Infants change rapidly, both in their physical and mental development. Many parents spend a great deal of time worrying that their baby is not developing normally. While slow development is a serious concern, you can reduce your stress by comparing the development of your baby at 10 weeks to medical standards. You should, however, remember that every baby develops differently, and small variations should be expected.
Muscles
Most babies have significantly more muscular control by the age of 10 weeks. You will see this most easily in limb movement, as the baby replaces jerky arm and leg movements with smoother and more circular motions. You can encourage this by giving your baby space to move, possibly by laying him on a blanket on the floor. Another good marker of muscular development is the head. Your baby should be able to hold her head up for at least short periods of time, and some babies can hold the head steady for long periods of time. Good muscular movements for this age include stretching and kicking, pushing up with legs while lying on the stomach and turning from the side to the back.
Interaction
One of the main changes in baby development that happens around 10 weeks is the baby's ability and interest in interacting with the world. All babies of this age should change behavior when they realize other people are around. You can expect your baby to be able to consistently follow objects that pass through her line of vision. Your 10-week baby may notice and play with his hands, and she should look at your face during feeding. Babies of this age should also react to sounds. Loud sounds may cause the baby to startle, blink, frown or wake, while more common sounds may make him move limbs or begin to suck.
Sociability
Your baby should be more social and open to meeting new people at 10 weeks. While only some babies have begun to smile and laugh by this time, you should expect any baby to respond to speaking and attention with gurgles and coos. When new people arrive, a 10-week-old baby may smile or hold out his arms. If your baby does not seem to respond well to new people, both adults and other babies, try to reintroduce the newcomers while holding the baby.
Health
You should take your baby for a 2-month checkup sometime around the age of 10 weeks. At the exam, you can expect your doctor to weigh and measure your baby to make sure the baby is growing properly. Other tests make sure your baby's heart, lungs, eyes and ears are working well. The doctor may also screen for diaper rash and other common skin conditions. You may also want to get vaccines against hepatitis B, polio, diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis and meningitis at this visit.
Encouraging Development
Hold your baby frequently and allow him to touch you as much as wanted. Such contact makes your baby feel secure. Speak openly and freely to your baby, even though she does not yet understand you. Change your baby's position regularly by holding the baby in different directions or laying the baby on his back and stomach alternately. If your baby cries, you should respond, since this is how a baby tells you about problems.
