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:
 New Zealand Herald | The ties that bind New Zealand Herald, New Zealand - It's the little things that thrill a mother when her kids are small. When my son manages to eat his breakfast without incident, my heart sings. ... |
 FoodBev.com | Clearly Canadian Brands Second Quarter Earnings Will Be Released ... MarketWatch - , , ) is pleased to announce that it will release second quarter earnings today Wednesday, August 27th at 4:05 pm and subsequently hold a simulcast web-cast ... Clearly Canadian Brands Second Quarter Earnings Will Be Released ... |
Through My Baby's Eyes Online Store Offers a Quality Mix of ... PR.com (press release), NY - Through my baby’s eyes, LLC is finally available online for all your Baby, Toddler and Mom needs. They offer a variety of fabulous name brand designers and ... |
 Fergus Falls Daily Journal | This Dad was a piece of work Fergus Falls Daily Journal, MN - There are many stages in life; baby, toddler, kid, teenager, young adult, middle age, old and dead. It’s the first and last ones on this list I have the ... |
What's ahead at the Free Library York Weekly, NH - Baby-Toddler Story Time: Tuesday Sept. 9, 10:30 to 11 am A storytime for newborns through age 2. Siblings are welcome to attend. Knitting Group: Tuesday ... |
Queens Toddler's Death Ruled A Homicide WCBS-TV New York, NY - FAR ROCKAWAY, NY (CBS) ― A Queens toddler found dead Tuesday, weeks after being returned to his mother by child welfare officials, died as the result of a ... |
Burned Toddler Released From Hospital, Parents Remain In Jail WCTV, FL - A three year old boy hospitalized with serious burns was released from Colquitt Regional Medical Center. Investigators say the toddler is able to take pain ... |
Share This Story: Standard Speaker, PA - The class allows one to exercise with their baby/toddler by their side at Freeland Public Park. One will lose weight, tonemuscles and improve their overall ... |
Putnam adds restroom to Eleanor park Huntington Herald Dispatch, WV - Costing $101000, funds were obtained through a land and water conservation grant originally set for the construction of a baby/toddler pool. ... |
The Parent Company Announces New Online Shopping Partnership with ... Earthtimes (press release), UK - Through its baby business, the company is a leading online retailer of brand-name baby, toddler and maternity products sold through the BabyUniverse.com and ... |
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