My Child

1-3 months

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While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following indicates the average

for babies from 1 to 3 months of age.

Weight

Length

Head circumference

average gain of about 1½ to 2 pounds each month

average growth of over 1 inch each month

average growth of about ½ inch each month

A baby's understanding and awareness

of the world around him or her increases during this time. While

babies may progress at different rates, the following are some of

the common milestones in this age group:

Activities

SpeechUnderstanding

Activities

As your baby begins to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop:

• Some of the newborn protective reflexes begin to disappear

• Neck muscles become stronger, head bobs then is held erect

• Turns head from side to side while lying on stomach.

• Brings hands or objects to mouth • Follows light, faces, things • Listens to sounds • Opens and closes hands • Holds, then drops a rattle or other object • Active leg movements

Speech

• Coos and babbles at parents and people they know.

• Changes sounds while verbalising, “eee-ahhh”

• Cries become more purposeful and are • different for hunger, fatigue, and other needs

Understanding

• Knows familiar voices, especially of parents.

• Smiles in response to others.

• Responds to social contact, may coo.

• Moves arms, legs, body in rhythm with other sounds

• Follows dangling toy from side to side.

Dr. Peddi’s tips for your baby's

development and emotional security

Young babies need the security of a parent's arms, and they understand the reassurance and comfort of your voice,

tone, and emotions. Consider the following as ways to foster emotional

security of your newborn:

• Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact. •Talk to your baby with a soothing, animated voice throughout the day while dressing, bathing, feeding, or playing with your baby. • Sing to your baby. • Give your baby rattles and soft toys with different sounds. •Introduce different sounds to your baby like chimes, soft music, rattles etc • Show your baby bright pictures. •Hang a mobile with bright objects above your baby. • Call your baby by name. • Make sure to have lap time. •Hold your baby during feedings and provide comfort when he or she is distressed and cuddling when happy.