Congratulations on reaching the 29-week mark with your little one! At this stage, your baby is beginning to embrace independence and is discovering personal preferences in foods, toys, and activities. Expect to hear those opinions loud and clear! This newfound assertiveness is just the beginning of their journey to self-expression.
Developmental Milestones for Your 29-Week-Old Baby
If your baby is still struggling with sleep, consider leveraging their growing independence to help both of you. While there’s much debate among parents about the “cry it out” method, many pediatricians advocate for teaching babies to self-soothe as early as possible. This phase of your baby’s development may be the perfect opportunity to explore this approach. Of course, if you feel that letting them cry isn’t suitable for your family, co-sleeping might continue to be the better alternative. It’s essential to evaluate your own beliefs, safety concerns, and your baby’s individual needs—do what feels right for you and ignore any negativity from others.
A silver lining of this stage is that your baby’s increasing self-sufficiency allows you to carve out some much-needed “me time.” Setting up your baby in an Exersaucer or a play area outside the bathroom can give you the chance to enjoy a relaxing bath. (Wine is optional!) They will likely keep themselves entertained, and even if a few tears are shed, remember that they won’t cause any lasting damage.
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In summary, at 29 weeks, your baby is developing a sense of independence and preferences. While navigating sleep challenges, consider what strategies align best with your family values, whether it’s self-soothing or co-sleeping. Embrace this opportunity for self-care, as your baby grows more capable of entertaining themselves.