The birth of your bundle of joy is a great moment for you. From day 1, every mother would eagerly watch and enjoy the developmental milestones of her baby. Although most babies reach their milestones at similar ages, each one of them is unique. Some parents worry unnecessarily after comparing their baby to other babies in their family circle or neighbourhood. To avoid this undue concern and anxiety, it is important to know ‘when’ to expect ‘what’ from your baby.
‘Infancy’ is the term given to the developmental stage from birth to first 12 months. During infancy babies grow very rapidly. Therefore, there is a lot for you to anticipate from your little one during this time! The following paragraphs explain about what you should be expecting from your baby during the first 12 months of their life.
Your newborn
Ø Normal newborn babies adopt a flexed position. Their hip and knees remain fully flexed, fists clenched and elbows bent. They keep their arms and legs close to the front of their body.
Ø Healthy newborns hold your fingers tight when you stroke their hands (grasp reflex).
Ø They turn their heads when their cheeks are touched and start sucking when you place your finger or a pacifier in their mouth (rooting and sucking reflex).
Ø Most of these primitive reflexes start to disappear by 3-4 months of age.
Ø For newborns crying is the main way of communication.
The first 6-8 weeks
Ø Do not expect too much of activities from your newborn during the first two months.
Ø What they need at this time is about 16 hours of sleep in a day and milk whenever they are hungry.
Ø Their neck muscles are still weak during the first two months.
Ø You may get the first smile from your baby during this period.
Ø Babies can hear your voice and turn their head towards sound.
Ø They can also see the light as well as objects within a range of about 30-35cms. They can not actually focus properly on the objects which are far away.
3- 4 months
Ø By this time, neck muscles are more developed and many infants can hold their head up when sitting.
Ø Some babies may roll over from back to the sides.
Ø By this age your baby may start grasping dangling toys which you offer.
Ø They also babble and are more interested in their surroundings.
5-6 months
Ø Most babies can roll over from back to stomach and some babies can sit upright with out support for a brief period of time.
Ø They may be able to hold their own bottle for a short period.
Ø They reach out for toys.
Ø They like your interaction- keep talking and singing to them whenever you can.
6-9 months
Ø From 6-8 months, babies can sit with out or with little support.
Ø Some babies start crawling and some can pull themselves up to stand.
Ø Babies of this age are very curious. They like touching, banging and throwing objects. Be careful- they may put anything into their mouth!
Ø By 9 months, they look for the toys you hide from them.
Ø When excited they squeal and laugh and no doubt, mommies get excited too!
9-12 months
Ø Most babies start cruising around the furniture and some start walking before their first birthday. If your baby does not walk before his/her first birthday, do not worry- some take longer time (up to 18 months) to start walking.
Ø Babies start picking up small things (pincer grasp) at around 9 months of age. Therefore, keep your house clean.
Ø Older infants attempt to mimic the sounds we say and can understand simple commands such as ‘come here’. They may be able to say 2-4 words (e.g. Mama, dada) by their first birthday.
This is just the summary of what you should be looking for. Some may do more and some a little behind. If your child is very much behind or you are worried, consult your doctor.
‘Infancy’ is the term given to the developmental stage from birth to first 12 months. During infancy babies grow very rapidly. Therefore, there is a lot for you to anticipate from your little one during this time! The following paragraphs explain about what you should be expecting from your baby during the first 12 months of their life.
Your newborn
Ø Normal newborn babies adopt a flexed position. Their hip and knees remain fully flexed, fists clenched and elbows bent. They keep their arms and legs close to the front of their body.
Ø Healthy newborns hold your fingers tight when you stroke their hands (grasp reflex).
Ø They turn their heads when their cheeks are touched and start sucking when you place your finger or a pacifier in their mouth (rooting and sucking reflex).
Ø Most of these primitive reflexes start to disappear by 3-4 months of age.
Ø For newborns crying is the main way of communication.
The first 6-8 weeks
Ø Do not expect too much of activities from your newborn during the first two months.
Ø What they need at this time is about 16 hours of sleep in a day and milk whenever they are hungry.
Ø Their neck muscles are still weak during the first two months.
Ø You may get the first smile from your baby during this period.
Ø Babies can hear your voice and turn their head towards sound.
Ø They can also see the light as well as objects within a range of about 30-35cms. They can not actually focus properly on the objects which are far away.
3- 4 months
Ø By this time, neck muscles are more developed and many infants can hold their head up when sitting.
Ø Some babies may roll over from back to the sides.
Ø By this age your baby may start grasping dangling toys which you offer.
Ø They also babble and are more interested in their surroundings.
5-6 months
Ø Most babies can roll over from back to stomach and some babies can sit upright with out support for a brief period of time.
Ø They may be able to hold their own bottle for a short period.
Ø They reach out for toys.
Ø They like your interaction- keep talking and singing to them whenever you can.
6-9 months
Ø From 6-8 months, babies can sit with out or with little support.
Ø Some babies start crawling and some can pull themselves up to stand.
Ø Babies of this age are very curious. They like touching, banging and throwing objects. Be careful- they may put anything into their mouth!
Ø By 9 months, they look for the toys you hide from them.
Ø When excited they squeal and laugh and no doubt, mommies get excited too!
9-12 monthsØ Most babies start cruising around the furniture and some start walking before their first birthday. If your baby does not walk before his/her first birthday, do not worry- some take longer time (up to 18 months) to start walking.
Ø Babies start picking up small things (pincer grasp) at around 9 months of age. Therefore, keep your house clean.
Ø Older infants attempt to mimic the sounds we say and can understand simple commands such as ‘come here’. They may be able to say 2-4 words (e.g. Mama, dada) by their first birthday.
This is just the summary of what you should be looking for. Some may do more and some a little behind. If your child is very much behind or you are worried, consult your doctor.
No comments:
Post a Comment