Baby's First Year - What to Expect
As a new Mom, you are probably wondering about many things: how will he react to his new surroundings? when will she sleep for more than 2 hours? what can I expect in the following year? an so many other questions.....
Each baby is different. Your baby's rate of growth, appearance, and personality, will all be unique to him or her. As you embark on this journey with your new baby, take time to enjoy their presence in your life.
Here are some of the milestones to watch for in the first year of your baby's development:
Newborn stage
You have just brought your baby home from the hospital to his or her newly decorated nursery, and we are sure you are very excited. In these early days, your baby may have a pointy head from the delivery process, or jaundice - yellow eyes and skin tone. These things are perfectly normal, and should go away in a few days. It is important to cuddle and love your child as much as possible now, as this is when mother/child bonding begins. Breast-feeding is very important to your child's health both now and in later years. Newborn babies often sleep 10-12 hours per day, but will wake every 4 hours or so for feeding.
From 1 - 3 Months
Babies will begin moving more, discovering their hands, and making little sounds. They will smile now, and follow the sound of your voice as you move through their room. Babies love seeing their faces in a mirror now, and the addition of a brightly colored, baby-safe mobile in their cribs will provide them with great entertainment and stimulation. Babies can now lift their heads, move them from side-to-side, and focus on objects that are 8-12 away.
From 3-6 months
This is one of the most exciting times in your baby's growth; many changes appear in this period. At the end of the third month, your baby will be opening and closing his little hands, holding his head up with control, reaching more and more for objects, and imitating sounds. In the fourth month, he can usually sit up with some help and is probably sleeping six hours at a stretch. It will become clearer that he or she recognizes familiar faces, and will coo and show how happy he is to see you when you enter the nursery! In the fifth and sixth months, your baby will be rolling over, making two syllable sounds and drinking from a cup. You will also be introducing solid baby foods at this time. Now is the time to baby proof the house, as your baby may be crawling during this period as well.
From 6-9 months
During this high growth period, many babies say their first words. Even if they don't yet start talking, most begin enthusiastically babbling to themselves and develop a much wider range of facial expressions at this age. He or she will have developed specific cries for specific needs now, and will react differently to different family members. Babies in the seventh and eighth months will start to feed themselves basic finger foods, and will enjoy throwing food or dropping it on the floor to see what happens! A cuddly blanket or bear may become a favorite item now, and your baby may be stressed when separated from it. Baby will now sit unsupported too.
From 9-10 months
During this month, baby will reach for toys, try to grab the spoon during feedings, and in general, become quite a bit more active. He or she will be waving goodbye to the delight of the grandparents, will be able to pick up things using opposable thumbs, and will also start to look for things that have been dropped, like favorite toys. She will also be able to move from crawling to a sitting position, and will be quite mobile!
From 11-12 months
Baby is much more curious now, and responds well to new sounds, colors and shapes. Story time is much appreciated, and he or she will enjoy cuddling on your lab while being read to. Babies now understand and can mimic simple gestures, and can say simple words. Before turning one,your baby should enjoy stacking objects, and filling and emptying containers. Short play sessions with other children are a good idea now, and can teach baby a great deal about sharing and other social skills.
Babies are a wonderful reminder of how precious life is!
Enjoy your child's first year of life - it will go by quickly.
Adriana Copaceanu is a busy mom of 2. Visit herBusy Moms Online if you are looking for ways to maximize your precious time. And if you are a new mom, you'll find everything you need to know at herBaby's First Year website.
MORE RESOURCES:
 WWAY NewsChannel 3 | 'Miracle baby' back home in Brunswick County WWAY NewsChannel 3 BRUNSWICK COUNTY, NC (WWAY) -- He's being called the miracle baby. Jessiah Jackson is back home in Brunswick County after a risky surgery to remove a metal ... |
15 Phrases Guaranteed to Annoy Second-Time Moms (Like Me!) The Stir (blog) Be careful what you say to her! It's not earth-shattering to find out there are things you don't want to hear when you're pregnant. ... |
When Parents Disagree — On Everything New York Times (blog) A reader, who has asked that I not use her name, hometown or even her childrens' ages, for reasons she explains at the end, wrote asking me ... |
Baby Girl Fights Fatal Ageing Disorder Sky News A toddler in the US is thought to be the youngest person in the world to be diagnosed with a rare and fatal disorder that causes her to age rapidly. ... |
The Mother of All parentcentral.ca (blog) ... The Mother of All Parenting Books, Sleep Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler, Mealtime Solutions for Your Baby, Toddler, and Preschooler, ... |
Autopsy: Baby Who Died Last Week Had Skull Fracture WISN Milwaukee There may be a new twist in the investigation of the death of 9-month-old Makyla Johnson. The medical examiner found a skull fracture, which may be the ... |
Plenty of contests offered for Phillips County Fair theme Holyoke Enterprise To vote for choice of sweetest baby-toddler, place spare change or dollars in jars on display in local banks and credit unions. ... |
Wardle Village Church Rochdale Online Mother and Baby/Toddler Group continue throughout the Summer Holidays on a Monday and Wednesday 9.30am-Noon with Surestart invited for music and activities. ... |
Shaken Baby Legislation Signed WSIL TV The bill was drafted by southern Illinois lawmakers in response to the death of Brynden Gibson. The 22 month old Herrin toddler died in 2006 after being ... |
The Mother of All parentcentral.ca (blog) Bradford was asked to deliver 10 money-saving tips for parents for each of the baby, toddler, and school-aged parenting stages. Most of the tips fell into ... |
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