32 Week Old Baby Milestones 👶
At this point, baby’s receptive language is really blossoming. You may notice that when you call her name, she turns her head to look at you. And if you’ve been using baby sign language, you may begin to notice that baby is responding to the signs you are using. For example, when you tell your little one, “I’m going to pick you up for a diaper change” (using words alone or with signs that accompany the words), she may lift her arms, signaling that she understands and is ready to follow through with the task.
And although she may still primarily respond using babbles and coos, expressive language is also making some big leaps this week. Babies typically speak their first words after their first birthday, but it could happen anywhere between now and then! Here’s how to test your little one’s expressive and receptive language at home:
- Explain what’s happening and wait for a response. When you tell your little one you’re going to pick her up, wait a few seconds to see if you get a response from her (i.e. arms raise up toward you).
- Ask questions. While she may not be able to respond in the same way you would expect from an older child, her babbles and coos are her way of responding to you.
- Keep the dialogue going. When baby babbles and coos, nod your head and even mimic her sounds back to her. This back and forth helps strengthen her expressive language development.
You are watching your baby grow into a talkative, on-the-move toddler. Foster this development as much as possible, and embrace all the changes that come with it!
32 week old baby Isabella Marie Mama Natural Baby Tracker Reader photo of 32 week old baby Isabella Marie.
You at 32 Weeks Postpartum 👩
Let’s talk about extended breastfeeding for a minute, mama. While your precious baby may only be 8 months old, believe it or not, this is considered extended breastfeeding. Keep it going, mama! There are many benefits of extended breastfeeding, including:
- Boosts immunity: Mama’s milk provides vitamins, minerals, and antibodies that can help boost your baby’s immune system.
- Boosts brain development: They call it “liquid gold” for a reason!
- Keeps mama healthy: Studies show that women who breastfeed longer, are less likely to develop breast and ovarian cancer later in life.
- More bonding time: Breastfeeding is such a beautiful way to connect and bond with your little one. Not to mention, it’s convenient (wherever you go, those boobs go with you!).
- Reduces frequency of ear infections: According to one study, just one month of breastfeeding reduced the risk of ear infections by as much as four percent and six months of breastfeeding reduced the risk of ear infections by 17 percent. It also reduces the severity and frequency of colds.
- Helps reduce SIDs risk: Studies suggest breastfeeding your baby can halve the risk of SIDS death. Scientists aren’t 100 percent sure why, but they theorize that it could be due to the fact that breastfed babies don’t sleep as deeply as formula-fed babies.
- Decreases allergies: Many allergists now recommend that mothers should eat eggs, peanuts, gluten, dairy, and other highly allergenic foods while pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Learn more about the benefits of breastfeeding for both baby and mama.
I chose to breastfeed for as long as possible. Check out my experience in extended breastfeeding with my son Griffin. While it may take some commitment (and strength with those wiggly jiggly toddlers!) extended breastfeeding can be a beautiful, memorable experience for both mama and baby!