Growth and Development

As Your Baby Grows

Your baby is special. In the first year, your baby will grow in many ways.

First Month

• Movements are jerky
• Holds objects placed in his hand
• Hands stay closed into fists
• Sucks on fist, fingers or thumb

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• Can turn head; may lift head when lying on stomach (It is OK for baby to be on stomach while awake and someone responsible is right there with baby)
• Sees best at 8 - 12 inches from his face
• Likes bright colors, patterns and faces
• May make short "ah" sounds
• Cries to tell you his needs
• Sleeps less; may be awake up to 10 hours a day

Second Month

• Begins to keep hands open
• Tries to reach for and hold on to an object
• Holds head up for a short time
• Kicks more
• Begins to smile
• Calms herself with sucking
• Sees best at 6 inches to several feet away from her face
• Eyes follow moving things or people
• Sleeps less; may be awake up to 10 hours a day

Third Month

• Cries less
• Has a pattern of eating and sleeping
• His whole body responds to a person he knows
• Holds head up for longer periods
• Begins looking at his hands
• Connects sights and sounds with feeding and play
• May have a growth spurt and eat more often
• Awake and playful up to an hour at a time
• Some babies wake at night for feedings; others sleep for longer periods

You are very important to your baby and you can do special things to help your baby grow.

• Talk to your baby a lot. Talk in a positive way. Talking to your baby teaches her to feel good, special and loved. Start now to read to your baby. Try singing too.
• Hold your baby a lot. Babies need to be touched and loved. You won't spoil your baby by holding him.
• Play with your baby. Play games like "Peek-a-Boo", "This Little Piggy".
• Give your baby soft toys or ones that make noise. Choose bright colors. Mobiles safely attached to the crib will give your baby something to watch. Beware of toys with small parts.
• Love and enjoy your baby.