image

Newborn Baby's Development: Months 1-3

Newborn Baby's Development: Months 1-3

New Mother - 0 to 6 months baby
Article
Sep 10, 2018
4 mins

How will baby explore her new environment? She will use her eyes, ears, her sense of smell and her sense of touch. There are many ways you can help her to discover her new world. Click here to know more!

Key Concepts Covered: 

Month 1 – Sense Comfort 
Month 2 – Read and React 
Month 3 – Build Trust 

  

Month 1 – Sense Comfort 

What will you notice? The Moro (Startle) reflex will occur often, and many of her movements won't be deliberate or controlled. 
 
Weeks 1 and 2 will feature LOTS of sleep. Although it is normal for some babies to cry a bit during this period, its your baby learning to communicate. However, if the crying is excessive, please consult a health care professional. 
 
But how fast is she developing? Any early checkups will allow your doctor to plot her height, weight and head circumference on a standard growth chart. 
 
Now, here's what can stimulate your baby's senses to get her used to her surroundings: 
 
Hearing  

  • Soothing music 
  • Soft sound-making toys 
  • Your tone (She'll respond best to high-pitched voices) 

Sight 

  • Mobiles; things in motion 
  • Soft sculptures with black-and-white patterns 
  • Your smiling face (It helps baby focus both eyes at once) 

Touch 

  • Soft toys 
  • Blankets 
  • Anything safe for your baby to caress 

Don't be surprised if your baby: 

  • Lifts her head. (Neck muscles!) 
  • Visually follows objects 20-25 cm away (High contrast colours come through clearest). 
  • Blinks at bright lights. 
  • Turns her head to respond to sounds and voices she recognizes. 
  • Grips your finger when you stroke her palm. (Grasping reflex!) 
  • Turns toward your finger when you rub a corner of her mouth (This rooting instinct helps her latch onto your breast for feeding). 
  • Recognizes you by your scent (Babies can smell breast milk). 

 

Month 2 – Read and React 

Oh, hello there! Your baby's likely even more alert now, and she'll be taking everything in—she may even: 

  • Show her preferences/emotions with smiles and coos. 
  • Respond to familiar voices and sounds. 
  • Plus, like more than 50% of babies, she might actually recognize her parents! 

Here's how you can help your baby's social skills blossom: 

  • Read or sing to her. 
  • Continue to provide bright, colourful objects (Think bold mobiles or soft stuffed toys). 
  • Spend some time talking and singing face-to-face. (Strengthen your bond ) 
  • Tummy time! Let your baby kick and move around on a blanket on the floor. 

What else can you expect? Well, your baby may: 

  • Go silent, cry or act startled in response to loud sounds. 
  • Make cooing sounds. 
  • Repeat "ooh" and "aah". 
  • Raise her chest and head using her arms when she's lying face down. 
  • Focus on very small objects and follow (or "track") objects thanks to her developing eye muscles. 

It is recommended to attend all regularly scheduled child welfare clinic visits with health care professionals in the first few years of life. 

Month 3 – Build Trust 

Get ready for incredible growth and psychological development! 
 
As your baby's routine becomes more established, she may even by less fussy. Plus, she'll be starting to process information, like the breastfeeding position means food's on the way or your comforting efforts mean she can calm down. This is the age when consistently meeting baby's needs results in trust for her caregiver, an awareness of how to get attention and a growing confidence in her own skills. 
 
To encourage communication and develop trust: 

  • Talk, sing, hum, play music and read to your baby. 
  • Encourage clear pronunciation, short sentences and simple words from all caregivers. 

Here's what else you could see, your baby could: 

  • Bring her hands together and reach for objects. (Coordination skills!) 
  • Consciously unfold tight fists. 
  • Suck on fingers and objects (Just another way to explore her environment). 
  • Practice focusing by maintaining eye contact. 
  • Perceive colours more clearly (She'll like primary bright colours best). 
  • Focus on smaller objects. 
  • Begin to follow you with her eyes. 
  • Turn toward the sound of your voice. (Improved sound recognition!) 

 

Remember, babies reach developmental milestones at their own pace. Talk to your health care professional if you become concerned about your baby's health or development. 

Customer reviews

0

0
0 global ratings

Ratings

  • 5 star
    0
  • 4 star
    0
  • 3 star
    0
  • 2 star
    0
  • 1 star
    0

Related articles

View details Baby Vaccination & Immunization Schedule
Article
image

Baby Vaccination & Immunization Schedule

Early infant immunization protects baby against serious illnesses. It may be hard to hear your baby cry; but remember that the pain lasts for seconds but the benefits last a lifetime.

3 mins to read

View details 4 - 6month baby development
Article
Teething baby 1st Image.png

4 - 6month baby development

Let’s talk baby talk! No, not words just yet, but the language basics begin here! Baby’s giggles and shrieks mean she’s developing her language skills and you can help shape those skills.

5 mins to read

View details How to Bathe Your Baby: Step-by-step
Article
How to Bathe Your Baby

How to Bathe Your Baby: Step-by-step

Baby’s first bath will be a new experience for both of you, so give yourself plenty of time to relax and enjoy it.

2 mins to read

View details Why Is My Baby Crying - Why Babies Cry
Article
image

Why Is My Baby Crying - Why Babies Cry

When you’re a new parent your baby’s crying can be overwhelming. Remember it’s a new world outside the womb and your little one is adjusting to his new surroundings.

2 mins to read

View details Baby Nutrition and Feeding Guide
Article
Benefits of Breastfeeding and Breast Milk

Baby Nutrition and Feeding Guide

So, how will you feed your newborn? It’s a common and important question for any parent. 

8 mins to read

View details Baby is Teething
Article
image

Baby is Teething

Teething, or “cutting of the teeth” is the process by which your baby’s teeth break through or emerge through the gums. This usually occurs between 6 months to 2 years.

4 mins to read

View details Baby’s naptime: Sleep Tips and More
Article
Baby’s naptime: Sleep Tips and More

Baby’s naptime: Sleep Tips and More

Looks like you have quite the little sleepyhead on your hands, during the day at least. At night? Not so much. Following these tips can help both you and baby to adjust.

6 mins to read

View details Baby Stool
Article
image

Baby Stool

Yes, this is all about your baby’s poop! The most important thing is to be able to identify abnormal stool to know when to see your baby’s doctor if the need arises.

4 mins to read

View details What's a healthy breastfeeding diet?
Article
what's a healthy breastfeeding diet?

What's a healthy breastfeeding diet?

If you’re breastfeeding, a healthy breastfeeding diet is important as it can affect your baby as much as you.

2 mins to read

View details Getting Baby to Sleep and Fighting Fatigue
Article
image

Getting Baby to Sleep and Fighting Fatigue

Getting enough sleep during the first months of your baby's life means adjusting to your own new sleep habits and those of your baby. Here are a few tips to help get you both some sleep.

3 mins to read

View details Breast milk is the best start for babies
Article
image

Breast milk is the best start for babies

Breast milk is the best start for babies

2 mins to read

View details Spacing Out Your Kids
Article
image

Spacing Out Your Kids

While it may have been tedious handling that first child, it’s not long before some mums dream of having more kids. This also means considering how to space them out.

5 mins to read

View details Healthy Diet for Nursing Mothers
Article
image

Healthy Diet for Nursing Mothers

Just as it was important to eat right while you were pregnant, it's also vital that you continue to do so while breastfeeding.

5 mins to read

View details Breastfeeding problems?
Article
image

Breastfeeding problems?

Breastfeeding is well worth the practice and patience it can sometimes take. Here are some common concerns that breastfeeding mums have, and solutions to remedy them.

9 mins to read

View details Don't forget your support system
Article
image

Don't forget your support system

Choosing to breastfeed is one of the most important decisions you can make regarding your baby's health.

3 mins to read

View details Breastfeeding Mother 101
Article
image

Breastfeeding Mother 101

Having a basic understanding about breast milk, breastfeeding and your breastfed baby will help you enjoy every moment that you’re nourishing and nurturing your baby.

4 mins to read

View details Benefits of Breastfeeding and Breast Milk
Article
image

Benefits of Breastfeeding and Breast Milk

Experts agree breast milk is best for babies. It is the most nutritionally complete food your newborn will ever have. The benefits of breastfeeding for you and your baby can last a lifetime.

3 mins to read

View details Introducing a bottle expressed breast milk
Article
Your Breastfeeding Guide, Tips, and Much More

Introducing a bottle expressed breast milk

Bottle feeding does not have to mean an end to breastfeeding. It may just be another means for your baby to continue to receive full nutrition in the form of expressed breast milk

4 mins to read

View details The protein in breast milk is one of the most important nutrients for babies
Article
WHO Code Pop up

The protein in breast milk is one of the most important nutrients for babies

The protein in breast milk is one of the most important nutrients for babies

1 min to read

Join

  Join

Get full access to expert-backed nutrition support

Large@SVG_5.svg

PERSONALISED CONTENT

Weekly + monthly e-newsletters based on baby's development straight to your inbox, plus a personalised browsing experience.

Large@SVG_6.svg

Handy tools

Interactive tools to help you keep track of complex things - like fertility, ovulation and growth

Expert tips & advice

Expert tips & advice

Discover Expert Tips & Advice and browse or FAQs anytime, anywhere!​

blue@SVG.svg

Helpful Resources

You can also learn more about our Helpful Resources.