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Growth & DevelopmentMONTH 1 - What's Going On This Month?Your BabyCan hear sounds and recognize his/her mother’s voice. Can see from birth so use bright colors in your baby’s room. You baby will feel comforted when you hold them close, smile, and talk gently to them. Don’t be afraid of spoiling them because they need to be held and touched. Will cry and fuss when s/he is hungry, wet, tired, in pain, or when is wanting to be held. Your baby will stare at things, but will not grab for them yet. Remember to change your baby’s position so s/he can look at different things. Caring for Your BabyIt is important to get your baby’s shots when they are due. Immunizations help your baby’s body fight off diseases that are harmful. Get the Hep B shot this month. Keeping Your Baby SafeSet your water heater at 120 degrees or below to keep from burning your baby. Test the water by dipping your elbow in it; the water should be warm, but not hot. If your baby is very slippery during bathing, try wearing a pair of cotton gloves. If you use baby powder, pour a little in the palm of your hand then smooth it over your baby’s skin. Never leave your baby alone in the tub or with a young child or pet. Do not use pillows in your baby’s crib. Do not carry hot items while holding your baby. Do not smoke while holding your baby. Make sure the smoke detectors in your home are working. Make sure to place your baby securely in the back seat in a safe car seat that fits your baby. Make sure to protect your baby’s skin and eyes from direct sunshine. Always put your hand behind their neck when you move your baby, so their head doesn’t wobble. Remember your baby has a soft spot on their head. Their skull was soft to allow them to be born more easily. The flexible skull will give their brain room to grow. NutritionThe only food your baby needs right now is breast milk or formula. Do not feed your baby honey. It could hurt your baby during his first year of life. Honey contains dormant bacteria that can awaken and harm an infant. Growth and Development ActivitiesImitate your baby’s cooing and jabbering sounds. Rock your baby to soothe him/her at night. Touch your baby. Let your baby hear different sounds. Read to your baby. Show your baby lights and brightly colored objects. Put a mobile over the crib. Respond right away when your baby cries. It is his/her way of telling you something important. Carry, hug, smile, sing and talk to baby often. It’s your way of saying, “I love you and I’ll take care of you.” Information adapted from the following Resources:
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