One of the joys of having a baby is playing games with your infant. Many parents enjoy singing songs and playing games that their parents played with them. However, after many months of singing the same songs and playing the same games, many parents are eager for creative games to play with their infant. When you play a new game with your baby, watch for your baby's reaction to see if he enjoys the game. Since babies enjoy familiarity, be sure to keep playing games that your baby reacts favorably to.
The Buzz Game
This game can be played with an infant of any age. If your baby is sitting up, sit across from your baby. Otherwise, place your baby in a bouncy seat or infant seat, and sit in front of your baby. Make eye contact with your infant. Make a low buzzing noise and move your pointer finger into your baby's line of sight. Move your finger in a circle and eventually land on the baby's nose. Ask your baby where the bee is going to land this time and repeat the game. This time, make "the bee" land on another part of his body, such as his foot or cheek. You can also vary speed and pitch of the buzzing noise. Many baby's laugh hysterically as the bee lands.
Dancing Lights
Babies over 3 months of age will enjoy this visual game. Put your baby in an infant carrier, bouncy seat or high chair, and turn the chair toward a blank wall. Softly play music that your baby enjoys. Dim the lights and turn on a flashlight. Move the flashlight across the wall in tune with the music. Watch as your baby tracks the light and enjoys the light show.
Funny Hats
Play this silly game with your baby once he is at least 6 months old. Gather several adult and baby hats from around your house. Sit in front of a full-length mirror and have your baby sit between your legs. Place one of your baby's hats on your head and one of the adult hats on your baby's head. Take turns putting silly hats on each other and laughing at your reflections in the mirror.
Flying Scarves
Once your baby is sitting up, he will enjoy this game. Gather several silky scarves and sit on the floor with your baby. Have him touch the scarves and talk about how smooth the scarves feel. Toss one of the scarves up in the air and tell your baby to watch it float down. Toss another one up and show your baby how to catch the scarf. For added fun, toss several scarves up in the air at the same time. You can also show your baby how to toss the scarves into the air. Once your child is walking, you can show him how to dance with the scarves. Be sure to supervise your baby at all times with the scarves to avoid him putting it over his face.
Clothespin Drop
Get a clean coffee can and several old-fashion clothespins (not the clip type). Put tape along the edges of the can to make sure there are no sharp corners. Place the coffee can on the floor and sit next to it with your baby. Show your baby how to drop the clothespin into the can. When the pin hits the can, yell "Boom!" Hand your baby the clothespins and help him drop them into the can. Be sure to cheer your baby on with a loud "Boom" each time the pins go into the can. This game is good for babies around 9 months of age.
Showing posts with label Newborn. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Newborn. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Toy Selection for Your Infant
Many parents enjoy picking out toys for their new baby. With so many toys on the market, it can be hard to select the best toys for your infant. Infant toys allow your child to begin learning her world and provide different sensory experiences. With some careful shopping and planning, you can select the best toys for your infant.
Crib Mobiles
One of the first toys that most parents purchase for their infant is a crib mobile. Select a crib mobile for your child that has interesting objects to look at and plays soothing music. Many parents purchase a mobile that coordinates with the nursery decor. Be sure to remove the mobile from the crib when you baby begins to sit up in the crib.
Teething Rings and Rattles
You can attach wrist rattles to your infant's wrists so that she can hear the noises when she moves her arms. The Lamaze Garden Bug Wrist Rattle is a popular choice with parents. Once your child is able to hold objects, begin offering hand held teething rings and rattles. Many of the Sassy rattles are hard plastic and provide contrasting colors for babies to look at. There are teething rings that are both soft fabric and hard plastic. Experiment with different teething rings and rattles to find the type that your infant prefers.
Activity Centers
Activity centers can provide hours of entertainment for infants. For newborns, an activity gym and play mat can provide a safe place for her to play and interesting objects for your baby to look at. You can also use an activity gym to encourage your baby to play on her tummy during tummy time. As your baby is able to sit up, she will enjoy playing in an Exersaucer. These toys keep your baby stationary (unlike a walker) while allowing them to move around and interact with different toys.
Plush Toys
Many infants enjoy soft toys that they can hold and touch. The Baby Einstein Octoplush plays music when your infant touches the legs. Other toys such as Lamaze's Musical Inchworm and Freddie the Firefly offer interesting surfaces for your baby to touch. Some plush toys have a clip so that you can attach them to the car seat or stroller. Gund also has very soft stuff animals that many infants enjoy touching. Be sure not to put plush toys in your infants crib while they are sleeping.
Musical Toys
Babies enjoy listening to music and there are many baby toys that play music. When selecting a toy be sure to make sure that you do not find the music irritating since you will be hearing it play over and over. The Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes is small enough for an infant to hold and plays seven different classical tunes. Another popular option is the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube that allows your baby to create music by touching the different parts of the cube.
Stacking Toys
Once your baby begins sitting up, she can start playing with stacking toys. One of the classic baby toys is the Fisher Price Rock-A-Stack. Your baby will also enjoy stacking soft blocks, such as Baby Einstein's Discover and Play Color Blocks. Another popular option is Fisher Price's Baby's Brilliant Basics First Blocks.
Books
Make sure that your infant's toy collection includes plenty of books. This is a great time to begin reading to your baby and introduce books into her life. Because babies put everything in their mouth, you should choose board books, plastic books or cloth books. If you have keepsake books or paper books, you may want to put those away until your baby is older. Some popular books for babies include "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Usborne books has also has many great books for infants in their Touchy Feely Series, such as "That's Not by Kitten" and "That's Not My Train."
Crib Mobiles
One of the first toys that most parents purchase for their infant is a crib mobile. Select a crib mobile for your child that has interesting objects to look at and plays soothing music. Many parents purchase a mobile that coordinates with the nursery decor. Be sure to remove the mobile from the crib when you baby begins to sit up in the crib.
Teething Rings and Rattles
You can attach wrist rattles to your infant's wrists so that she can hear the noises when she moves her arms. The Lamaze Garden Bug Wrist Rattle is a popular choice with parents. Once your child is able to hold objects, begin offering hand held teething rings and rattles. Many of the Sassy rattles are hard plastic and provide contrasting colors for babies to look at. There are teething rings that are both soft fabric and hard plastic. Experiment with different teething rings and rattles to find the type that your infant prefers.
Activity Centers
Activity centers can provide hours of entertainment for infants. For newborns, an activity gym and play mat can provide a safe place for her to play and interesting objects for your baby to look at. You can also use an activity gym to encourage your baby to play on her tummy during tummy time. As your baby is able to sit up, she will enjoy playing in an Exersaucer. These toys keep your baby stationary (unlike a walker) while allowing them to move around and interact with different toys.
Plush Toys
Many infants enjoy soft toys that they can hold and touch. The Baby Einstein Octoplush plays music when your infant touches the legs. Other toys such as Lamaze's Musical Inchworm and Freddie the Firefly offer interesting surfaces for your baby to touch. Some plush toys have a clip so that you can attach them to the car seat or stroller. Gund also has very soft stuff animals that many infants enjoy touching. Be sure not to put plush toys in your infants crib while they are sleeping.
Musical Toys
Babies enjoy listening to music and there are many baby toys that play music. When selecting a toy be sure to make sure that you do not find the music irritating since you will be hearing it play over and over. The Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes is small enough for an infant to hold and plays seven different classical tunes. Another popular option is the Munchkin Mozart Magic Cube that allows your baby to create music by touching the different parts of the cube.
Stacking Toys
Once your baby begins sitting up, she can start playing with stacking toys. One of the classic baby toys is the Fisher Price Rock-A-Stack. Your baby will also enjoy stacking soft blocks, such as Baby Einstein's Discover and Play Color Blocks. Another popular option is Fisher Price's Baby's Brilliant Basics First Blocks.
Books
Make sure that your infant's toy collection includes plenty of books. This is a great time to begin reading to your baby and introduce books into her life. Because babies put everything in their mouth, you should choose board books, plastic books or cloth books. If you have keepsake books or paper books, you may want to put those away until your baby is older. Some popular books for babies include "Goodnight Moon" by Margaret Wise Brown, "Pat the Bunny" by Dorothy Kunhardt and "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" by Eric Carle. Usborne books has also has many great books for infants in their Touchy Feely Series, such as "That's Not by Kitten" and "That's Not My Train."
How to Enhance the Infants Development?
Infants learn and grow by playing. Among the many valuable activities for your baby (specifically infants 8 to 18 months old), playing with play dough is one that offers more than you might first imagine. Besides its inherent fun factor, play dough provides opportunities to significantly enhance infant's development---on practically every level.
Sensory Motor
Babies touch things to understand them, which is why play dough works so well. "They learn about the texture and what they can make things do," explains Karen White, an infant-toddler specialist for the state of Maine. Of course, a baby's urge to feel everything often means everything ends up in her mouth. So, expect her to taste-test the play dough. You should make your own, so you know what's in it (see Resources for a recipe).
Fine Motor
Those little fingers can do all kinds of things with play dough. "Their fine motor skills are strengthened because of their ability to manipulate it," White says. Sit with your baby and show him examples of what he can do: for example, roll it, squish it, pat it between your hands or on the table, and press cookie cutters into it.
Self Esteem
Play dough is a no-rules kind of game that helps develop your infant's imagination and creativity. Playing with that squishy ball of colored clay boosts baby's curiosity, her problem-solving and her realization that she has some control over the world---which, in turn, all builds self-esteem.
Language Skills
"Squishy," "roll," "ball," "circle." These are just some of the descriptive words that come up when you're playing with play dough. Say them to your baby even if you don't think he understands---he does. Or when you shape a lump of play dough into something like a cat, dinosaur or star, name it for him. "It makes things real for them," White says.
Social Skills
Whether your infant is playing with another child or you, it offers the opportunity for close interaction. Babies are usually totally self-centered, but this kind of activity shows them that playing together is also fun.
Sensory Motor
Babies touch things to understand them, which is why play dough works so well. "They learn about the texture and what they can make things do," explains Karen White, an infant-toddler specialist for the state of Maine. Of course, a baby's urge to feel everything often means everything ends up in her mouth. So, expect her to taste-test the play dough. You should make your own, so you know what's in it (see Resources for a recipe).
Fine Motor
Those little fingers can do all kinds of things with play dough. "Their fine motor skills are strengthened because of their ability to manipulate it," White says. Sit with your baby and show him examples of what he can do: for example, roll it, squish it, pat it between your hands or on the table, and press cookie cutters into it.
Self Esteem
Play dough is a no-rules kind of game that helps develop your infant's imagination and creativity. Playing with that squishy ball of colored clay boosts baby's curiosity, her problem-solving and her realization that she has some control over the world---which, in turn, all builds self-esteem.
Language Skills
"Squishy," "roll," "ball," "circle." These are just some of the descriptive words that come up when you're playing with play dough. Say them to your baby even if you don't think he understands---he does. Or when you shape a lump of play dough into something like a cat, dinosaur or star, name it for him. "It makes things real for them," White says.
Social Skills
Whether your infant is playing with another child or you, it offers the opportunity for close interaction. Babies are usually totally self-centered, but this kind of activity shows them that playing together is also fun.
Infant Development From 0 to 6 Months
The first year of a baby's life is full of exciting milestones. It can also be a year full of concern and worry if you don't know what to expect. Learning what is typical for a baby your child's age will help to sideline those fears and help you to enjoy your baby and all his wonder.
Significance
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental surveillance at all well baby visits. Developmental surveillance is intended to identify children who may have developmental delays early on so they may be addressed earlier rather than later. Developmental surveillance is done by addressing your baby's physical, emotional and mental development through observations on the part of the parent and the provider as well as other parameters of growth and development. Knowing what your baby's development should be will help you raise and address concerns with your health care provider that will help you give the best care to your baby.
Time Frame
In the first 3 months, your baby should be able to master holding her head up for short periods of time. She'll grab a hold of a rattle or finger, and her kicking and stretching is likely to get very boisterous. Her hearing and vision improve dramatically in the first three months--the sounds of life around her will begin to distract her from the task at hand (perhaps thumb sucking or nursing) or even wake her from a light sleep. At birth a baby can focus easily on objects held about 12 inches away but will soon be intent on observing patterns, colors and faces--even her own hands and feet. What parents most often find most exciting is their baby's first smile and the tender interactions that follow--your baby will begin to coo and imitate you! The next 3 months bring big changes. Babies have gained significant head control and will begin to move purposefully as they kick and stretch. A lot of babies begin sitting up alone around this age--and get ready because creeping and crawling will soon follow. The rattle your baby was able to grasp for a short period of time will now go straight to his mouth, along with everything else he picks up. By 6 months most babies have mature vision--meaning they recognize familiar and unfamiliar faces and are apt to turn their heads toward moving toys, balls and bright lights. Baby will also be babbling, bubbling, smiling and laughing.
Potential
Everyone wants to do what's best for baby. Offering your baby an environment rich in new sights, sounds and experiences will help nurture her. In the first 3 months it's very important to baby's development that you hold your baby. Snuggling, cuddling and staying close and warm together are wonderful ways to help your baby feel loved, safe and protected. Change your baby's positions and environments often. Talking to your infant is the best way to begin laying the foundation for the fundamental building blocks of language and communication. You should respond to your baby's tears quickly--doing so will help establish a bond with you as well as confidence in herself that she will eventually use to self soothe. As your baby grows, continue the activities you've enjoyed in his first 3 months and add a few new ones. Offer simple toys; head out on small adventures to the park, zoo or grocery store. Use music to soothe, comfort or excite the baby and read to him often.
Warning
All babies will reach milestones in their own time--some early, some late. But if you are concerned about your baby's lack of head control, poor weight gain or inability to maintain eye contact, call your health care provider. Some other delays to consider are poor muscle tone (too tight or floppy) and no desire to reach for toys or grasping.
Considerations
A baby's development is rapid and ever changing. It is also unique to your baby in her circumstances. Developmental guidelines are meant to give you an idea--they are not written in stone. Some babies will reach physical milestones light years ahead of others while their language may lag behind, or they may be just the opposite. If you are concerned or uncomfortable about your baby's development, see your health care provider to voice those concerns immediately.
Significance
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends developmental surveillance at all well baby visits. Developmental surveillance is intended to identify children who may have developmental delays early on so they may be addressed earlier rather than later. Developmental surveillance is done by addressing your baby's physical, emotional and mental development through observations on the part of the parent and the provider as well as other parameters of growth and development. Knowing what your baby's development should be will help you raise and address concerns with your health care provider that will help you give the best care to your baby.
Time Frame
In the first 3 months, your baby should be able to master holding her head up for short periods of time. She'll grab a hold of a rattle or finger, and her kicking and stretching is likely to get very boisterous. Her hearing and vision improve dramatically in the first three months--the sounds of life around her will begin to distract her from the task at hand (perhaps thumb sucking or nursing) or even wake her from a light sleep. At birth a baby can focus easily on objects held about 12 inches away but will soon be intent on observing patterns, colors and faces--even her own hands and feet. What parents most often find most exciting is their baby's first smile and the tender interactions that follow--your baby will begin to coo and imitate you! The next 3 months bring big changes. Babies have gained significant head control and will begin to move purposefully as they kick and stretch. A lot of babies begin sitting up alone around this age--and get ready because creeping and crawling will soon follow. The rattle your baby was able to grasp for a short period of time will now go straight to his mouth, along with everything else he picks up. By 6 months most babies have mature vision--meaning they recognize familiar and unfamiliar faces and are apt to turn their heads toward moving toys, balls and bright lights. Baby will also be babbling, bubbling, smiling and laughing.
Potential
Everyone wants to do what's best for baby. Offering your baby an environment rich in new sights, sounds and experiences will help nurture her. In the first 3 months it's very important to baby's development that you hold your baby. Snuggling, cuddling and staying close and warm together are wonderful ways to help your baby feel loved, safe and protected. Change your baby's positions and environments often. Talking to your infant is the best way to begin laying the foundation for the fundamental building blocks of language and communication. You should respond to your baby's tears quickly--doing so will help establish a bond with you as well as confidence in herself that she will eventually use to self soothe. As your baby grows, continue the activities you've enjoyed in his first 3 months and add a few new ones. Offer simple toys; head out on small adventures to the park, zoo or grocery store. Use music to soothe, comfort or excite the baby and read to him often.
Warning
All babies will reach milestones in their own time--some early, some late. But if you are concerned about your baby's lack of head control, poor weight gain or inability to maintain eye contact, call your health care provider. Some other delays to consider are poor muscle tone (too tight or floppy) and no desire to reach for toys or grasping.
Considerations
A baby's development is rapid and ever changing. It is also unique to your baby in her circumstances. Developmental guidelines are meant to give you an idea--they are not written in stone. Some babies will reach physical milestones light years ahead of others while their language may lag behind, or they may be just the opposite. If you are concerned or uncomfortable about your baby's development, see your health care provider to voice those concerns immediately.
Water Requirements of Your Infant
How you prepare infant formula can affect your baby's health. Powdered or liquid concentrate formulas cost less than ready-to-serve formulas, but they require that you add water when mixing. Formula in the powdered form is the least expensive, but you need to follow the instructions on the formula can to know much water to use. What the directions on the can do not tell you is what kind of water is safest for mixing your infant's formula.
What Pediatricians Recommend
Talk to your baby's pediatrician and ask what kind of water you should use when mixing infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends boiling water to remove impurities and kill germs. While most municipal and public drinking water supplies are required to follow strict regulatory guidelines to be safe, pediatricians generally still suggest using boiled water to mix infant formula, at least for the first three or four months. Since there is no evidence that bottled water is safer than municipal water sources, the AAP says that while parents can use bottled water to mix formula, it needs to be boiled first. You can also use distilled water that has already been purified or ready-to-use formulas, which do not need to be mixed with water.
Boiling Water
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends bringing water to a full rolling boil and then continuing to boil it for at least another two minutes. If you live at a higher altitude, you may have to boil water for several minutes longer. Water must reach a temperature of 100°C to kill harmful organisms. However, boiling the same water more than once or for too long actually increases the concentration of minerals in the water. Always boil water in a clean pan and allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing it with formula. Do not cool water by adding cold water that has not been sterilized.
Safe Water Sources
Use only cold water if you take water right out of the tap. Let the water run for two or three minutes to reduce the amount of lead, copper or other any contaminants. This is particularly important if you live in a house that has old water pipes. Cold water is safer, as hot water normally contains higher levels of lead. If your water comes from a well, boil it for at least 10 minutes or use distilled water until your baby is six months old. Well water often has high mineral levels of sodium, nitrates, and other heavy metals. According to literature published by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), boiling well water concentrates the nitrates, which babies cannot absorb and excrete. Because an infant's digestive system is not yet fully developed, high levels of nitrates in the body can cause nitrate poisoning, which must be treated immediately.
Cautions
Do not use mineral, soda or other carbonated waters to mix infant formula. These can be dangerous to your baby as they are usually high in sodium and may contain bacteria. Water that passes through a water softening system should not be used either, as it most likely contains high levels of salt. Filtered water may have fewer impurities and contaminants, but it can still have harmful bacteria. Be sure to check labels, as bottled water must meet the FDA's standard of water quality, which is similar to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards for tap water. You can purchase sterile nursery water, which is more expensive than other bottled waters, although you should probably save your money, as the water is basically of the same quality as other forms of purified water.
Formula Preparation
Follow the directions for mixing formula exactly. Adding too much water will dilute the formula and your baby will not get enough calories and nutrients. Too much water in the formula can also cause a baby's sodium levels to drop, which could eventually cause swelling in the brain and trigger a seizure. Regularly diluting infant formula actually increases this risk, as a baby's sodium level will remain low. Not adding enough water when mixing powder formula can do the reverse, causing an infant's sodium levels to rise. This is a potential health hazard that can also trigger seizures and even coma.
Fluorosis
According to the American Dental Association, babies younger than one-year-old need less fluoride. Infant formula can be mixed with water that is either fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. If you regularly mix your baby's formula with fluoridated tap water, your child could get dental fluorosis. This is a condition caused by getting too much fluoride when teeth are first developing. While fluoride prevents tooth decay, too much fluoride can cause stains on your child's teeth. Parents of infants need to be particularly careful, as boiling water to which fluoride has been added concentrates the fluoride. Signs of fluorosis include staining of tooth enamel or white streaks on the teeth. These may appear first on baby teeth, and then later on a child's permanent teeth. Since the levels of fluoride added to water vary among municipalities, talk to your dentist or local water utility company if you have questions about the amount of fluoride in the water. If you only use fluoridated tap water occasionally to mix infant formula, you don't have to worry. Your child should not be at risk for fluorosis. Bottled water is usually low in fluoride, but check the label in any case.
What Pediatricians Recommend
Talk to your baby's pediatrician and ask what kind of water you should use when mixing infant formula. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends boiling water to remove impurities and kill germs. While most municipal and public drinking water supplies are required to follow strict regulatory guidelines to be safe, pediatricians generally still suggest using boiled water to mix infant formula, at least for the first three or four months. Since there is no evidence that bottled water is safer than municipal water sources, the AAP says that while parents can use bottled water to mix formula, it needs to be boiled first. You can also use distilled water that has already been purified or ready-to-use formulas, which do not need to be mixed with water.
Boiling Water
The U.S Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recommends bringing water to a full rolling boil and then continuing to boil it for at least another two minutes. If you live at a higher altitude, you may have to boil water for several minutes longer. Water must reach a temperature of 100°C to kill harmful organisms. However, boiling the same water more than once or for too long actually increases the concentration of minerals in the water. Always boil water in a clean pan and allow it to cool to room temperature before mixing it with formula. Do not cool water by adding cold water that has not been sterilized.
Safe Water Sources
Use only cold water if you take water right out of the tap. Let the water run for two or three minutes to reduce the amount of lead, copper or other any contaminants. This is particularly important if you live in a house that has old water pipes. Cold water is safer, as hot water normally contains higher levels of lead. If your water comes from a well, boil it for at least 10 minutes or use distilled water until your baby is six months old. Well water often has high mineral levels of sodium, nitrates, and other heavy metals. According to literature published by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS), boiling well water concentrates the nitrates, which babies cannot absorb and excrete. Because an infant's digestive system is not yet fully developed, high levels of nitrates in the body can cause nitrate poisoning, which must be treated immediately.
Cautions
Do not use mineral, soda or other carbonated waters to mix infant formula. These can be dangerous to your baby as they are usually high in sodium and may contain bacteria. Water that passes through a water softening system should not be used either, as it most likely contains high levels of salt. Filtered water may have fewer impurities and contaminants, but it can still have harmful bacteria. Be sure to check labels, as bottled water must meet the FDA's standard of water quality, which is similar to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) standards for tap water. You can purchase sterile nursery water, which is more expensive than other bottled waters, although you should probably save your money, as the water is basically of the same quality as other forms of purified water.
Formula Preparation
Follow the directions for mixing formula exactly. Adding too much water will dilute the formula and your baby will not get enough calories and nutrients. Too much water in the formula can also cause a baby's sodium levels to drop, which could eventually cause swelling in the brain and trigger a seizure. Regularly diluting infant formula actually increases this risk, as a baby's sodium level will remain low. Not adding enough water when mixing powder formula can do the reverse, causing an infant's sodium levels to rise. This is a potential health hazard that can also trigger seizures and even coma.
Fluorosis
According to the American Dental Association, babies younger than one-year-old need less fluoride. Infant formula can be mixed with water that is either fluoride free or contains low levels of fluoride. If you regularly mix your baby's formula with fluoridated tap water, your child could get dental fluorosis. This is a condition caused by getting too much fluoride when teeth are first developing. While fluoride prevents tooth decay, too much fluoride can cause stains on your child's teeth. Parents of infants need to be particularly careful, as boiling water to which fluoride has been added concentrates the fluoride. Signs of fluorosis include staining of tooth enamel or white streaks on the teeth. These may appear first on baby teeth, and then later on a child's permanent teeth. Since the levels of fluoride added to water vary among municipalities, talk to your dentist or local water utility company if you have questions about the amount of fluoride in the water. If you only use fluoridated tap water occasionally to mix infant formula, you don't have to worry. Your child should not be at risk for fluorosis. Bottled water is usually low in fluoride, but check the label in any case.
Infants and their Physical Development
Infants grow so quickly during the first year of life. An infant's physical development will depend on a variety of factors including, genetics and nutrition. Growth and development will likely happen in bursts throughout the first year. All infants develop at their own rate. If you are worried that your baby is not developing properly, talk with your pediatrician.
Newborn Physical Development
Most newborns will lose weight shortly after birth. Generally the baby will reach his birth weight by 2 weeks of age as breastfeeding or bottle feeding becomes more established. A newborn baby is completely dependent on his caregiver for all the necessities of life. During the first month of life, a newborn baby will begin to strengthen his neck muscles and learn to hold his head up for short periods of time. Newborn babies will startle after hearing a loud noise. Newborn babies have limited eyesight but will make eye contact if you put your face a few inches away from theirs. Many new parents are shocked to discover that even the youngest babies have the ability to copy simple actions, such as sticking out their tongue in response to you sticking out yours.
Physical Development in a 2 to 4 Month Old Baby
In the second to fourth months of life, infants begin to notice more of the world around them. Many two-month old babies will be able to hold their head unsupported for short periods of time and will show greater upper body strength when placed on their tummy. Eye contact is more frequent and vision is improving. By the second month, infants can see nearly all colors. Babies quickly learn to cry when they need something, and as mother and child bond, a mother is able to distinguish one cry from another. A baby will begin to kick his arms and legs to exercise his muscles. Most three-month old babies can hold their upper body up when placed on their stomach and some may be able to roll from front to side. Familiar faces are often met with a smile. Some three-month old babies may begin to sleep through the night.
Physical Development in a 4 to 6 Month Old Baby
The fourth month of life is often a fun one for parents because babies will develop a true laugh and begin to show more personality. At four months, babies often begin to sit with support or in a tripod like position. Babies may begin rolling from front to back. Between four and six months, many babies begin reaching for objects and can hold objects in their hands. Simple baby toys can be introduced.
Physical Development in a 6 to 9 Month Old Baby
Babies develop very rapidly between the ages of six to nine months. Most babies will begin to sit without support and many can pull to a standing position with support. At six months of age, the digestive systems of most babies have developed enough to begin eating solid foods. As infants get closer to nine months they may begin "cruising" or walking while holding onto a couch or coffee table. Infants may learn to stand without support and some will take their first steps. Simple words, such as "mama" and "dada," are often heard during this time period.
Physical Development in a 9 to 12 Month Old Baby
Between the ages of nine to twelve months, many babies will begin to take their first steps, although it is not uncommon for babies to delay walking until some after their first birthday. Babies will begin to self feed and practice grasping small items with their thumb and forefinger. Babies will develop the coordination to crawl up stairs but will most likely still need help coming down.
Newborn Physical Development
Most newborns will lose weight shortly after birth. Generally the baby will reach his birth weight by 2 weeks of age as breastfeeding or bottle feeding becomes more established. A newborn baby is completely dependent on his caregiver for all the necessities of life. During the first month of life, a newborn baby will begin to strengthen his neck muscles and learn to hold his head up for short periods of time. Newborn babies will startle after hearing a loud noise. Newborn babies have limited eyesight but will make eye contact if you put your face a few inches away from theirs. Many new parents are shocked to discover that even the youngest babies have the ability to copy simple actions, such as sticking out their tongue in response to you sticking out yours.
Physical Development in a 2 to 4 Month Old Baby
In the second to fourth months of life, infants begin to notice more of the world around them. Many two-month old babies will be able to hold their head unsupported for short periods of time and will show greater upper body strength when placed on their tummy. Eye contact is more frequent and vision is improving. By the second month, infants can see nearly all colors. Babies quickly learn to cry when they need something, and as mother and child bond, a mother is able to distinguish one cry from another. A baby will begin to kick his arms and legs to exercise his muscles. Most three-month old babies can hold their upper body up when placed on their stomach and some may be able to roll from front to side. Familiar faces are often met with a smile. Some three-month old babies may begin to sleep through the night.
Physical Development in a 4 to 6 Month Old Baby
The fourth month of life is often a fun one for parents because babies will develop a true laugh and begin to show more personality. At four months, babies often begin to sit with support or in a tripod like position. Babies may begin rolling from front to back. Between four and six months, many babies begin reaching for objects and can hold objects in their hands. Simple baby toys can be introduced.
Physical Development in a 6 to 9 Month Old Baby
Babies develop very rapidly between the ages of six to nine months. Most babies will begin to sit without support and many can pull to a standing position with support. At six months of age, the digestive systems of most babies have developed enough to begin eating solid foods. As infants get closer to nine months they may begin "cruising" or walking while holding onto a couch or coffee table. Infants may learn to stand without support and some will take their first steps. Simple words, such as "mama" and "dada," are often heard during this time period.
Physical Development in a 9 to 12 Month Old Baby
Between the ages of nine to twelve months, many babies will begin to take their first steps, although it is not uncommon for babies to delay walking until some after their first birthday. Babies will begin to self feed and practice grasping small items with their thumb and forefinger. Babies will develop the coordination to crawl up stairs but will most likely still need help coming down.
Infants and Drinking Ounces
There are so many things to be concerned with when you bring your baby home from the hospital. One of a parent's biggest worries tends to be wondering how much baby needs to eat. Understanding what to expect and how a baby's needs change can help moms and dads to enjoy feeding time, rather than fear it.
Significance
Babies will take in about 2 to 3 ounces of formula every day for every pound she weighs--but not more than 32 ounces a day. A newborn baby weighing 8 pounds will take in 16 to 24 ounces of formula a day while a 6-month-old who is 12 pounds may eat 24 to 32 ounces a day. Remember that this is just a guideline. Your baby may eat more or less than this; she may be able to go longer between feedings or need to be fed more often. If you're concerned about your baby's eating habits, consult with your health care provider immediately.
Time Frame
In the beginning your baby's feedings will be spread out in 2- to 3-ounce bottles every 3 to 4 hours. Within a short period of time your baby will naturally start to lengthen that time and increase the amount he eats at each serving. After about a month your little one may be eating as much as 4 ounces every 4 hours. This will continue to increase over time.
Warning
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for the first few months it's important to let baby feed on demand. Let her control the amount and timing of her feedings. You may see a pattern begin to emerge--but it's likely as baby's needs change that pattern will too. Don't cajole your baby into finishing a bottle and don't be too concerned if she begins to eat more than you expect. A baby's needs change quickly, so predicting a pattern is difficult at best--let her be your guide. Again, if you're concerned, have a conversation with your health care provider.
Misconceptions
The best way to determine if your baby is eating enough may not always be counting how many ounces he is drinking at each feeding. A baby that is eating enough and benefiting from the calories in those ounces will gain weight in a consistent and healthy manner and will produce wet and messy diapers. If your baby is not gaining weight and is not producing wet and messy diapers, see your health care provider immediately.
Features
Formula-fed babies are going to eat less often than breast fed babies. A formula fed baby will eat 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours in the beginning, while a breast fed baby may eat every 1 1/2 to 3 hours. This is because formula is more difficult for baby to digest than breast milk, so it gives her the idea that she is full longer than a breast fed baby. Don't compare your formula-fed baby's eating schedule to that of a breast fed baby--it's like comparing apples to oranges.
Significance
Babies will take in about 2 to 3 ounces of formula every day for every pound she weighs--but not more than 32 ounces a day. A newborn baby weighing 8 pounds will take in 16 to 24 ounces of formula a day while a 6-month-old who is 12 pounds may eat 24 to 32 ounces a day. Remember that this is just a guideline. Your baby may eat more or less than this; she may be able to go longer between feedings or need to be fed more often. If you're concerned about your baby's eating habits, consult with your health care provider immediately.
Time Frame
In the beginning your baby's feedings will be spread out in 2- to 3-ounce bottles every 3 to 4 hours. Within a short period of time your baby will naturally start to lengthen that time and increase the amount he eats at each serving. After about a month your little one may be eating as much as 4 ounces every 4 hours. This will continue to increase over time.
Warning
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that for the first few months it's important to let baby feed on demand. Let her control the amount and timing of her feedings. You may see a pattern begin to emerge--but it's likely as baby's needs change that pattern will too. Don't cajole your baby into finishing a bottle and don't be too concerned if she begins to eat more than you expect. A baby's needs change quickly, so predicting a pattern is difficult at best--let her be your guide. Again, if you're concerned, have a conversation with your health care provider.
Misconceptions
The best way to determine if your baby is eating enough may not always be counting how many ounces he is drinking at each feeding. A baby that is eating enough and benefiting from the calories in those ounces will gain weight in a consistent and healthy manner and will produce wet and messy diapers. If your baby is not gaining weight and is not producing wet and messy diapers, see your health care provider immediately.
Features
Formula-fed babies are going to eat less often than breast fed babies. A formula fed baby will eat 2 to 3 ounces every 3 to 4 hours in the beginning, while a breast fed baby may eat every 1 1/2 to 3 hours. This is because formula is more difficult for baby to digest than breast milk, so it gives her the idea that she is full longer than a breast fed baby. Don't compare your formula-fed baby's eating schedule to that of a breast fed baby--it's like comparing apples to oranges.
Music and the Infant
For generations, adults have soothed and entertained babies with music and song. Many of them never realized that sound, set to rhythm or music, has a stimulating effect on an infant's developing brain. The added benefit of a baby having human interaction makes musical play a bonding experience as well. You need not be Pavarotti or even Raffi to inspire musical enjoyment and development in your infant.
Types
The Baby Einstein empire is evidence that many adults acknowledge their significant role in helping infants to develop cognitive and motor skills. Baby Mozart notwithstanding, there is no evidence that classical music has a stronger developmental influence on an infant than a favorite Beatles album or a book of nursery rhymes. However, music is a powerful force in developing an infant's emotional, linguistic and motor skills, be it through soothing lullabies, rhyming stories or rhythmic activities. Musical activities have the additional benefit of making learning fun, without the pressure of flash cards or other learning tools.
Effects
The effects of music depend upon the infant and the environment in which activities are introduced. In general, reciting nursery rhymes and singing patterned songs such as "If You're Happy and You Know It" or "The Farmer in the Dell" give an infant a sense of the rhythm and sound of language, even if they cannot form the words to replicate it. As infants develop, music and song can help reinforce concepts and learning. Toys such as the Leapfrog Musical Table also can give infants as young as 6 months old reinforcement in receptive language skills, vocabulary, pre-literacy, letter recognition, musical intelligence, sequence, color differentiation and memory.
Function
Music is one component in the rich sensory environment that, when coupled with human interaction, boosts infant development. When teachers, parents and others expose infants to diverse situations incorporating textures, colors, tastes, sounds and smells, these experiences create pathways between cells in the brain. These early neural connections are the basis for a child's eventual learning patterns in school.
Considerations
If adults encourage infants to participate in musical activities rather than merely receptively listening to them, the greater the impact on the infants' development. Some of the simplest ways to integrate active musical participation is through clapping, dancing, marching, rolling, rocking, bouncing or other rhythmic movements. For young infants, reading stories with patterned language or bouncing along to a rhyme such as "To Market, To Market," are effective techniques. Another strategy is showing infants songs that incorporate finger play or motions, like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," "This Old Man," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Hokey Pokey" and "The Wheels on the Bus."
Motor Skills
Infants can begin the path to developing more refined gross motor skills by participating in musical activity. While they may not be ready for "Dancing with the Stars," infants may wave hands or shake a rattle to music, gradually developing an understanding of how to keep a steady rhythm and to produce coordinated movement. These early skills will be useful for later learning experiences with counting, patterns and reading. Activities can be as simple as chanting nursery rhymes while clapping on the rhyming words or tapping your foot in time to music.
Types
The Baby Einstein empire is evidence that many adults acknowledge their significant role in helping infants to develop cognitive and motor skills. Baby Mozart notwithstanding, there is no evidence that classical music has a stronger developmental influence on an infant than a favorite Beatles album or a book of nursery rhymes. However, music is a powerful force in developing an infant's emotional, linguistic and motor skills, be it through soothing lullabies, rhyming stories or rhythmic activities. Musical activities have the additional benefit of making learning fun, without the pressure of flash cards or other learning tools.
Effects
The effects of music depend upon the infant and the environment in which activities are introduced. In general, reciting nursery rhymes and singing patterned songs such as "If You're Happy and You Know It" or "The Farmer in the Dell" give an infant a sense of the rhythm and sound of language, even if they cannot form the words to replicate it. As infants develop, music and song can help reinforce concepts and learning. Toys such as the Leapfrog Musical Table also can give infants as young as 6 months old reinforcement in receptive language skills, vocabulary, pre-literacy, letter recognition, musical intelligence, sequence, color differentiation and memory.
Function
Music is one component in the rich sensory environment that, when coupled with human interaction, boosts infant development. When teachers, parents and others expose infants to diverse situations incorporating textures, colors, tastes, sounds and smells, these experiences create pathways between cells in the brain. These early neural connections are the basis for a child's eventual learning patterns in school.
Considerations
If adults encourage infants to participate in musical activities rather than merely receptively listening to them, the greater the impact on the infants' development. Some of the simplest ways to integrate active musical participation is through clapping, dancing, marching, rolling, rocking, bouncing or other rhythmic movements. For young infants, reading stories with patterned language or bouncing along to a rhyme such as "To Market, To Market," are effective techniques. Another strategy is showing infants songs that incorporate finger play or motions, like "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes," "This Old Man," "Itsy Bitsy Spider," "Hokey Pokey" and "The Wheels on the Bus."
Motor Skills
Infants can begin the path to developing more refined gross motor skills by participating in musical activity. While they may not be ready for "Dancing with the Stars," infants may wave hands or shake a rattle to music, gradually developing an understanding of how to keep a steady rhythm and to produce coordinated movement. These early skills will be useful for later learning experiences with counting, patterns and reading. Activities can be as simple as chanting nursery rhymes while clapping on the rhyming words or tapping your foot in time to music.
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