Developments of a Newborn
Your newborn has just arrived. It's exciting to bring your baby home for the first time and become acquainted with this new little being. This is the period, unlike any other, where your baby's development will undergo a rapid transformation. From newborn to first year, your baby will attain many milestones as his language, motor skills and personality begin to develop.
Newborn - 4 Months
Since he can't communicate with words, a baby can only cry when he is hungry, wet or frustrated. A baby is born with certain reflexes like rooting or sucking so he can feed. Swaddling provides comfort to the newborn because it mimics the womb and helps him feel secure, according to www.whattoexpect.com. His eyesight, at birth, is still not fully developed so he cannot see things very clearly.
In the first two months, the baby's eyes will begin to follow objects. Use of mobiles can help him improve this motor function. He should be able to lift his head when he is on his stomach. The baby will laugh and smile, also recognize voices and be able to discriminate colors better.
At twelve weeks, hand to eye coordination begins to develop more. Roll objects toward him so that he can try to grab it. He will coo and babble and his personality will start to shine through more. By four months, your baby will begin to vocalize vowels. He may be able to flip over from his front to his back and he is strengthening his muscles so that he can sit upright. His first tooth may come in.
5 - 8 Months
At five months, your baby will enjoy playing peek-a-boo games. He is learning that objects are still there, even if they are hidden. This is also the period where separation anxiety can occur. By six months, the baby should be sitting. His diet now consists of breast milk or formula and solid food. He will start to put objects in his mouth and he is becoming more verbal. During the seventh and eighth month, the cup should be introduced. Your child will like to stack, play with soft toys and eat with his hands. He should be crawling or scooting around on his bottom. Mama and Dada are now part of his vocabulary.
9 - 12 Months
During the last three months of the first year, your child may start to stand with help or even take a few steps. He will understand simple commands and will gesture what he wants. He may even start to put two words together when he speaks. These are some of the milestones listed at www.babycenter.com The first year of your baby's life is an amazing time with many milestones. Before you know it, your child will be a toddler ready to take on any challenge.
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