sounds, or imitating the sounds that makeup speech.
- If you are concerned, consult your pediatrician and do a hearing test.
- Your pediatrician will use an otoscope to examine your baby for any physical problems. They might examine for a ruptured eardrum, or turn to one of two tests that screen small babies for hearing loss.
- So, if you’re concerned, consult your pediatrician soon.
The mother's body after childbirth: What is happening in your body in the nineteenth week after giving birth?
Your body image issues
- By now, you are setting into a routine as it’s been a few months since the birth of your baby.
- You can start thinking more about yourself and do things that are good for you.
- As a new mom, you need to take care of yourself as it can be easy to overlook your own needs.
- Start by adding healthier habits into your daily routine.
- Many new moms are quite eager to return to their pre-baby figure.
- However, you need to be patient as it takes some time to achieve a healthy weight loss after pregnancy.
- It is a slow and steady process.
- Keep in mind that your body might not look like it used to but it is truly incredible for giving birth to a new life.
Your self-care time
Here are some ideas that will help you feel good about where you’re at right now:
Healthy eating:
- Add more fiber-filled fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to your diet.
- Plus, add proteins such as chicken, eggs, or fish to your everyday meals.
- Try to limit any desserts and treats such as chocolate, chips, ice cream, candies, and cookies.
- Finally, watch your portion sizes.
Exercise:
- Into your daily routine, you can add some gentle exercise.
- However, you should start exercising only after your healthcare provider gives you the all-clear.
- You need to slowly work back towards your pre-pregnancy fitness levels.
- Gradually, build up your endurance and physical strength over time.
Me-time:
- Although it’s challenging to set aside time for yourself, it’s important to find balance.
- You need some well-deserved “me time”.
- So, make plans to go to the movies with your friends, or go on a date night with your significant other, or you can indulge in a spa treatment.
- Remember to ask for help, if you need it.
- When you’re feeling overwhelmed or just need a break, ask your partner, family, friends, or your babysitter to come to your aid.
Final Thoughts
As your little one reaches 19 weeks, they are much more aware of their surroundings. They spend their time observing and learning every day. As parents, take some time out for yourself and each other. While you’re at it, enjoy the ride as you’re watching your little one grow and develop this week!
FAQs- Your 19-Week-Old Baby: Development & Growth
1. How to choose the best high chairs for your 19-week old baby?
2. What are some toothbrushing basics for your 19-week old baby?
3. How far can a 19-week old baby see?
By now, your little one does not have 20/20 vision. However, they can see well at different distances. Also, their eyes will be able to focus together without crossing. Moreover, your baby's color perception has sharpened and they can tell the difference between two shades of the same color.
Reviewed By-
Nimrat, Pediatrics
Dr. Nimrat S Sidhu is a practicing pediatrician for about 5 years now and holds an MD pediatrics degree. She was the topper of her batch, has always had a keen interest in her core medical field, and is specially trained for neonatal resuscitation.
