WHAT SHOULD SHE EAT?

Have you heard of the BRAT diet? Well, this consists of bananas, rice, applesauce and toast. The BRAT diet is usually followed by mothers in western countries, for their babies who are growing- right from their 6th or 7th month onwards. In India we can substitute the applesauce for mashed apple or any other fruit. Rice and dal is the staple food on which most babies are started off in our country, and it is always the best bet when you do not know what nutrition your baby should be exactly given.

WHAT WILL SHE DO AT THIS TIME?

At 29 weeks, your baby is already a full 7 months old. At this time, she will be able to recognize that toys can be pushed and pulled and thrown on the floor, but as for people, they are able to move themselves. For her, this is an important part of her mental development, when she is able to distinguish between people and toys. She is also able to realize when you are not around her, and this is the age when she will start screaming the minute you go away from her. This is because she realizes that you form an important part of her life, and she will therefore want you around her constantly. Observe her as she plays with her toys for some time and then looks up to see whether you are there anywhere around.

She will also now ‘adopt’ her own toy, or blanket, napkin or favorite hanky and latch on it, especially when she wants to sleep. This practice might be go on for quite some time, as it helps her to feel safe when you are not around. Do not try to stop her from this habit, give it some time- even some months before you can get her to stop this habit!

HOW MUCH WILL SHE SLEEP?

At 29 weeks, your baby should be sleeping soundly and well through the nights. During the day time, she might take a nap or so, but she would now be spending more time playing through the day. She might wake up at nights if she is having problems teething, so ask your doctor if you could relieve her pain with some medication.

WHAT YOU COULD HELP HER DO!

Babies quickly pick up from their surroundings, so if she sees you waving or smiling at passersby, this is exactly what she too would start doing. This is a good sign, that she is learning social skills. Your baby is learning to communicate on her own. Babies love any movement, and anything falling down will immediately capture her attention. Set some building blocks on the floor and let her run her hand to break them down. She will love all the action!

HER WEIGHT

She should be steadily increasing her weight, adding some grams every week. Babies grow in spurts, so if she does not gain weight for some time, it is alright. Only if she is looking out of sorts or listless, or keeps crying for no reason, should you really worry. Ask your doctor if you feel something is wrong.