GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT An infant should gain about 5-7 ounces per week or 1 ½-2 pounds per month. Her length will increase by 1-2 inches a month in the first 6 months and then ½-1 inch per month. It is interesting to note that, in general, babies double their birth weight by 4-5 months of age and triple it by one year. This growth occurs smoothly and reflects your baby’s genetic inheritance as well as his or her own personal characteristics. You will notice that your newborn tends to keep her hands fisted and her knees tucked under her stomach. She also has little head control initially and will need support for her head and back.  It is during this early period that your baby begins to develop a special relationship with you. She likes to be cuddled and held closely; she knows that Mom and Dad provide peace and comfort. She develops a sense of trust that her needs will be met.

Parents often wonder how well their infant is able to see. During the first two months, your child will be able to focus on a distance of approximately 8 inches. Brightness, movement and contrast, as well as three dimensional objects will attract her. Bright colored mobiles and pictures by the crib will attract her attention. Remember that your baby will be looking up at the bottom of the mobile, so place it appropriately.  Your infant’s hearing is essentially the same as adult hearing. She may startle when exposed to loud, sudden noise, but she will enjoy listening to the radio or your singing. Most noises will not disrupt a sleeping infant.  Let your baby kick without any clothes on and gently stroke her, moving her arms and legs, encouraging her to relax and gain a sense of her own body.  Your baby will take great delight when you hold, rock, sing, and read to her.

Child development specialists are increasingly aware of the crucial role that daily reading plays in the development of a child’s intellect even from birth, so please read to your little one from 10-20 minutes a day. The earlier you start reading to your baby the better.

READ READ READ READ READ!

EVERY DAY!!

TYPICAL PHYSICAL AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT PATTERNS

Age

(Months) Physical Development

Birth-3 Searches with eyes and focuses. Stops activity when hears a sound. Hands still fisted, but will g rasp objects placed near the hand. Head and shoulders droop while sitting. Turns the body from side to back. 

3-5 Sees in color. Moves eyes vertically, horizontally, and circularly.  Turns towards voice; awkward grasp; thumb and finger start coming together. Grasp is more coordinated and can reach, grasp, and release.  Turns back to side and pulls to sitting position.

5-7 Turns head toward a bell; Listens to sounds. Can accept one object given to him; corrals with both hands. Thumb apposition in picking up object.

7-9 Visual pursuit of dropped objects. Listens to conversations and singing. Accepts two objects. Starts thumb-forefinger grasp. Sits alone; draws up knees.

10 Searches for hidden object. Sees individual objects as separate.  Listens with interest to familiar words. Understands commands. Crawls and creeps, begins to hold a cup, reaches for spoons, stands on toes for support. 

11-12 Reaches accurately for something as he turns away. Produces more sounds; babbles short sentences; throws ball; builds towers of blocks.  Points with index finger; climbs up and down stairs; pulls up to standing position; walks with support.