Milestones: Newborn

As a new mommy, I was always checking on Brody and whether or not he was meeting the "milestones". There are specific and general milestones that doctors look for in babies and children, but remember if your child doesn't meet them exactly at the time it says to, it is okay. Just watch for the major milestones and make sure your child hits those. Also, if your child is not meeting a milestone and is behind by months, just run it by your doctor. With all that said, here are the milestones for your newborn baby!

1) Uncurl: After about 10 days your baby should start to "uncurl". Meaning their legs and arms will start to stretch out and not stay in the fetal position as much. However, they won't uncurl all the way for a while. **Note: Being a photographer as well, if you want newborn pictures, it is best to do within the first 10 days while they still tend to curl up. It makes for great pictures!

2) Sight: Your baby should start looking around more. Remember, babies are born nearsighted and can only see about 8-15 inches away from their face. They like looking at your eyebrows, hairline, and moving mouth. Your baby will start getting more interested in eye-to-eye contact. They like to see your face over patterns. However, if you show them patterns, they like black and white ones.

3) Sounds: Your baby's hearing should be developed. They should start turning their eyes or head towards your voice or noises.

4) Head: Your baby should be able to lift their head briefly and turn it to the side when they are on their stomach. Remember though, when upright they need support.

5) Movement: Your baby should be able to lift their hand to their mouth. Their moves will be jerky and that is normal. That will resolve itself.

What can you do to help development?
1) The number one thing is to spoil that baby! You heard me right. Cuddle and love on your baby! You need to learn each other! At this age, you cannot hold your baby "too much".  You also need to learn your babies signals of hungry, tired, wet, etc.

2) Talk and sing to your baby. This will help them know your voice and give brain stimulation.

3) Tummy Time. You can start this when your baby is about 2 weeks old. You do not need to do tons of time for this, but 5 minutes a couple times a day is good for the baby. Also encourage your baby to reach for things while on their tummy.

4) Take your baby outside and give them sunshine. You both need to get outside. This will get you out of the house and some exercise and will be good for your baby. They need fresh air too!

5) Make close eye contact with your baby when you talk, sing, laugh, play, and read with your baby. Play simple games like peek-a-boo with your baby.

6) Read to your baby. Yes, they can't understand. However, studies show that reading from a young age helps development.

RED FLAGS:
1) Your baby feeds slowly or doesn't suck well.
2) Your baby does not focus their eyes or watch things move that are nearby.
3) Your baby does not respond to loud sounds.
4) Your baby does not react to bright lights.
5) Your baby is very stiff or very floppy.
6) Your baby is not eating well.

If you notice any of these, bring it to the attention of your doctor. It may be nothing, but let them examine your baby to determine that.

Good luck with your newborn!

Thanks for reading and until next time!