Expectations and Activities for Your Newborn

The next few blog post will be a series that will review each stage of baby development, what to expect at each stage and what games and activities to engage in at every stage. Lets begin at the first couple of months of life.

At 1-2 months you can expect your infant to begin to develop some head control and the ability to lift her head  when on her stomach. Your infant should be actively kicking her feet, stretching, and moving her arms. Your infant should be able to bring her hands to her mouth and grasp a rattle involuntarily. Your infant will start to make eye contact and track slow moving objects. Your infant will be interested in contrast patterns.  Your infant should be enjoying physical contact with you and listening to your familiar voice.

During this stage your infant should be getting adequate tummy time.  You should be offering your infant small rings to grasp. Be sure to have a mobile and pictures with strong contrasts for your infant to look at. Items should be 8 to 12 inches from your babies face. Try to get your infant to track objects or your face. Seek out and maintain eye contact. Talk to your infant. Take care to ensure that your baby is being held on the left and right side during feedings. Massage and swaddle your infant.

This early stage is short lived, your newborn will only be this tiny and dependent on you for a very short time.  Don't miss the interactive opportunities you have at this fleeting stage of development.