BABY GROWTH PROGRESS IN 30 MONTHS

The complete information about baby growth progress month by month with all explanation according to baby development.

MONTH 1st

Congratulations on the arrival of your beautiful baby! For each month of your baby's first year we will provide you with information, facts, tips, support and links to other resources related to baby development.

Please keep in mind that all babies are unique. Whether your baby reaches milestones early or late, she has her own developmental path to follow. The dividing lines between these months are very fuzzy. We advise you that if you have any concerns or questions about your baby's development, then please visit your child's pediatrician or your local health care provider.

The first month is a celebration of finally meeting your new baby face to face. No doubt you are also tired, sore, and emotional. But in between changing diapers, feedings, and cuddles, you will notice some wonderful discoveries made by your baby -- from the very start.

What Newborns Look Like?

Nothing compares to the strong feelings of love and attachment parents feel when they first gaze upon their newborns. After nine long months, you marvel at baby's little hands and toes, and scrutinize for signs of mom's nose or dad's eyes. But life in the cramped quarters of the womb and an arduous journey into the outside world sometimes leave their mark on a newborn. Don't worry -- these "marks" are what protect and support baby along the way. So you may see baby with an asymmetrical head, puffy eyes, pushed in nose, swollen genitalia, cheesy covering on skin, and red patches on forehead and eyelids.

In no time, baby will have flawless, soft skin and irresistible pudgy arms and legs.

I Can Hear You . . .

Studies have shown that newborns, who have heard mommy's voice for several months in utero turn toward mommy when she speaks. They respond to soft, higher pitched voices and soothing, gentle rhythms. And they recognize daddy's voice too. Soft music from the radio, a CD or -- best of all -- sung by mom and dad is very comforting as baby settles into the outside world. Keep talking and singing to her; she is absorbing every sound you make.

A Feast for the Eyes . . .

Also during the first few days, except for fleeting moments, baby's eyes are mostly closed. Soon though, her eyes will open for longer periods. She is visually attracted to high-contrast patterns and shapes that are round. This month she can see up to about eight to ten inches away, the perfect distance to see your face and to take aim when puckering up to your breast.

A Conversation . . .

It makes sense why parents make exaggerated facial gestures and speak slowly with loving, higher pitched voices to their new babies. This is baby communication. Baby may not make eye contact for a few weeks after birth, but she responds with cuddles in your arms.

I Wanna Hold Your Hand . . .

Baby is born with reflexes that have evolved for survival. You have probably already seen baby turn her head, searching or rooting for breast or bottle. Or has baby been startled and quickly extended arms out to grab hold of you? Another reflex is baby's strong grip. Put your finger in her palm and feel her tight grip. She is not going to let you go. These reflexes are inborn mechanisms for baby to find and hold onto you securely.

Life With Diapers . . .

One of my friends shared a story of the first night with her son. She, her husband, and her parents, all with post graduate degrees, scrambled to change, wipe and rediaper their baby boy. It took four adults to change a diaper on that first night home.

Actually, after the first night, most parents become quite adept at changing diapers. Practice makes perfect. Maybe parents would prefer to do just about anything else, but diaper changing time is a very important way to support baby. It is a time when baby watches you closely, listens to you talk or sing, and feels your gentle touch. From baby's perspective, it is intimate way for mommy or daddy to meet an important need and make her feel warm and comfy again.

And then there's diaper rash. It doesn't take much for a rash to develop because urine and feces are acidic. When held against baby's soft, sensitive skin, they create an irritation. The best way to support a baby with a diaper rash is to take the diaper off and let baby enjoy the fresh air. Some parents have recommended fanning baby's bottom after cleaning. Then there are those who swear by the blow dryer. Check with your newborn's health provider on any rash or sensitivity caused by diapers.

Back to Sleep . . .

Putting babies on their backs to sleep has dramatically reduced the incidence of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS). This may be contrary to what our parents remember being told about positioning when putting us down to sleep when we were newborns.

The Sound of Baby . . .

No matter how much you prepare, no new parent is ready for the intense feelings when you hear your newborn cry... and cry... and cry. While there is variability from one infant to the next, and from one day to the next, most infants spend up to seven percent of their day crying. It is an involuntary response to something causing discomfort for baby. Pretty soon, you'll have a mental checklist:

When did baby last eat?
Is it time to check the diaper?
Does baby need to burp?
Does baby need to sleep?
Is there too much stimulation in the environment?

Some parents can even learn to identify types of crying, including:

The rhythmic hungry cry that becomes louder and stronger as baby's tummy continues to grumble.
The mad cry that is also rhythmic but much more intense.
The cry of pain or a shriek, followed by a small period of silence and then a vigorous wave of wails.

You will learn how to comfort your baby -- how she likes to be held, whether she likes a pacifier, if she prefers rocking and singing softly, or maybe something else. Responding promptly to baby's cry is a way of communicating your love and support. Studies have shown that parents who responded to infants' cries quickly had babies who actually cried less. So, follow your intuition and pick up baby when she is calling out. Remember, it's her primary form of communication!

The Learning Curve is Steep . . .

This month you become the expert on your baby. You are developing strategies to support your baby and meet her needs. Parents have shared with me techniques to help baby when she is upset that include swaddling baby in a soft blanket, holding baby upright against a shoulder, breastfeeding, rocking and more.

All parents feel frustrated at times -- life with a newborn is an emotional roller coaster. You are overjoyed to meet baby face to face, recovering from the exhaustion of labor, and on top of it all -- getting less sleep than ever before.

"Who takes the child by the hand takes the mother by the heart." - German Proverb

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BABY GROWTH PROGRESS IN 30 MONTHS