My Baby This Week -- Your 2 month old, first week

Your baby may start gaining almost as much as 1kg - around 2lb - a month at this stage (although this will slow down as he gets closer to his first birthday). Your paediatrician will use standard growth charts to track your baby's weight gain but don't get too obsessive about these measurements. As long as your baby has a good appetite, is growing at a steady pace and your doctor says all is well, it doesn't matter what percentile she's on. If your baby has just started smiling, you can take advantage of her new ability to show joy by making her grin and giggle. Silly faces, funny noises and blowing bubbles are all tried-and-tested hits with tiny babies.

Find out more fascinating facts about your two-month-old's development

My Baby This Week - your 7 week old

Your baby's head is fairly steady now and she's able to exercise more control over her feet and hands instead of just swinging them wildly. To see this new skill in action, hold a toy or rattle up in front of her and see if she makes a grab for it. Don't forget to cheer her when she gets it. She'll thrive on your encouragement for the rest of her life! While babies have their own timetables, and some will do things earlier and some later, there is one major development around this stage that's irresistible - when your baby looks you straight in the eyes and gives her first true smile. Some experts believe that it's no accident that smiles appear just as the chaos of the early weeks is beginning to get everyone down - that smile gives parents renewed energy to go on caring for a baby who so obviously appreciates their efforts!

Find out more fascinating facts about what's coming up for your two-month-old's development.

My Baby This Week - your 6 week old

Does your baby coo at you when you pick him up from his pram or his cot? Researchers say 50 per cent of babies this age can recognise their own parents. Recognising mum and dad is just one sign that your baby is becoming more attuned to what's going on around him. He will have a six-week check around now and your paediatrician will assess his development. Take the opportunity to ask any questions about your baby that you may have.

Find out more fascinating facts about your six-week-old's development.

My Baby This Week - your 5 week old

This week, you may find that your baby discovers her hands and feet. As strange as it sounds, she's just beginning to realise they're part of her body. You can add to her fun by playing "This Little Piggy" with her, or giving her wrist and sock rattles to wear. Also, don't be surprised to hear more gurgles, coos and grunts as your baby gradually learns to express herself with sounds beyond crying. Soon you will have your six-week postnatal check. This is a good time to ask any questions about your body's healing and recovery, so you may like to think through your questions in advance.

Find out more fascinating facts about your five-week-old's development