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Congratulations on the birth of your baby! Caring for an infant can be scary and overwhelming at times, but you and your baby will get to know each other in no time. Becoming a parent is a big change and can take some time to adjust to. Make sure that you accept help from friends and family in the early weeks.

Newborn babies move between six states throughout the day. Your baby could be in deep sleep, light sleep, a drowsy state, awake alert, fussy alert, or crying stage. It is important to recognize these stages so that you can adapt to your babies needs and develop a better understanding of what soothes him the best.

Babies like to look at human faces the most. They can not see very far and can not distinguish colors very well. Besides the human face, babies like brightly colored patterns, mirrors and objects that are red, black or white. Babies will stare at things but can not grab ahold of anything quite yet. It is comforting for your baby when you hold her close, rock her and speak gently to her. It is important to handle your baby carefully and always support their underdeveloped neck.

You may be tempted to put your baby to bed with you, but this is dangerous. Babies should sleep on their backs in their own crib. Young babies can begin to develop some type of a schedule. All stuffed animals, bedding and pillows should be removed to reduce the risk of suffocation. You can put your baby on her belly for tummy time several times a day. This will help to develop muscle strength.

When traveling, always use a properly installed infant restraint seat. To ensure the safety of your baby, have their carseat checked by a licensed car seat installer. Because car accidents reduce the quality of a car seat, never buy used car seats and replace yours if it is in an accident.

Babies cry for lots of reasons. When a baby is crying, that his means of communication. He is experiencing a need that is not being met. Babies cry because they are hungry, wet, tired, hot/cold, experiencing pain, overstimulated, and many other reasons. Soon you will be able to decode your babies cries. Sometimes babies can not be comforted and it seems that the crying will never end. When you have tried everything and nothing seems to work, put her in her crub and close the door. Come back in a few minutes to check on her. Whatever you do, don't take any frustration out on your baby.

Your newborn will be ready to eat every two to three hours on average. Formula fed babies may go longer in between feedings. Remember to burp your baby after each feeding to reduce gas and fussiness. Breast feeding can be trying for the first few weeks. It takes patience, support and dedication, but you can do it. If you are encountering problems, ask for help. Call your doctor, the baby's doctor or a lactation consultant.

Developmental Milestones Newborn


Physical

• It may look as if your newborn baby is scrunched up with his arms and legs not fully extended. Your baby is used to being inside the womb, and this is normal. If he appears bowlegged, don't worry. It's part of the stretching-out process and will most likely fase away by the time he's five or six months old.
• Your baby may lift his head briefly when he's lying on his stomach by the end of this month. Give your baby plenty of tummy time to help him develop his muscles. He may also be able to turn it from side to side. Jerky movements give way to more smooth ones as his nervous system and muscle control mature. Your baby's primitive reflexes, such as sucking and chewing on his hands, remain dominant.
• Baby's vision is still fuzzy and he can not see very far. Your baby likes to look at your face. Keep it close by and talk to him when you are holding him.

Intellectual

• Right now food is the most important thing in your newborn's life. Sleep comes in at a close second. Most newborn babies will feed every two to three hours around the clock. Sleeping patterns are equally intermittent. Most newborns sleep for a total of 16 to 17 hours in a 24-hour period, but that's usually broken up into eight to ten naps. By the end of the month your baby may have developed something of a feeding and sleeping pattern, but you may not notice any real pattern for months. It is hard to put a newborn on a strict schedule. Sleeping helps your baby regain energy and it also helps brain development.
• Right now your baby doesn't have much of a personality. Crying is the only way that your baby knows how to express himself. He spends his time moving in and out of several different states of sleepiness, quiet alertness, and active alertness.
• Your face is the most interesting thing to your baby right now. He also likes high-contast objects. Show him black and white toys at playtime.
• Learning begins immediately, so take all opportunities to teach him about the world around him. Use his quiet and alert times to play and talk with your baby.
• Your baby can recognize faces and may try to imitate gestures. Give your baby the chance to imitate you. Stick your tongue out and give him a chance to repeat it. Then, do it again. Even if he does not do it, he is watching you!
• Mobiles with high contrast patterns and picture books with strong line drawings will capture your baby's attention. When your baby starts fussing, its time to stop and move on to something else.
• Babies like their own reflection. Place unbreakable mirrors at cribside or on the floor for them to focus on.

Emotional

• This month your baby becomes quiet and calm when you speak to him gently and hold him upright. He may even make an 'ah' sound when he hears your voice and sees your face. Most babies love to be held, caressed, kissed, stroked, massaged, and carried. Touch is an important means of communicating with your baby.
• Your baby can show you their feelings. She may yawn, arch her back, turn her face, fuss or cry if she is overstimulated. She will coo if she is enjoying something. Pay close attention to what your baby is `telling` you.

Age Appropriate Toys:

• Rattles
• Play gyms
• Unbreakable mirrors
• Mobiles
• Soft toys
• Musical toys
• Toys with lights
• Swings
• Bouncy seats

Comments:

Comments 1-25 of about 12994 for month 0
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lisset005 - 2.7 hours ago
Father in law came for a couple days to visit and spend time with his two grandsons...I definately feel like I'm doing more...in the sense of entertaining and making food and such...it's wearing on me a bit because I'm only 5 days post partum. I went to the grocery store alone today which I haven't done in a longtime. I guess it was exciting...haha...my little Noah just sleeps and eats...and poos of course! After every change it seems like he poos! He's breastfeeding so well! I'm able to bring him into bed and use the side-lying position with him and doze off...so that's nice I BF my son for 15 months so that made this second time a breeze!! =] my 22 month old has a cold!! Perfect timing!! He is very upset he can't hold and kiss his baby brother and doesn't understand that he's sick and baby could get sick. Luckily hubbys home for another 16 days...if not I think I'd go crazy!!! I don't even want to think about when he goes back to work...it stresses me out!

christi21 - 4.9 hours ago
See the thing is with my other two kids I had really bad depression as well for a good 2-3months.I sufferd n silence no one knew.I cryed all day and def at night when I was up with my son.I felt alone,scared,sad,overwhelmed,and draind 100% I dnt want to suffer this time as well.I want to be the happy fun loveing mother I knw I can be.it makes things so much harder that I have no1 to talk to.my husband doesn't understand and I knw he thinks I'm over reacting.he expects me to clean and be the same as always but right nw that's just not possible.this is my last child so I want to enjoy these early moments but its hard when I'm crying all the time.

Balsamfir - 5.9 hours ago
Hello! Jacob is now 10 days old. I finally feel confident breast feeding, but the night my milk came in was the day after we left the hospital - day 5. He wouldn't latch and was screaming and crying and hitting his little hands against my boobs. Hubby broke out the breast pump and I broke down in tears!! I called the Lactation consultant and went on tuesdy for help. Worked wonders! He is non stop booby monster now and the consultant was so impressed with us on Thursday! Such a relief! I can't believe how upset I got how rejected I felt because he didn't want to feed from me. ********************** I have a few concerns I'd really appreciate feed back on. 1. My newest concern is the umbilical cord, I clean with alcohol wipe, but under the dry part its still moist, and kinda gooey, but not pussy. What is normal and what is cause for concern? 2. I thought I had stitched. I pulled back the white tape on my c section today and found staples!!!! No one told me I had staples. What am I supposed to do? I called hospital and the nurse said they usually come out on day 10, which is today. Called the doctors office but he is closed till Monday! Anyone else have staples? How long are they ok to be in? Thanks!!

bubblez23 - 8 hours ago
christi-I went through that the first week-week and a half after my baby was born. It started as soon as i got home from the hospital, as soon as we got home my boyfriend left to go somewhere and i automatically started crying. Im a first time mom, I was scared to be left alone with her and was still recovering from a c section. this went on everyday when he would leave i would cry uncontrollably. This stopped once my mom came to visit me one day, i felt much better. And my boyfriend started helping out more. now 3 weeks PP I feel much better. You will feel better too I promise. sorry typing with one hand baby was in my arms lol.

christi21 - 9.6 hours ago
Yea I really hope the meds work.I feel extremely alone.maybe bc hubbie doesn't help out and he just acts totally distant.I don't have hardly any friends anymore.I am only 21 w 3kiddos and its just really hard.I hate to complain bc I have 3 healthy children but I guess bc of the depression Its hard for me to enjoy them and my life right now.

cantwait3-11 - 9.8 hours ago
so much has happened since my son was born. My son is not latching on all the time and it doesn't bother me bcuz I bought a breast pump (thank god). I had these horrid headaches that wouldn't go away not even with meds. THey finally went away yesterday! A week of headaches made worse by a newborn with VERY DEVELOPED lungs was almost putting me over the edge. Well I stopped takin both my pain meds 4 days after Jacob was born. I feel great now. Especially since my Dr hook out my staples yesterday. I feel about at 90% or better now. LOl. Someone said they can see their who haa! Me too! Lol. My left leg is huge and my right leg is normal. YEsterday at the Dr office my blood pressure was high but can't have any meds for it bcuz I'm BFing . So she gave me water pulls to help get rid of swelling and maybe it will lower my BP some too. I tried so hard to prevent pre eclampcia while I was pregnant that I didn't even think u could get it after baby was born. But oh well, I'm confident it will go away. Umm... my boy is sleeping 4-4 1/2 hrs , is everyone's baby sleeping this long? Sorry had a lot on my mind. LOL.

mama-dearest - 11.1 hours ago
WYATTSMOMMY- I'm wondering the same thing as bubblez. Does he barely ever cry, or you've never even heard his cry? I'd be a little freaked out if my little man didn't cry... I might even consider pinching his leg or something...lol. (That's a joke)

goingfor3 - 13.1 hours ago
christi - so sorry you are feeling that way. I took antidepressants after dd#2. I felt so overwhelmed and cried all the time. the meds helped so mich! I'm glad you recognize the blues and talk on here about it as well as with your doc. So many woman needlessly suffer. So far I have not had the blues with #3 but then again he is still in the NICU ... so I haven't had to juggle 3 kids yet ... but I have had unbelievable stress with him there. Good luck hun and with meds you will feel like yourself again. Talk to dh and tell him specifically what he can do to help you. Don't be vague... men weren't born to interpret vague statements! lol Give him a list of his responsiblities... sounds silly but I had to do that with my dh. He doesn't pick up on 'i need help'... he does understand 'give the girls a bath tonight'.

christi21 - 13.7 hours ago
Hey ladies I'm starting to feel so overwhelmed! My two older boys are acting up constantly and to be completely honest I'm starting to feel depressd! I go to the doc mon and I will discuss anti-depressants w him then.my mil passed away 2 months ago and she was like a 2nd mother to my kids she helpd out more than my husband.I miss her so much and having 3 kids to care for 24/7 w no help is really starting to get to me.I'm starting to resent my hubbie bc he doesn't help out enough.sorry to vent ladies I'm just not doing to good today.I want to feel 'normal' again.I knw it takes time but I totally dnt feel like myself anymore!

amanda4964 - 21.9 hours ago
Olivia Jean is finally here. St. Patty's Day baby. Home today and loving having her on the outside!

BabyNumber2IsHERE - Thursday, 18 Mar
hello ladies! My jackson was born on my due date which was march 13th @ 8 22 a.m it was incredibly fast alittle to fast my placenta didn't get a chance to decend so they had to put me to sleep to retrieve it manually, no tears or stitches thank go. He's 5 days old and his days and nights are mixed up whiches okay for now, my 2 year old daughter is making it a bit difficult as i'm still in the process of working out a schedule of some kind, i love my family and i love that i have a girl and a boy i think i'll stop there for a little while. One thing i'm concerned about is i gave him a bath yesterday and got his umilical cord wet its a bit stinky today should worry about infection? and i forgot how long umbilical cords take to fall off.

bubblez23 - Thursday, 18 Mar
christi21- My feet were SOO swollen after I left the hospital for about 4 days! then one day i woke up and they were normal again...But I didn't think my feet could be so swollen... but it goes away soon!

bubblez23 - Thursday, 18 Mar
wyattsmommy- Are you serious when you say you haven't heard him cry at all? Or you're just saying he doesn't cry much? I understand the later but to have not heard him cry at ALL? sorry that may have been a dumb question but it stuck out to me lol

becks13 - Thursday, 18 Mar
This is my second baby, but I have a question! With my 19 month old I was able to stay home for 3 months before I had to return to work. With my new one I will have to return to work when she is 2 mos. My question is...when should I start pumping my milk so that I have enough of a supply to start off with when I go back to work? Also, when is the best time of day to pump it? Should I do it in the morning after she gets her morning milk because that is when I have the most since she sleeps for 4- 4 1/2 hours at night and then wakes up to feed.

preciousbandbaby3 - Thursday, 18 Mar
Omg something amazing happened, I took a shower today and this may be tmi but I was able to see my hoo-haa to shave, that is a big milestone since Ive been blindly shaving for months now. I had to tell dh I said guess what I found? It was funny, then I told him he wouldnt be finding it until after a vasectomy.....lol just thought I'd share, though it was too funny :-)

reneeandbaby - Thursday, 18 Mar
My Greyson is 14 days old today. We spent the whole day out shopping. We went to the new doctor first. I love her. The other doctor had way to many patients. Dr. Rena suggested that I change my baby formula from soy back to a milk based formula. I am a vegan so I was giving her soy formula. I went out and bought the new formula. Greyson is getting and little bit fuller and she does not seem to be hungry so quickly. After she turn 1 year old I can put her back on soy.

*Wyatts*mommy* - Thursday, 18 Mar
i cant believe wyatt will be 1 month this sunday! hes been sleeping threw the night and breastfeeding like a champ! i still have yet to hear him cry which i guess is a good thing but makes me nervous as its been this long and he didnt even cry when he came out so not sure if i should be concerned or if i just have a quite baby hes still pretty small gaining weight everyday though i guess i just have little quite babies! its amazing how much they change in just 4 weeks its the best feeling being a mother! hope everyone and there LOs are doing well :)

MrsHutto - Thursday, 18 Mar
I had my baby yesterday at 2:31 PM and its been over 24 hours and I stil have not produced anything to breast feed. What can I do?

weather - Thursday, 18 Mar
hey ladies, im so happy 2 say that my son Seth finnally slept in his own bed last night, which means i got 2 sleep like a normal person laying down instead of sleeping sitting up w him on my chest!!!!!

evrcastanon - Thursday, 18 Mar
I am so happy to be a part of the 'IN CROWD'! My baby was born less then two days ago... after being 12 days late!!! Yet he was still my smallest baby at 7 LB 4OZ. I am so in love with him... isn't it beautiful! It has been over 7 years since I last breastfeed... so I am very out to date on all of this. Not even two days old... and I am already a crazy over concerned mother! The first night he took real well... and last night he was so fussy he wanted it all night... and I mean all night!!! My breast already feel sore!! I figured either I wasnt producing anything or he was fussy and using it for comfort. He has had 4 big poop diapers and two with noticable pee... so I take it he is getting something. So I have given him some Mylicon drops and it has calmed him down for the last couple of hours. Now hopefuly we can go on using my boobs as a source of food not comfort! I am so exhausted and in such pain... I don't know how I have even found time to write all this... lol... but I wouldn't change anything for the world... I love my little man =)

lisset005 - Thursday, 18 Mar
Noah is 4 days old today and doing great! I got about 8-9 hours of sleep last night....im not expressing or pumping yet because I'm wAiting for my milk producion to balance itself a bit. My milk came in pretty quickly this time around. I just stopped nursing my 22 month old 7 months ago so maybe my body remembered..? I am waiting until 4-6 weeks to introduce expressed breastmilk to Noah to avoid nipple confusion. No binkies either until that point. My older son never used abinkie which is fine by me. But Noah likes to comofort suck on my breast after eating so he may take to one...my hubby gets up to bring me Noah and change his diaper...he is also the official swaddled! =] he's great about helping! And when we do start a bottle he will get ul and help as much as is humanly possible...sometimes he wakes up at 3am to work..anyways I'm feeling good except my site where I got stiched kills!!! We went to the peditrician yesterday and Noah got a shot and circumsized. Poor guy. I left the room with our older son because I could bear to watch that happen. But he's big strong and healthy like his brother. Well I'm going to get some lunch and hoping to bring my boys on a walk today! Hope everybody is recovering and adjusting well.

christi21 - Thursday, 18 Mar
Hey ladies my son will be 1wk old tom.he is a great baby but I hate waking up at night.he only wakes me up 2-3x but I still hate it lol.my hubbie doesn't help me at night (he never has and this is r 3rd child) so that takes a toll on me.he is selfish when it comes to his sleep.did I mention I had a c-section?? Lol o well I knew how it wuld be since day 1.my feet are sooo swollen still,I kinda figured that would go away after I had him.everyone says that its normal but how do I make it go away? Anyways I'm so glad all u ladies r here its nice to have someone to talk to.

mama-dearest - Thursday, 18 Mar
So happy to see some of you ladies from my week and so happy we all have our healthy babies now!

jekajoy - Thursday, 18 Mar
I'm not expressing milk for my hubby to feed because if I don't wake up to feed, I soak the bed in milk! I am leaking everywhere. I have a ton of milk in the freezer for when I go back to work. I think I am making like 6 times the amount he needs? It's starting to get better though, my breasts are not bowling balls anymore!

reneeandbaby - Thursday, 18 Mar
goingfor3 - glad to see that you made it to the other side. Greyson is 14 days old today. She has had a stuffy nose for the past 5 days and it has finally clear up. She does not like it when she is not the center of attention. Right now I am catching hell because I am on the computer. I love being her mommie.

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