Here are some quick facts about the development of babies after birth.
Parenthood is a beautiful but challenging journey. When the child is born and the parents look at their child for the first time, a range of emotions arises in their minds. Those emotions are a mix of joy, thrill, fear, responsibility and insecurity. The responsibility of parenting a child is indeed a huge task. That does not mean they cannot do it. People have always been carrying out this responsibility very well. Nevertheless, if the right information about the upbringing of a child is also available, then surely this responsibility can be fulfilled in a better way.
Sometimes due to lack of information and absence of proper guidance from elders, parents make some mistakes in the upbringing of their children. This makes them regret it later. Parents always want to take care of their children properly. Therefore, having good knowledge is beneficial for both the parent and the child.
There are different stages of child development. Each stage requires some specific pattern of parenting. Infant care is different from caring for a two-year-old.
What do you find most interesting Facts about infant development-
Learning what’s normal for babies at this age can help you spot problems early or feel better about how your baby is doing. When you become a parent, you should keep a few things in mind which are as follows:
1 Develop a sense of security in infants-
The most important thing for child development is to develop a sense of security in children. After birth, the baby finds this world a strange place. However, newborn babies learn to recognize the voice of their mother or caregiver.
Hearing their mother’s voice, babies feel a sense of comfort and security. They need a lot of hugs and kisses from their mother. Therefore, mothers should spend more and more time with their children so that their children feel safe, loved and cared for. This is good for all-round development of the children.
After a few months of birth, babies begin to express themselves. If we pay attention, we can see that children express themselves through their various actions. For example, if they are happy, they smile, and sometimes they laugh aloud by clapping.
Also, if they need something, they signify getting that particular thing.
At the age of one year, the babies start sitting, walking, running and holding things in their hands.
2 Learn the art of communication for infant development-
It is generally observed that parents and family members like to speak with babies. Even though children do not understand language and meaning, it is interesting to watch the child’s reactions. It looks like they are enjoying the conversation. This interaction is very important for the development of the child, it has a positive effect on their mental development. The ability to think and understand in children grows very fast. Their feelings develop, and gradually they learn the language to express their needs and feelings.
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3 Identify the need of an infant when she cries –
Infants express their needs by crying. They cry when they are hungry, wet or have any other problem. A mother should make her baby comfortable as soon as possible. If babies get immediate action on their demands, they develop a sense of security. They become sure that someone is taking care of them.
4 Comfortable sleep is essential for infant development and growth-
Babies are found sleeping most of the time after birth. They only wake up when they are hungry or wet. But sometimes due to deep sleep, they do not wake up even when they are hungry. In such a situation, a mother should wake up her children every two or three hours and feed them.
Sometimes babies cry continuously for some unknown reason. Parents try to give comfort to him in every way. But they do not stop crying. In that case, the doctor should be consulted.
It is important that your baby always has a safe place to sleep. Since babies cannot protect themselves from flies, mosquitoes, cats, dogs or any other unexpected fears, parents should pay special attention to when babies are sleeping.
5 Nutrition for Babies –
From birth to adulthood, proper infant nutrition is fundamental to a child’s continued health.
Your baby is about to go through an amazing growth spurt. In their first year, babies triple their birth weight. To grow that much, they need a lot more nutrients than at any other time in their lives. Experts say breast milk is the best source of nutrition for babies during the first 6 months, but formula can be a good alternative.
Complementary feeding from the age of six months is essential while continuing to breastfeed to meet the growing needs of the growing infant. Breast milk is excellent food and fulfils all the nutritional needs of babies for the first 6 months. However, after six months of age, breast milk alone is not enough. Other foods are also needed as the baby is growing in size.
The first food for the child is the staple cereal of the family. The first food for a baby is porridge which can be made from semolina, broken wheat, ground rice, ragi or millet. Any staple cereal should be cooked with water or milk mixed with sugar and a little fat to form the first complementary food for the baby. It can be started on the day the baby turns 6 months old. Adding sugar or jaggery and ghee or oil is important as it increases the energy value of the food.
In the beginning, the porridge could be made a little thinner but as the child grows up, porridge should be thicker. Thick porridge is more nutritious than a thin one.
If the family cannot make a separate porridge for the baby, then halved chapati pieces can be soaked in a cup of milk or water. Then mash it well and add sugar and fat. Sieve it through a sieve to make it a smooth paste.
Fruits like banana, papaya, chikoo, and mango can be given at this age. Once the child is used to eating cereal, and porridge, start adding cooked lentils and vegetables to the cereal.
Sometimes traditional foods are given with slight modifications to make the food more suitable for the child. For example, khichdi can be made more nutritious by adding one or two vegetables. When separate cooking for infants is not possible then baby food should be separated before spices are added.
6 Role of Vaccination in child development–
Vaccination, also known as Immunization, is important for people of all ages. Getting vaccinated is the best way to protect against diseases that can cause lifelong harm. Infants should be given all the shots prescribed by doctors.
7 Routine Medical visits are needed for healthy child development-
Doctors recommend that babies from 1 month to 12 months get regular check-ups every 2 to 3 months. These visits are important to check for problems and make sure your baby is growing and developing as expected.
During these visits, the doctor will:
- Do a physical examination.
- Review your child’s vaccination record. Necessary vaccinations are given or prescribed.
- Check your baby’s weight and measurements to see how your baby compares to other kids of the same age.
- The doctor can ask questions about the condition of your family and child.
This is a good time to talk to your doctor about any concerns you have. Between visits, write down any questions you want to ask the doctor next time.
Whenever you have any concerns like your child is not eating properly, or showing signs of hearing problems about your baby, contact your doctor.
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Why are health checkups essential for everyone
Parents should be ready for a few changes in life
8 Parents, Your own health-
Your own health is also important in helping your baby grow and develop. The first year of a child’s life is a very exciting experience, but sometimes it can also be stressful for the parents. Some days you may feel overwhelmed.
Talk to your doctor if you think you may be depressed or stressed.
In times like these, you are in dire need of someone’s help. Then you can invite a family member or friend to watch your baby. If you need a break or don’t feel well, ask your family for suggestions. It is very important for you to be healthy for the good upbringing of the child.
When you keep the above things under control, surely your baby will be healthy and happy.
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What are the different stages of development of an infant?
Physical, intellectual, emotional, social, sensation and functional development begin soon after birth.
The physical development of infants during the first year is dramatic. Babies grow taller, and their heads get bigger. Cognitive development helps with learning and remembering.
They learn the language from the things spoken around them. Their sensory and motor development helps them become strong enough to sit. Some will stand up, and others will begin to take their first steps.
Babies also begin to show their feelings and how they feel about other people.
Each child grows and acquires skills at their own pace. It is common for a child to be ahead in one area, such as language, but slightly behind in another.
Babies born prematurely or with health problems may grow and develop at a slower rate.
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