Infant Development

1. Infant Development

2. Disclaimer All babies reach milestones on their own developmental timeline. Skills babies perform from their tummies can be mastered only if there’s an opportunity to practice. Premature babies usually reach milestones later than others of the same birth age.

3. By One Month: Baby should be able to: lift head briefly when on stomach on flat surface focus on a face …will probably be able to: Respond to a noise in some way, such as startling, crying, quieting …may possibly be able to: Lift head 45 degrees when on stomach Vocalize in ways other than crying Smile in response to your smile …may even be able to: Lift head 90 degrees when on stomach Hold head steady when upright Bring both hands together

4. One Month Questions Should I give our baby water instead of nursing so often? No, all necessary fluids will come from nursing or bottles Water can satisfy the appetite which will sabotage nursing efforts Too much water can dilute the blood, causing chemical imbalances (no sips of water from a cup until over 4 months of age) Should I give my baby a vitamin supplement? If formula fed, no. All supplements are in the formula (especially iron). A double dose of vitamins is correlated to a greater risk of developing food allergies For breastfed babies, it depends. Most will get everything they need except for Vitamin D. An iron supplement may also be a good idea.

5. One Month Questions… Should I begin sleep training now? No, security is the most important lesson to be learning now. She needs to know that when she cries you’ll be there. Nursing babies will usually wake every 2-3 hours. Formula fed babies usually begin a 4 hour cycle and may sleep through the night by the end of the 2nd month Should I be worried about spoiling my baby? Nope. In fact, research shows that catering to every need now will result in a more happy, self-reliant child later

6. One Month Questions… I worried my baby might have colic. What do I do? What is colic? Intense crying spells that usually begin in late afternoon and last until bedtime. Inconsolable crying turns to screaming for at least 3 hours. In diagnosing, Doctors use the “Rules of three” • At least three hours of crying • At least three days a week • Lasting for three weeks What causes colic? Nobody knows for sure, but here are some possibilities Overload – a baby becomes aware of the environment and tries to take everything in until they are just overwhelmed. • Pay attention to how baby responds to certain stimuli and adjust Immature digestion – digestive tract contracts violently when gas is passed, causing pain • Treat with medication, leg movement, belly rubbing Reflux – similar to heartburn in adults • Treat severe cases with meds, avoid overfeeding, burp frequently, prop baby upright, try a pacifier after feeding

7. One Month Questions… Possible causes of colic cont… Environment– tobacco smoke in the home increases the likelihood and intensity of colic Milk Supply Problems – supply issues usually arise in the evening • Improve technique and/or supplement feedings Parental Tension – very controversial theory that parents unconsciously communicate their anxiety to the baby.

8. One Month Questions Surviving Colic “What am I doing wrong?” You’re not doing anything wrong, and it’s not your fault. Try your best to keep your cool. “Sometimes in the 3rd hour of crying I have awful thoughts. I of course would never do them, but what kind of parent am I to even think of such things?” It’s normal to have those thoughts provided they are momentary. If you’re afraid you might really hurt baby get help immediately. Try these steps to get through it • Take a break • Give baby a break – if you’ve met all needs (feeding, burping, changing, comforting, etc) put him down in the crib to cry for 10-15 minutes • Tune out – use earplugs to muffle the sound (not eliminate the sound) • Exercise – sometimes a walk outside may relax both • Talk about it- it won’t cure colic, but you’ll feel better • If you feel violent, get help – there may be other factors at play too like postpartum depression. Go to your spouse, neighbor, parents, or close friend

9. One Month Questions Coping with Crying – babies are all different, but these strategies may work some of the time. Respond – if you fail to respond the baby may feel not only powerless, but also worthless. The sooner you can interpret the crying the better off you’ll be. Assess the situation – Go through a mental checklist: Food – should be a response to a need, not for comfort Fatigue – can you rock baby to sleep Wet diaper Too warm or too cold Same position for too long Get Close – use your arms or a carrier to walk around with baby Swaddle and cuddle Comfort techniques – rhythmic rocking in arms or swing, a warm bath, singing, rhythmic sounds, massage Add a little pressure to the belly (colic carry) Satisfy with sucking Seek fresh air Start fresh (spouse, friend, relative) – everyone needs a break

10. Question to Ponder Why are today’s babies slower to develop physically than babies just 20 years ago? Learning Check Identify a social, a cognitive, and a physical development that occurs during the first month.

11. By Two Months Baby should be able to: Smile in response to your smile Respond to a sound in any way …will probably be able to: Vocalize in a manner other than crying On stomach, lift head 45 degrees …may possibly be able to: Hold head steady when upright On stomach, raise chest, supported by arms Grasp a rattle Reach for an object …may even be able to: Laugh Squeal in delight

12. Cooing gives way to Babble Begins with vowel sounds. At first random, but later directed at objects/people nearby Provides pleasure and practice at different sounds Consonants develop between 3 – 6 months Usually focus on or two at a time and repeat often (ba, ga, da) Singsong strings of consonants (da-da-da-da-da) usually develops around 6 months At this age, babies can produce every sound in every language.

13. How do you talk to a baby? A child learns language by being immersed in the language. Do a running commentary Narrate everything you do (getting dressed, bathing, etc) Ask a lot of questions Isn’t the sky beautiful today? Would you like to wear your Reds shirt? Are you ready for a bottle? Give baby a chance Talk with baby. Wait for responses. Keep it simple – some of the time Use simple sentences and phrases

14. Baby talk cont… Put aside pronouns “Daddy is going to tickle Jacob”. Raise your pitch Baby talk It’s ok, but be sure to mix in some adult English as well Stick to the here and now As comprehension develops focus on things baby is seeing or experiencing Imitate Babies love flattery. They will love the repatition game and will also help build self esteem

15. Baby talk cont… Set it to music Sing to them just about anything you like. If you can use gestures it will be even more fun for baby. Read aloud They won’t know what the words mean, but reading is critical. Simple rhyming stories are good, but you can even read some adult material when you’re in the mood.

16. How Do I Play With Baby? Sense of sight: Babies like sharp contrasts and designs that are bold and bright. Toys can provide visual stimulation, but only provide one or two at playtime to avoid overstimulation. Mobiles – position to the right (remember the baby’s line of vision) Moving objects – move rattles & other bright toys across face so baby can track it (fish tanks & bubbles can also be stimulating) Stationary objects – Geometric patterns, simple pictures of faces Mirrors – enjoy socializing with image Books – simple pictures of babies, children, animals (identify the object)

17. Sense of Touch Learn how baby likes to be touched Provide numerous textures to feel

18. Motor Development Small motor skills Provide opportunities for baby to handle objects Activity boards Cradle gyms Gross motor skills Good nutrition and health care are the foundation Supervised tummy time is essential Change baby’s positioning throughout the day

19. By Third Month: Baby should be able to: Lift head up 45 degrees …will probably be able to: Laugh out loud Bring both hands together Follow an object 6” from their face 180 degrees …may possibly be able to: Roll over in one direction Grasp an object held to the backs of their fingers …may even be able to: Bear some weight on legs when held upright Reach for an object Keep head level with body when pulled to sitting Say “ah-goo” and/or razz (wet razzing sound)

20. By Fourth Month: Baby should be able to: Laugh out loud Track an object 6” from the face 180 degrees …will probably be able to: Pay attention to a small object Reach for an object …may possibly be able to: Roll over in one direction Keep head level with body when pulled to sitting …may even be able to: Bear some weight on legs when held upright Sit without support Object if you try to take a toy away Eat solids (cereal) if the tongue thrust reflex is gone

21. Fourth Month Exercise Stimulate body and mind: Pulling to a sitting position; Raising hands hover head; “bicycling” her legs; move arms across body; hold by tummy so she flexes arms and legs Talk and sing while exercising Don’t fence her in: A baby who is always strapped into a stroller or carrier doesn’t get a chance to exercise. Let baby set her pace: watch for fussiness Keep her energized: good nutrition is key

22. By Fifth Month: Baby should be able to: Smile back when you smile Reach for an object …will probably be able to: Roll over (one way) Say “ah-goo” or similar vowel consonant combos …may possibly be able to: Sit without support …may even be able to: Pull up to standing position from sitting Stand holding on to someone or something Pass an object from one hand to another Babble, combine vowels and consonants (ga-ga-ga) Rake with fingers a tiny object and pick it up in fist

23. By Sixth Month: Baby should be able to: Keep head level with body when pulled to sitting …will probably be able to: Bear some weight on legs when held upright Sit without support …may possibly be able to: Stand holding on to someone or something Pass an object from one hand to the other Feed self a finger food …may even be able to: Pull up to standing position from sitting Pincher action – pick up a tiny object with thumb and finger

24. Sixth Month Issues Sleep Training Baby must learn to fall back to sleep on her own! Nursing, bottles, rocking, patting, singing will only postpone learning how First Steps Wean baby off all nighttime feedings Establish a bedtime routine and stick with it Decide on an approach, but also remain flexible

25. Sixth Month Issues Sleep Training Techniques Cold Turkey Allow baby to “cry it out”. Once baby learns that his cries will no longer result in being picked up, rocked, or fed he should stop It will usually take three to four nights

26. Sixth Month Issues cont… Sleep Training Techniques Ferber Night 1: Put baby down awake, provide a gentle pat, then leave the room. Let her cry for 5 minutes, then go in and reassure her. As the crying continues, expand the “wait time” by 5 minutes. Nights 2 & 3: Follow the same procedure, but extend the amount of time you wait before reassuring baby. It will usually take 3 or 4 nights

27. Sixth Month Issues Sleep Training Techniques Things to remember: Ensure that baby has a full stomach before going to bed If baby is nursed, it may be better for Dad to sleep train It is normal for baby to cry a few minutes during sleep cycles, so don’t immediately rush to her side. Be consistent and give the technique a chance to work.

28. Sixth Month Issues Stimulating an older baby Large motor skills: • stand on your lap and bounce • Sit upright • Pull to standing

29. Sixth Month Issues Stimulating an older baby Small Motor Skills: • Activity boards • Blocks and balls (different textures) • Finger games (clapping, itsy-bitsy spider, patty-cake

30. Sixth Month Issues Stimulating an older baby Social Skills: • Expose baby to all different people • Teach through example “hi, bye”

31. Sixth Month Issues Stimulating an older baby Intellectual & Language Skills: • Cause and effect games • Continuously talk to baby and ask questions • Sharpen auditory perception

32. Seventh Month Baby should be able to: Feed self a cracker Smile often when interacting with you …will probably be able to: Work to get a toy that’s out of reach Turn in the direction of a voice Combine vowels and consanants …may possibly be able to: Creep or crawl Pass an object from one hand to another …may even be able to: Play patty-cake or wave bye-bye Get into a seated position from stomach

33. Eighth Month Baby should be able to: Rake with fingers an object and pick it up in fist Look for a dropped object …will probably be able to: Stand holding on to someone or something Play peekaboo …may possibly be able to: Say mama or dada indiscriminately Creep or crawl …may even be able to: Stand alone momentarily Understand “no”, but not always obey it

34. Eighth Month Issues Tips for learning sign language Get an early start (8 or 9 months) Give baby the signs he needs – express everyday needs Sign consistently Speak and sign at the same time

35. Eighth Month Issues Sign Language Can it delay the process of learning to speak? It depends if baby’s needs are being met. A child who can relay their thoughts through signing don’t necessarily have a need to “talk”.

36. Eighth Month Issues Making the Home Safe for Baby Think about your home. What types of changes would you need to make in order to baby-proof your home? _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________ _________________________________________________

37. Ninth Month Baby should be able to: Work to get a toy that’s out of reach …will probably be able to: Use a pincher grasp Pull up to standing position …may possibly be able to: Play patty-cake or wave bye-bye Walk holding onto furniture …may even be able to: Roll a ball back and forth with you Drink from a cup independently

38. Nine Month Issues Fussy Eating Habits Respect the dietary preferences but keep offering a variety of foods Try “sneaking” new things in with the staple Try moving from mush food to finger foods Limit nursing/formula to 16-24oz a day (4-6oz of fruit juice as there is no nutritional value)

39. Nine Month Issues Stranger Anxiety Two in ten will experience the anxiety (they now realize and recognize Mom and Dad are the primary caregivers). Don’t pressure baby to be social. Allow a warm-up period.

40. Nine Month Issues Security Objects Usually the attachment forms out of some type of transition period, sickness, or some other frustration. Usually the object is given up some time between 2 and 5 years old Do not scold or tease the child about the object or pressure him to give it up. It is possible to set limits and transition to inevitable separation.

41. Tenth Month Baby should be able to: Exchange back and forth gestures with you Object if you try to take a toy away …will probably be able to: Use a pincher grasp Walk while holding on to furniture …may possibly be able to: Point to something to get needs met …may even be able to: Use gibberish that sounds as if baby is talking in a different language Walk well

42. Ten Month Issues Head Banging, Rocking , and Rolling Rhythmic movements are fascinating to babies. Could be recreating rocking from parents, a sleep aid, or a coping technique to deal with the pain of teething. Boys are more likely to rock and roll As long as baby is otherwise happy, isn’t banging his head out of anger, and isn’t constantly bruising himself (an occasional mark is ok) there is nothing to worry about.

43. Ten Month Issues Discipline The type of parent will have a direct impact on all behavior modification. Parents are most likely to parent how their parents behaved

44. Ten Month Issues Three Types of Parents Authoritarian – Parents are the ultimate authority and make the final decisions. There is no room for negotiation. Democratic – Parents are willing to allow children to participate in decision-making. Parents explain the rules and reasons for decisions. Children make many decisions on their own, but parents hold the power to veto. Permissive – Parents may try to guide decision-making, but give in when children insist on having their way. The children have the final say.

45. Ten Month Issues Think of real life situations in which a parent showed the behaviors of one of the specific types of parents. What that the best response to shape future behavior, why or why not? __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________

46. Ten Month Issues Why Discipline a Baby? 1. To instill a concept of right and wrong even though it will be a long time before they understand. They need to begin learning right and wrong by example and guidance. 2. Plant the seeds of self-control. 3. To teach respect for rights and feelings. 4. To protect baby

47. Ten Month Issues Things to keep in mind with discipline. 1. Discipline doesn’t mean punishment, it means “to teach”. 2. Everyone is different, but there are universal rules of behavior that apply to everyone at all times. 3. Withdrawal of parental love threatens a child’s self-esteem.

48. Ten Month Issues Things to keep in mind with discipline. 4. The most effective discipline is neither rigid nor overly permissive. Normal variations are fine as long as there isn’t an extreme. Strict: Results in children submissive to parents, but uncontrollable away from authority. Parents seem cruel and unloving. Permissive: Overindulged children are selfish, rude, quick to argue and slow to comply. Parents seem as if they don’t care.

49. Ten Month Issues Things to keep in mind with discipline. 5. Children need limits. Which limits you set depends upon your priorities. It could be anything from keeping feet of the couch to no eating in the living room or always saying “please” and “thank you”.

50. Ten Month Issues Things to keep in mind with discipline. 6. A baby or child who gets into trouble isn’t “bad”. Babies and young toddlers don’t know right from wrong. They learn from experimenting, observing cause and effect, and testing adults. Repeatedly telling your child they’re bad can damage the ego and interfere with self-confidence. “Biting is bad,” not “You’re bad”.