Baby This Week: 28 Weeks Old

Your baby can now roll over from her tummy to her back and vice versa. This may even occur when she's sleeping. Although back sleeping is still the optimal position, and the one you should start her out in when you lay her down, don't worry too much if she flips over -- there's no need to reposition her as she sleeps. Your baby's risk of SIDS is decreasing at this age.

Your baby uses all of her senses to explore and learn about her world. Make sure she has lots of safe things around to touch, mouth, and manipulate. She'll love squishing a soft rubber ball, patting a piece of fake fur, gnawing a chilled teething ring, and hearing a bell jingle inside a stuffed animal.

An interesting thing to do: Gather different fabrics and place them next to each other on the floor. Watch your baby's expression as he moves over the varying textures.

Looking at books together will improve your baby's language skills and prime her for a lifelong love of reading. It doesn't matter what type of book you choose. Board books are colorful and sturdy, and books that have pop-up pictures or textured illustrations are also very popular.

Your baby won't have the dexterity to open a book or even flip pages until she's between about 9 and 12 months, and she might not yet have the patience to sit still while you read her a story, but don't give up. No matter what your child's age, reading provides a great opportunity for cuddling and socializing.

- BabyCenter.com