Guide to Baby Development Milestones

Guide to Baby Development Milestones

Guide to Baby Development Milestones: It’s normal for newborn babies to look a bit strange at first. In the first few days after being born, babies may lose a bit of weight, mostly from extra fluid. But they usually gain it back fast, so by day 10 they are back to their birth weight. Your doctor will watch your baby’s growth closely by measuring their length, weight, and head size at each checkup. These measurements help the doctor see how your baby is growing over time.

When you look at your new baby, you might notice some things that seem a bit different. That’s because their little body is still getting used to being in the world. Here are some unusual things you might see in the first few weeks:

Your baby’s skin might be dry or peel a bit. It’s best not to use creams or lotions because they could cause problems.
Sometimes, red patches called ‘salmon patches’ or ‘stork marks‘ might show up on their face or neck. These usually fade away within a few months.
Dark red marks, known as ‘strawberry marks’, are quite common. They may appear a few days after birth and may get bigger, but they usually fade over time.
Both boys and girls may have swollen breasts or genitals, but this usually goes away within a few weeks.
You might feel two soft spots on your baby’s head called fontanelles. These are where the skull bones are still joining together.
Some babies develop mild jaundice, which makes their skin and the whites of their eyes a bit yellow. This usually goes away within 10 days. If your baby has jaundice, let your doctor know. If they get jaundice within the first day, see a doctor right away.
Your baby enjoys being held by you.

For your new baby, touch is really important. They can feel your mood through how you touch them. Holding your baby close to your skin is especially good for both of you.

When you hold your baby, make sure to support their head and neck so they feel safe. Rocking them gently can help them feel calm, and giving them a gentle massage can help you bond with them.

You might wonder if newborns can see. Usually, they can only see things that are about 8-10 cm away, which means they can see your face when you hold them close. They also find their own hands interesting. Around 2 weeks old, they might start following your face or colour full things that are about 20 cm away.

As your baby grows, they’ll start turning toward sounds and trying to find where they’re coming from. If your baby makes a sound, try making it back to them while showing your face. Babies like hearing different kinds of voices and sounds.

Crying is how your newborn tells you what they need.

Some babies cry more than others, but all babies cry to tell you they need something.

Newborns cry when they’re hungry, uncomfortable, or just need to let out some tension. If your baby is crying but doesn’t need to eat, sleep, burp, or have a diaper change, they might just need some attention. Try cuddling them or soothing them with your voice.

If you’re breastfeeding and your baby cries during feeding, adjusting how they’re positioned or attached to your breast might help. Sometimes, persistent crying could mean they have colic, which has different causes. If you’re worried about your baby’s crying, talk to their doctor to make sure everything is okay.

Your Baby’s Instincts Are as Strong as His Grip
Guide to Baby Development Milestones: In the first few weeks, your baby’s movements might seem jerky, but they’ll get more controlled as they grow. Here are some reflexes newborns have:

Rooting: Your baby turns their head toward your finger if you stroke their cheek or mouth.

Sucking: Babies can instinctively suck, but they need to learn how to coordinate sucking and breathing, which might take a few days.

Moro reflex: If startled, babies might suddenly extend and then bring their arms and legs together.
Strong grip: Babies grip your finger if you touch their palm, but don’t rely on this hold because they might let go suddenly.

Stepping: When held in a standing position with their feet touching a surface, babies might do a stepping or walking motion.