Your baby, 0 months 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 and older

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 76-100 of about 24462 for month 0
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milkyway - Friday, 27 Jan
Rubes - sorry you're having a hard time at the moment - hope things work out. Took my son to the doctor today, and it turns out he has a slight hernia :( I knew his belly button was weird! Anyway, I have to wait until he's 6 weeks to see if it goes down by itself, otherwise they're going to treat it with silver nitrate. If that doesn't work, then they will do an operation when he's about 3 or 4...Ugh..This little man has scared me so much since he's been born, with the canula in his hands, and then we're waiting for a scan for his hip, as there was a click in the left leg, and all the blood tests and glucose tests he had when he was born. It seems he's being tested so much poor baby. I hate seeing him have needles and things poked around his body - he's just a baby :( :(

rubes - Friday, 27 Jan
He's on the short stay ward, so assuming phyciatry say he's OK, he can come home today. I need to spend a day entirely devoted to breastfeeding. I've been using the bottle way too much lately coz I find it difficult to breastfeed in public. Only one place in a 10 mile radius has a specially designed 'breastfeeding room'. When he's home, I can breastfeed more and build up my supply again hopefully.

rls- I♥mythreebabies - Friday, 27 Jan
Rubes - Is hubby home with you now? You are a strong woman, but try to take help where you can, it's too much to cope with on your own with two young children too. I hope things settle down soon and the social workers manage to offer some help rather than judge/interfere and cause you even more stress!

rubes - Friday, 27 Jan
Demand feeding had made Arun sick. He had a yellow-green stool this morning (apparently this is normal), but last night's poo was yellow, so am hoping it's a one off. I'm under strict instructions to let him cry and only feed every 2 hours if he's crying. Hope it works.

Rubes - Friday, 27 Jan
Oh yeah. The hospital lost his clothes! They have no idea where they went. They aren't even in lost property! Weird, right?? I'm also launching a complaint with the MET Police coz I didn't like their presumptions. I didn't call coz I was scared of my husband, I called coz he was unconscious behind the kitchen door and I couldn't get to him. Also I was looking for support and reassurance and the policewoman called him a selfish man :-( she then refered me to a domestic violence group despite me telling her he's not violent or a bully and that he doesn't intimidate me. Then she refered us to social services coz his behaviour is damaging our kids apparently. My kids are fine thank you very much. Washed, clothed, fed, loved. And i'm a survivor. I don't crack under pressure (takes years for pressure to affect me). So I don't need help or support (they call it that, they really impose themselves on you). Chase after the real monsters! They rung up my health visitor, asking questions. She asked me if he's controlling, violent, etc. I said no, I am the controlling one. She laughed. So it's domestic violence if he controls me but not the other way round??! In his state of mind do you think he needs this? I haven't even broached the subject with him yet in case he tips more over the edge. Sorry for essay but everything's going wrong right now. And none of these people who are 'here to help' seem to care!

Rubes - Friday, 27 Jan
Thanks for a the tips guys. He hates his sling and doesn't settle in the pushchair or a car if he's unsettled when he goes in it (if we pushed or drove lilia around for 10 hrs she'd stay asleep the whole time, so this is... Different lol). Love4bb, I think his tummy hurt processing a poo coz he was farting all evening while crying and then stopped and fell asleep when he pushed out a (normal) poo! Rls, do you have a more sucker thing you could use on him before a feed?

rls- I♥mythreebabies - Thursday, 26 Jan
Sebastian had a blocked nose, he has caught the cold from my other three and is okay until he tries to feed and then he can hardly breathe - in fact he keeps stopping breathing for a moment and then has to come off the boob to take a deep breathe. Poor little mite :(

love4bb - Thursday, 26 Jan
rubes - yesterday i had the same problem. dd didn't want to sleep n was crying constantly. He might have gas that makes him uncomfortable to sleep or rest. That's what happened to my baby. It took me all day to the evening to get her to burp n get the gas out. Then she finally settle down to sleep. Just have to keep trying. The walk sounds like a good idea, I might try that next time. U r doing a great job!!

hazebeyond - Thursday, 26 Jan
rubes, I'm popping over from 2mo and just wanted to give you some encouragement. Sometimes babies do cry because they're overtired. Taking him for a walk in the pram sounds a good idea. Do you have a carrier you could strap him in while you walk around the house or do some light housework? I used to do that when my boys wouldn't settle, then changed it up so I was doing leg exercises while walking. The bouncing and slow up-and-down motion eventually soothed them to sleep (and built up some leg muscle for me! :D). It sounds like you're having a really shitty time right now. It will get better. Hang in there!

kenoburl@yahoo.com - Thursday, 26 Jan
Rubes he is probally picking up your stress vibes. I know that's not what you wanted to hear or need right now. I hope eveything works itself out for you soon. You need a break.

kaylaaa - Thursday, 26 Jan
Hi all the ladies from my week :) I had another healthy happy homebirth, hour and a half labour. Ella is 3 weeks old now. She's perfect. Both my boys had really bad colic so i don't know what to do with myself with this obedient little baby lol. she came out knowing dat from night and only ever wakes 2 or 3 times a night its amazing. I have only ever known the newborn stage to be tears and torment (for us both) so it's lovewly to be able to actually enjoy her. and Rubes, good luck to you both what a difficult situation you're in. All i can say is thank god your hubby failed his attempt and i hope he gets the help he needs.

rls- I♥mythreebabies - Thursday, 26 Jan
Rubes - I think there is always a reason just sometimes it's impossible to find out what it is! How about taking a quick walk around the block in the pram? I remember 2am walks down the street (yep in my pj's) with my first who used to get bad wind and sometimes over tired - fresh air and a few bumpy curbs normally did they trick and then she could sleep for a few hours in her pram when we got back.

rubes - Thursday, 26 Jan
Omg. He wont stop crying. I dont know what to do anymore. All his needs have been met, he just wont stop.I put him in his moses basket in my room, to see if he'll settle. So far, no use. Is it normal for babies to sometimes cry incessantly for no reason???? My daughter always cried for a reason.

Rubes - Thursday, 26 Jan
Thanks for the kind words :-) thankfully he thinks it's tuesday and has no recollection of the event. He even called out for me when asleep :-) i'm sure we'll be fine, just need to be gentler on each other.

alliemomof3 - Thursday, 26 Jan
Rubes.. hope your visit with your husband goes well... still thinking of you and sending good thoughts your way. Remember that it is not the little (or even big) fights that define a marriage but rather the ongoing support that you should give one another. I think in marriage there are lots of 'new beginnings' or events that happen that are hard but help you to grow closer as a couple. We all have times where no matter how hard we try, we are emotional, on edge, and unfortunately say things we don't mean...Of course we try not to but no relationship is perfect and then add to it a new transition (baby), lack of sleep, hormones etc..... be gentle with yourself and hopefully today can be a start of a positive 'new beginning' for you and your husband.

alliemomof3 - Thursday, 26 Jan
Has anyone used or heard of a PumpEase bra before? I am just curious if anyone has one and if you have found it to be useful? Basically it is a holder for when you pump that you put over your nursing bra that holds the pump on your chest so that you do not have to sit and hold the pump. I do not go back to work for another 6 weeks but will be pumping once I go back. I pumped at work with both of my other daughters and did not have one of these but am thinking it may be really helpful in order to be able to be on my computer and doing work while pumping. Am thinking about ordering one.....

Rubes - Thursday, 26 Jan
Hey guys. They took out the breathing tube and he's now concious and with it! I'm on my way to hospital now. Running well late. Arun had bad tummy pains and sickness. He seems ok now thankfully. I'm really hoping he's nice to me and doesn't play the blame game or threaten divorce. It would break my heart. I didn't mean to kick him when he's down. I was just stressed and emotional :-( it's normal to be stressed, argumentive and emotional when you've just had a baby right? I certainly wasn't As bad the first time around tho. Half tidied the bedroom. Bigger job then I thought lol my bedroom's massive though. Mess looks smaller haha

FutureMa - Thursday, 26 Jan
Sorry about your situation Rubes, hope your hubby gets up well and that your marriage is salvaged once again. love4bb, my lo has stained almost all my whites and it sticks like superglue! The saddest was my white towel that I received this xmas lol. She ejects her poo without any notice, last night, she did that within a span of 5minutes, and yet I was in the process of changing her, 3pampers down the drain and a stained bedsheet. I tell her she is lucky she got the most patient mother in this planet. Her dad snores away his worries lol

love4bb - Wednesday, 25 Jan
oh, i also realizes that baby poo stains clothes really bad.. i pre soak, spray stains removal n then wash.. nope.. poop stain doesnt come off. lol.

love4bb - Wednesday, 25 Jan
So yesterday, we went in to see the hematologist. He explained the situation with my baby, looks like nothing bad is gonna come from it. He took blood to check how the genes r carried n then it will give us an idea who's the carrier in the parents. I had the craziest day, dd was up at 10am, n was crying on n off all day. then i talked to my sister n she told me she probably has gas or needs to be burp. So all day i tried to comfort her or get her to burp. Finally at 6:30p, i fed her again n then it came... She burped!!! then next thing, shes asleep. what a day.. didnt get to do anything.. til now.

love4bb - Wednesday, 25 Jan
rubes - sorry to hear bout ur situation.. i hope everything is ok. pray for u n ur family. take care of urself n ur baby. lots of love to u.

rubes - Wednesday, 25 Jan
I'm watching One Born Every Minute, and I know I said my second labour absolitely traumatised me, but............................. I really wanna do it again!!!! Lol.

Rubes - Wednesday, 25 Jan
Thanks ladies. I really need the support. I know no one in this neighbourhood. My nearst friend is two boughs away. My parents took lilia til friday. I need to tackle the bedroom. Its a mess. Want him coming back to a nice clean tranquil house!!! We were arguing before he did it I feel so guilty I think he gonna wake uo and say he wants a divorce. If hed died our last conversation would have been an argument. I feel so awful :( thanks again ladies.

lilyxox19 - Wednesday, 25 Jan
@rubes I'm so sorry to hear that. I was just reading your other post about him helping clean the house for your parents coming down and then BAM. So unexpected. I had to do a couple of double takes. I hope everything will be ok!!

lilyxox19 - Wednesday, 25 Jan
oh and while I breastfeed before I started exclussively pumping, he would fall asleep while nursing. Then I would just pick him and the boppy pillow up together and place on the couch.

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