From Birth to One Year – Physical Development

At some time during this stage, children can be encouraged in affection, love and contentment. The newborn baby unfolds like a flower showing disappearance of wrinkles and filling up of some holes on the body. The early stages are spent sleeping and the child’s energy is spent on growth and adjustment to the environment. The mother should observe the child, taking note of breathing and any signs of irritation. Remember at the early stage the baby only communicates through crying and groaning. A baby brought up in an atmosphere of  security, loving warmth, happy laughter, common sense and comfort is most likely to be a happy adult.

The choice of a physician for the baby is important and a wise,  sympathetic and tolerant one who understands babies is the best choice. A natural mother’s instincts are more important during the stage than any other form of advice. A mother who takes care of her baby happily and conscientiously brings up a happy child. Love your baby for what he/she is rather than what you want the baby to be, don’t compare your baby to someone else’s baby, rather be happy with your baby. Babies can sense love and hatred so there is no need to pretend.

This is what to expect of average children.

i.                    At one month, most babies can move head and eyes, can open and close fists, cry, steadily gain weight and strength.

ii.                  At four months, they can see many things, hold up the head, may tremble and be easily startled. Some children can start eating some solid food, roll or bang the head, can be held on sitting position and can smile and also even laugh. Some children can start sucking the thumb.

iii.                At nine months, some children can roll, others can sit steadily or even take their first steps while holding on to something. If something is put close to the child, the child may reach for it and start put things into the mouth. The child can also manage to sleep through the night. Most children have two teeth that may start coming out even at seven months.

iv.                At one year, the bowel movement can become more regular and the child can feed using fingers. Some children can stand alone at take a few steps while they may need help to sit down after getting up. The child may have up to six teeth and can eat alone, even drinking from a cup. The soft spot on the head may close any time between nine months and two years. However, some  can close earlier or later.

This is what you are expected to do for your child at this stage:

i.                    Make sure the baby is registered with the registrar of birth

ii.                  Nurse your baby and enjoy it as much as you can. This is important physically and psychologically

iii.                Circumcise baby boy at two weeks if the doctor approves unless if you want to let the child decide at a later stage.

iv.                Keep the baby’s clothes simple and washable, babies get dirty at this stage.

v.                  Let the baby’s digestive system determine the feeding times rather than schedules and time slots. The baby is using energy in movement and activities and this may change feeding patterns.

vi.                Allow the baby to stop eating if he/she is no longer interested. Make the child enjoy feeding time, this will have a great impact at later stages.

vii.              Vitamin D from the sun and Vitamin C from orange juice is important to the child. Sunbathe your child and make sure he/she has fresh air at all times.

viii.            Learn to recognise any signs of child illnesses including rash, abnormal bowel movement or any changes. It is best to get a doctor’s opinion always.

ix.                Supply the baby with stuff to chew while teething otherwise the baby will eat dirty stuff.

x.                  Always try to discover why a child cries and remove the cause.

xi.                Take it easy, keep a sense of balance and enjoy your baby at each stage of development.

Avoid being interrupted during nursing and never allow anyone with a cold or fever near your baby. Don’t risk your child by trying to be socially acceptable. 

Your child development is in your hands, its your duty to make sure it is not disturbed. At this stage, animal mother instincts are very reliable. Protect your child but don’t try to enforce anything yet.