7 Week Old Newborn Development: Play with Your Baby

Weak, red, wrinkly, puffy, leaky. The baby? No, you. Why didn't someone tell you postpartum symptoms could last this long? The good news is that any pain and symptoms you're experiencing will gradually subside and, over time, those stretch marks will likely become less noticeable. The better news? Leggings are in!
What You're Thinking: "No one will notice that I'm still sporting maternity jeans, right?"

• Your baby is staying awake and alert for longer times now. These "quiet and alert" moments are prime learning time, so seize the opportunity to interact. Hold her close and sing her a song or nursery rhyme, read her a story or a People magazine article. It doesn't matter what you read, she just likes the sound of your voice. Heck, you can even recite the lines from that poem by "what's his face" your English teacher made you memorize in seventh grade.
• Your baby might be able to track objects moving past the middle of her face now. That means she can watch as you slowly move a toy from one side of his field of view to the other. (Try the same trick with your partner and a can of beer or a Krispy Kreme!)
• Though your baby may enjoy gentle music, be careful to avoid over-stimulation. It's likely to make her tired, and by now you know that tired babies tend to be cranky babies, which tend to make cranky parents, which tend to make cranky baristas at your local coffee shop, which tend to make ...
• Also, keep singing, talking and playing with your baby (or start now if you haven't already!). She'll enjoy these brief periods of stimulation and you'll enjoy having a conversation that isn't directed at the guests on Jerry Springer.

• You turned to your partner this morning and said, "Have I told you lately how much I love ... shopping online?"
• Your mother-in-law gave you parenting advice and you actually considered what she said (although you also rolled your eyes at the 10 other things she suggested today).
• You gave up your long-standing rule about the kitchen sink being empty before you go to sleep every night. (OK, you gave this one up the first week and you're just acknowledging it now.)
• You updated that baby book you received as a gift, and felt deservedly proud of yourself for doing so!
• You're no longer jealous that your baby prefers to lie on your partner's chest (now you're just happy to watch daddy bonding with baby).

Say "so long" to the days when your worst stain problem was a smear of chocolate on your white capris. Babies come with their own brand of stains—and trust us, none of them smell as sweet as a Snickers. Fortunately, there are almost as many baby stain removal tips as there are baby stains. Almost ... Read more ...

• What are good activities to encourage my newborn's healthy development?
• How do I help my newborn develop a normal, healthy sleep pattern?
• 10 Great Parenting Books
• Scouting "Safe Places" to Breastfeed and Change Diapers
• Getting Vaccine Information

Do It: Tony Chestnut
Sing this little ditty to help calm, entertain and bolster baby's brain.
Buy It: Rockabye Baby Records
Rock out with baby to lullaby renditions of your favorite hit songs!
Share It: I Don't Want the Whole Village Raising My Child
Why does everyone from your mother-in-law to the guy at the post office feel the need to butt in?
Discuss It: Chat with other new mamas and papas on our Baby Board.

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All babies grow and develop at different rates. So please don't compare your kid with so-and-so's baby from across the street—you'll just drive yourself nuts. If you have any concerns, bring them up with your pediatrician at your baby's next checkup.