Signs Of Growth And Development: How To Care For Your Baby During The Initial Months
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Becoming a mother is an exciting feeling for most moms, but it can be an overwhelming one as well. You have been preparing yourself for the birth of your baby — following the proper diet and the dos and don’ts of pregnancy. Now you are a mother. Suddenly you find yourself to be completely clueless on how to take care of the little munchkin in your arms, all the while recovering from childbirth. A lot of changes will take place in the first few months after your baby’s birth. They will also reach certain milestones, though it is important to remember that each infant grows at their own pace. Here, we discuss the general developmental milestones that babies reach in the first three months after birth and the ways you can support them.
What To Expect The First 3 Months After Birth
It might seem like all your day is spent changing diapers, feeding, and cleaning up after your baby. However, you will soon notice signs of growth and development. Continue reading as we walk you through the different stages of development:
Development Of Motor Skills
Your little one’s head will be unsteady after birth. You will need to support their head and neck. They will be unable to lift their head on their own or sit up straight. But soon, you will notice that they will be able to support themselves on their own. And unlike the jerky movements they showed earlier, they will be able to kick their feet up in the air while lying down. Your baby will also start to grab and hold onto things such as a small toy or spoon.
Their Hearing Develops
Newborns will be sensitive to sound. Gradually, you will begin to notice them turning in your voice’s direction and even looking and smiling at you. You can expect them to respond in the direction of the sound.
They Start To See Things More Clearly
During the first month after birth, your baby will primarily focus on your face while feeding. When they are 1-month-old, they will start looking at other colors and patterns as. Around two months of age, their eye coordination improves, helping them to track an object. Soon, your little one will be able to recognize familiar faces and even objects from a distance.
They Begin To Communicate
When your baby approaches two months of age, they begin to make repeated vowel sounds such as ”ooh ooh” and “aah aah” as a way of responding to you or during playtime.
Here’s How You Can Promote Your Baby’s Development
Now that you are familiar with the different milestones your baby will reach in the initial months, all you gotta do is trust your instincts and respond to your baby’s needs. Here’s how you can help them:
Hold Them
The best part about having a little one is that you can hold them in your arms. Holding the baby will also help them feel safe and secure. They will feel loved. You can also allow them to hold on to your little finger or touch your face if they attempt to.
Change Your Baby’s Position
Hold your baby outward-facing. Place them on their stomach under close supervision and keep a colorful object in front of them. Now encourage them to slowly raise their head. Babies might feel uneasy when placed on their tummy, so make sure you do it only for a few minutes at a time. Always remember to place them on their backs to sleep.
Talk To Them
Parents have been trying to figure out the baby language since time immemorial. Though this is a lost cause, you can lay the groundwork and help them to communicate. Ask questions, talk to them, describe what you are doing, read to them, and most importantly, respond to their gurgles and coos.
While it’s natural for some babies to be ahead or lag behind the developmental milestones, it’s important to be aware of any red flags or warning signs. If your baby’s head continues to be wobbly, doesn’t respond to loud sounds, or fails to grab objects with his/her hands, it’s best to consult your baby’s doctor.
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