5 Months Week 2

Helping your baby sit up

So you’ve been giving baby lots of tummy time you haven’t stopped I hope. So this means that baby’s neck and back muscles are stronger now as they are essential for helping baby to sit up. Remember tummy time is as important as back time so encourage your baby to lie on her back and attempt to get up and roll around.

Come on mom bring out those half moon pillows, they are great for propping baby up but not to worry if you don’t have them, the normal ones work just as well. To prop your baby up most securely, line the corner of a room with several pillows, sit her up with her back pressed against them. In the beginning you might need to slope the pillows so that baby is leaning back just slightly rather than sitting up straight, as time goes on she will get used to the new position and you will be able to prop her in an upright manner.

Drop down to her level while reading to her, singing and making funny noises, keep her entertained so that she will enjoy sitting up. She won’t like being propped up if she’s staring at the walls. She’ll love watching you on the floor next to her rather than watching you across the room.

You can also get your baby to sit up by using your lap, she can sit facing away from you, using you as a backrest, when you read her your favorite magazine (kidding), while you read her favorite book or you can face her towards you and hold onto her hands while you sing and coo together. I know, her giggles you can’t get enough of them, but remember not to overdo it mom. Give your baby lots of practice but know when she’s had enough.

Your baby and the outside world!

Don’t ignore your partner, remember you have this bundle of joy because of him, though I bet you screamed how much you hated him in the delivery room! Pack that baby bag and hit the mall just the three of you and yes there will be lots of people there who’ll keep peeking at your baby and wanting to touch her. I know most moms don’t like that very much, for goodness sake you don’t know where those hands have been and not to mention if they attempt to kiss her even on her cheek, some even go as far commenting about her weight “she’s too big/small for her age” you’ll have a fit (I know I would) but the truth is you can’t keep your baby in a bubble. Sooner or later you’re going to have to accept that and deal with it, besides this is nothing wait until she turns two and starts eating dirt, you’ll chill a bit after that.

Also, remember if you keep your baby locked up, you’re giving her a terrible fear of the outside world. She should enjoy life and people without feeling fazed. If you are not one to talk and tell them to keep their hands off your baby, then keep lots of wipes on hand, take a deep breath and try to relax.