6-Week-Old

Has your baby smiled at you yet? If not, he will soon. At 6 weeks, about half of all babies can recognize their parents, and many of those babies are so delighted that they welcome Mom or Dad with an excited, gurgly grin. This "social smile" is one of the first signs that your baby is developing an ability to socialize. Not to mention, it's one of the more emotionally gratifying milestones you'll see your baby reach.

That's not all. Your baby can also squint, purse his lips, raise his eyebrows, and widen his eyes. His mannerisms are unconscious at this point — when he squints, don't assume he's thinking deep thoughts. But your baby has been closely observing your behaviors, and he's experimenting with the different facial expressions he's seen modeled. Think of it as "practice expressiveness." By doing this, he's becoming more and more capable of learning communication skills that will help him get along in the world.

How your baby's growing

Now that your baby's awake for longer periods during the day, you can use these times to support his sensory development. Try singing your favorite lullabies or playing music.

You don't have limit yourself to children's songs. Fill the house with the sounds of music — from the Black Eyed Peas to Mozart — and watch as your baby expresses his pleasure through coos, lip smacks, and jerking arm and leg movements.

Your baby might also enjoy the sound of wind chimes or a ticking clock. The more varied the offerings, the richer the impact. Inevitably, you'll notice that your baby responds to and favors some selections more than others as he begins to develop preferences.• Learn more fascinating facts about your 6-week-old's development.

Your life: Sex after the baby
You're tired beyond belief. Your sexual desire is nil (thanks to readjusting hormone levels, particularly if you're breastfeeding). Everyday life with a baby is so different from the life you were living when he was conceived that those days seem a distant memory. Just because your doctor proclaims you physically ready for intercourse doesn't mean the rest of you is ready to go along, even if your mate is.Whether or not you feel like making love, you and your partner can still focus on loving one another. In a University of Wisconsin study, 65 percent of women petted with their partner during the first month after childbirth and 34 percent performed oral sex, while only 17 percent had intercourse.Here are a few common postpartum concerns about sex:

Will intercourse hurt?
If you had any stitches due to a tear in your vagina or an episiotomy, your vagina may still feel tender, and it may be months before the soreness goes away. Because the missionary position may put pressure where you're sorest, consider other positions. If you're breastfeeding, changes in your hormone levels may lead to vaginal dryness; if so, try using a lubricated condom or a lubricant like K-Y Jelly.

Has my vagina been stretched out?
No. The vagina is very elastic — it expanded to accommodate your baby and then reverted to pre-pregnancy size afterward. Childbirth doesn't permanently stretch it out of shape. However, Kegel exercises can help strengthen your vagina's muscle tone.

Will my husband still be attracted to me sexually?
If your husband seems distant or less interested in sex himself, remember he's going through a lot, too. It's likely he may also be exhausted and stressed by the new demands of having a baby in the house. He also may need time to get adjusted to the fact that his sexy wife is now a mother, too. Talking frankly about your feelings and all the weird changes having a baby brings can draw you closer. If the time's not yet right for sexual intercourse, you can still cuddle, kiss, hug, and please each other in other ways.

3 questions about: Fever

Why does my baby have a fever?
This may be your baby's first fever, so you're probably nervous. But take heart in knowing a fever is a sign that your baby's immune system is working hard to fight an infection. It's actually a good thing rather than a problem in and of itself.

Should I call the doctor?
Until your baby reaches the 3-month mark, you should always seek medical advice if:
• Your baby has a rectal temperature over 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius).
• Your baby looks pale or flushed, is listless, or has no appetite, or if his behavior and appearance have changed in ways that worry you.The doctor will help determine how serious your baby's fever is and tell you whether it's safe to give him medicine. Be sure not to give your baby medicine before talking to a doctor — it can be dangerous to give him the wrong doseage, and medication can mask your baby's symptoms, making it hard for the doctor to give appropriate care.How can I make my baby more comfortable?
• Cool him off by removing layers of clothing or giving him a sponge or tub bath with lukewarm water.
• Feed him regularly and offer extra feedings, to help prevent dehydration.
• If the doctor recommends it, give your baby the appropriate dose of acetaminophen.
• Never try to cool a baby by rubbing alcohol on his skin, as it can be absorbed and cause seizures or other serious problems..