Welcoming a newborn into the world is the beginning of the parenting journey. A wonderful journey to see little ones achieve new milestones of growth and development. Infant growth and development are crucial and the best care is needed for fostering their health.
Let's look at the Infant growth and development stages:
(1) Neonatal Period (0-4 Weeks)
> It is the intro to the outside world. A rapid adjustment happens and it is mainly about fulfilling the basics like feeding, sleeping, and bonding with parents and family.
> During this time, their growth is noticeable like weight gain and sensory organs development.
(2) Infancy (1-12 Months)
> The first 12 months duration is marked as exponential growth. Significant development and changes are visible, they achieve new milestones like learning to roll over, sitting up, crawling, and eventually walking.
> Their cognitive development begins. Awareness of the surroundings and curiosity increase with people, objects, and nature.
> Infants' interactions with parents and family foster their social and emotional development.
Let's look at the Infant's Need & Care:
(1) Nutrition From Breastmilk And Weaning Food
> For the first six months, babies should be on breast milk (or formula milk). Breastmilk contains essential nutrients required for growth and development and it is sufficient for the first six months.
> From six months onwards weaning food can be started in conjunction with the breastmilk. As baby grows, their nutritional requirements also increase and breastmilk alone is not sufficient. Do remember, breastmilk to weaning food is a transition period for babies so try to make it as smooth as possible.
> A balanced diet from five food groups is very important. It is good to consult a nutritionist for better guidance. Healthy & nutritional meals will be good for overall growth and development
> Know that feeding cues such as baby can sit with support, curiosity for food, learn to swallow, hand-to-mouth movements, etc, and accordingly manage feeding pattern when baby is hungry.
(2) Sleep
> Bedtime routine is important to maintain better sleep patterns. A calm environment, blackouts or dimming lights, and comfortable temperature are helpful for infants to sleep.
> Know sleep cues from babies like eye rubbing, yawning, or fussiness to recognize and make little ones sleep on time.
(3) Playtime
> Along with Nutrition and Sleep, playtime is equally important for their overall growth and development. Engage them in interactive play and provide age-appropriate toys to enhance their cognitive development and motor skills.
> Physical activities are not much before they start to crawl. Encourage body movements holding them like tummy times.
(4) Safety
> Certain safety can be followed such as making baby sleep properly with a blank space around to avoid incidents of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) due to bedding or blankets while sleeping with parents.
> Playtime with a baby should not indulge in physical activity that is not safe for little ones. Babies are frugal and they are exposed to various risks of external and internal damage. A basic example of Shaken Baby syndrome is when a baby is shaken hard or thrown in the air could cause brain injury due to unwanted force.
> Making sure about the safe environment by removing harmful objects from their direct reach. Babyproofing is one way to avoid potential accidents and injuries.
(5) Healthcare
> Make sure that all vaccinations are timely given to little ones. Monitor baby's weight and height growth every month. Share monthly growth with pediatrician to address concerns timely.
> Maintain proper hygiene at home. Babies' feeding equipment, clothes, bedsheets, etc should be cleaned with disinfectants.
An infant's growth and development is a journey. Nurture this journey with love and care to foster a healthy future. Consider one milestone at a time knowing their unique needs.