First Signs Of A Healthy Developing Baby

Newborn Development

The journey of infant development is a remarkable one, starting from the moment they enter this world. In the first three months of life, a baby undergoes astonishing growth and transformation. From gurgles and coos to the emergence of their unique personality, each day brings new milestones.

So, let’s get to know more about signs telling you your baby is growing.

The Following Signs Indicate That Your Baby Is Growing

• Weight: Initially after birth, your baby loses weight. The baby regains this lost weight in the first two weeks. For the first few days, a baby grows rapidly. Your little one gains almost 1 ounce every day for a few months. The increase in your baby’s height is about 1 to 11/2 inches per day in the first month.
• Increase in appetite: Breastfed babies typically feed 8+ times daily, while formula-fed infants eat every 3 to 4 hours. Lactation counsellors offer support to breastfeeding moms. During each feeding, babies should nurse for 10 minutes or more, exhibit swallowing after a few sucks, and seem satisfied afterwards. Formula-fed babies may consume 90 to 120 millilitres per feeding.
• Diaper filling: Breastfed babies may have 1-2 wet diapers initially. When their milk intake increases, then they wet over 6+ diapers daily. Newborns initially have one dark, tarry bowel movement a day, turning soft and greenish-yellow by the 3rd-4th day. Breastfed babies have multiple bowel movements, while formula-fed infants have fewer.
• Development of fine motor skills: Your little one’s neck muscles are not fully developed at birth. So, you need to support your baby’s neck while holding him. With time, the neck muscles become strong. Giving sufficient tummy time is crucial to aid this process.
• By 2 months, your baby should be able to support his head and keep it stable. After 3 months, your baby is capable of lifting his head while on his belly. After birth, a baby mostly keeps his fist closed. With motor skills development, the baby can open or close the fists.
• Your baby tries to grab toys or other objects by 3 months. Your baby has control over his hand movements, indicating the development of motor skills. By 3 months, your baby would be able to roll on his side.
• Cognitive Development: A newborn uses crying to express his emotions. As your baby grows, he starts recognizing your voice and responds with a smile. The baby starts making different sounds like squeaking and babbling. Your little one tries to listen to the voices around him and understand his surroundings. Your little one starts giving a response by turning his head towards the voice.
• Sight: A newborn has poor vision. It improves by the end of 3 months. Your baby follows the moving objects with his eyes. Eventually, the baby is able to differentiate between colours. At times, your baby finds bright-coloured objects more appealing to his eyes.

Encourage Your Baby’s Development

• Here are the ways by which you can assist in your baby’s development:
• Hold your baby in your arms and cuddle your little one. This makes him feel loved and protected.
• Spend time playing with your baby.
• Talk to your baby and sing for him/her. Respond to your baby, if he gives a reaction like smiling, cooing, or gurgling.
• Maintain a soothing and animated tone while talking to your baby throughout daily activities such as dressing, feeding, bathing, and playing.
• Pay full attention to your baby. Act quickly but gently when the baby is crying.
• Engage in face-to-face interaction and establish eye contact with your baby.
• Offer rattles and soft toys with various sounds to stimulate your baby's senses.
• Hang a mobile with colourful objects above your baby to capture their attention.
• Expose your baby to different sounds like wind chimes, ticking clocks, soft music, or music boxes.
• Introduce your baby to bright pictures featuring black and white images.
• Address your baby by their name to establish familiarity and connection.

Warning Signs To Watch Out For

Each baby is unique, and they all develop at different rates. However, let’s look at some signs that can be a cause of concern if not achieved by the end of 3rd month:

• If sudden noises don't startle your baby, it's worth noting.
• If your baby doesn't calm down even when you pick them up for comfort.
• If your baby is not feeding properly.
• If you notice that one side of your baby's body appears stronger than the other, it's important to pay attention.
• If your baby continues to hold their fingers tightly clenched or if they seem floppy or stiff.

Conclusion: Don’t Blink Or You May Miss A Milestone

The first three months of a newborn's life are filled with incredible growth and development. It is essential to pay attention to signs such as smiling, body strength, feeding patterns, and sensory responses. Early detection and addressing any concerns can ensure a healthy and thriving start for your baby's journey of growth.