Your newborn baby is unique. Though small and helpless at birth, he grows and develops at an astonishing rate during his first year, and his individuality soon shows. His size and weight depend on the appearance of his parents, and his development speed differs from that of other babies. All infants pass through a set of developmental milestones, so use these to check on his progress. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, you should act early if you feel any concern about his growth or development. Seek a health professional's advice right away.
Physical Growth
At birth, your baby likely weighs anything between 6 pounds, 2 ounces and 9 pounds, 2 ounces, according to KidsHealth.org. By the end of her first year, she weighs three times as much. Her head, large in comparison to the rest of her body, has soft spots, called fontanels, on the skull. These allow her head to change shape to squeeze through the birth canal. They gradually close, and her head grows about an inch every month for the first six months. By the end of her first year, she may grow up to twice her birth length.
Sensory Motor Skills
Born with a set of reflexes, your baby grasps your finger when you touch the palm of his hand, startles at loud noises and roots for food when you stroke his cheek. These automatic responses disappear during his first six months. By 3 months, he lifts his head up when he lies on his stomach and focuses his eye on objects. At 4 to 6 months, he sits by himself. Now he reaches out for objects to grasp, shakes rattles and brings objects to his mouth. He starts to creep or crawl on the floor and, after one year, can stand and take a step, holding on to furniture.
Language
Already sensitive to sound, your newborn turns toward your voice. By 3 months old, she makes eye contact and copies facial movements. Just watch her stick out her tongue at you. She studies your face when you talk, and shouts for attention. At 6 months, she starts babbling, using repetitive speech sounds. By the end of that first year, she understands simple instructions, waves her hand to say goodbye and may say her first word.
Social and Intellectual
When tiny, your baby recognizes your voice and relaxes when he hears you speak. During his first year, he learns to recognize familiar objects, and at around six months can look for a toy when he drops it. Understanding that objects are still there, even when hidden, marks significant intellectual development. According to Drugs.com, he establishes a close bond with his main caregiver during his second six months, perhaps crying when he or she leaves or when strangers come near.
Feeding
At birth, breast milk is all your baby needs. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends you breastfeed until your baby is around 6 months old, if possible. Then she needs solid food and begins to enjoy new tastes, trying to feed herself with her fingers. By one year, she puts her spoon into her dish and feeds herself, though it stays a messy business for some time.
