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How to Tell if My Baby’s Growth Is on Track?
You know your little loved ones the best. It’s so much fun to watch your baby grow up rapidly and this is the best time to spot your baby’s growth as they reach every little milestone.
However, how do you know if your baby’s development is on track? Well, you’ll be able to track based on your newborn’s daily activities, movement, dirty nappies, feeding pattern and more.
If you are concerned with your baby’s growth progress, the best solution is to consult and share your concern to your pediatrician and seek professional advice.
Meanwhile, here are some basic guidelines for you to recognise if your baby’s growth is on track.
However, it’s important to remember that this information simply serves as a general guideline, as every baby is different and grows at their own pace. So you should always refer to your pediatrician for the most accurate advice for your baby.
Your Baby’s Weight
All babies lose weight right after they are born. But don’t worry, they will regain their birth weight after 2 to 3 weeks, and they will continue to grow.
Your baby was weighed at birth. Doctors will track their growth regularly based on a growth chart by measuring their weight, length and head size.
These measurements serve as a foundation to track your baby’s growth. However, every baby grows at different rates.
Try not to compare your little ones with other babies. What is most important is that your baby grows consistently and healthily.
On average, a baby should gain 140 to 210 grams per week in the first three months. After three months, the average weight gain will gradually slow down. Babies will double their birth weight by four to six months, and triple by one year.
Experts say that a rapid growth baby is usually fed by formula milk, while weight gain is less concern for a breastfed baby. This is because babies are able to control the intake of breast milk by themselves, they stop when they are full.
For a first-time-mum, breastfeeding can be a hard time for you due to your body changes and the intensity of your baby’s needs.
Some mothers choose to get trusted helping hands from Singaporean confinement nanny agencies on baby care and breastfeeding guidance. It’s always good to have helping hands, especially during confinement.
Early Physical Development
Baby’s physical development begins at the head, then moves to the other part of the body. For instance, babies learn sucking first, only followed by head and neck control.
“My baby doesn’t move his arm a lot.”
“My baby is not looking and responding to me when he sees me.”
“My baby neck muscles don’t seem developed.”
Do you find the above concerns familiar? Some infants are late in doing certain activities or movements compared with others, which are not to be worried too much.
However, if you spot the delay lasts for quite some time, you might need to consider speaking up to your doctor as soon as possible, as this might be a sign of a health condition.
Below are some of the physical development of an infant from the first to the third month that you can expect:
1. First Month
In the first month, newborns would be able to have hand, arms, and legs movements and reflex motion.
Their eyesight can reach at about 18 to 45 cm far, and they are able to stare at high contrast objects but they are not able to reach them at this point yet.
They can also recognise their mother’s voice and be aware of other noises.
2. Second Month
From the second month, your baby’s hand may start to unfold, and their muscles will relax.
Also, they should be able to lift up their head at about 45 degrees while lying on their tummy now!
Your baby will know how to grasp objects in a short time. Their eye movement is also more active now and they can follow moving objects.
3. Third Month
A three month old baby would be able to roll over his body from back to side. Their arms and legs can stretch out and their muscles are even more developed compared to their second month.
They can also lift up their head to look for objects or sound. Infants can hold objects a little longer now, and they are able to respond to high contrast objects and noise.
How to Help with Your Baby’s Development?
Spend time with your baby as frequently as possible during his development stage. Interact with your baby, talk to them, sing to your baby. Looking into their eyes and smiling at them makes them feel secure, safe, and happy.
In addition, music and colourful objects stimulate their eyes and hearing senses. It’s a bonding time between you and your little ones, and development time for your baby at the same time.
Also, babies can begin tummy time as a newborn. Tummy time is the time your baby spends awake and on his tummy. It helps your baby to develop neck strength, learn to crawl and help in sensory development.
You may start by placing his tummy down on your chest for 1 to 2 minutes a few times a day, and gradually increase the time if your baby is comfortable to do so.
Feeding Milestones
Baby growth is mainly powered by the daily nutrition intake. Feeding is not just for baby eating, but also helps to develop chewing and swallow muscle, which is important for their growth.
How often should you feed your baby? It depends on how often your baby shows signs of hunger. At a very young age, babies will need to be fed more often with smaller amounts.
Typically, newborns need to be fed every 1 to 3 hours (8 to 12 times a day), with about 45 to 90 millilitres per feeding. As babies grow up, the time between each feeding will be longer.
For mothers during confinement, remember to get enough rest while taking care of your little ones. Hiring a confinement nanny in Singapore will be helpful for postpartum mothers, especially feeding at midnight and taking care of babies during night time.
Newborns from 0 to 3 months are not suitable for any thicker liquid like cow milk or solid foods. They can have breast milk or formula milk. Being able to latch onto a nipple while feeding, and move their tongue back and forth to suck is one of the feeding milestones.
Watch your baby feeding patterns. Ensure he or she feels comfortable and swallows well during the feeding.
Closing Words
Before you go, don’t forget to take care of yourself during your confinement too!
Sure, it’s important to know how to track baby growth and tracking baby growth is a great way to see how your baby is coming along. Also, when you show your baby growth chart Singapore paediatricians would be able to better consult you when you consult with them.
Also, you might want to get well-trained confinement lady services in Singapore to cook nutritious and lactation boosting confinement food for you, so that you don’t have to worry about your daily meal and be able to speed up your postpartum body recovery at the same time.