Recognize normal child development

The knowledge of normal development in a child will allow you the ability to identify possible problems, at an earlier stage. It will also give you an opportunity, to promote development. This is particularily important to new parents, that cannot rely on past experiences. I would advise you to first make sure your infant is under the care of a physician, a Pediatrician specializes in the medical care of children. Never hesitate to ask questions concerning your child's health. Communication with the physician is essential, but is sometimes difficult to achieve. The nurse may be your best resourse for information, and can be a link for interaction with the physician. Nurses are trained to work directly with patients and families, not just as caregivers, but as educators and advocates. Establish a relationship with your child's caregivers and enlighten yourself concerning normal development.

The first three months, an infant will sleep in intervals, and will draw attention to their needs by crying. Crying usually indicates hunger, if it does not stop with feeding, changing, or holding, it could be due to pain. If crying is a continuous, notify the physician. Some people worry about holding a baby too much, please realize babies need touching and holding, especially by the parents, in order to thrive. Caress your child, hold them closely when feeding, and speak to them in a soft, loving voice. Expect a sucking reflex to be present, the infant will often make "sucking" sounds. It is very important in an infant's development, to encourage sucking, offer a pacifier between feedings. Another reflex that will be present, is the rooting reflex. This means the child will turn its head, when stroked on the check, and the head will turn in the direction of the check you are stroking. This is a normal reflex, and usually disappears around four months of age. The child will also have a palmer grasp, notice the baby grasp your finger, when it is placed in their hand. They will follow objects with their eyes. Stimulate them by placing a bright-colored mobile and a cradle gym, within arms reach. Encourage play and discovery.

At four to eight months, your child should sleep in longer intervals at night. There should be longer intervals of wakefulness, without crying. Your child should be able to sit, with little support, and be able to hold the head and neck stable. There will be an increase in play, babies at this age love to play with their hands. They also grasp objects with both hands, especially bottles. They can transfer objects from one hand to another and will bring objects to their mouth. Provide opportunities for your child to sit up supported, put safe, bright-colored, objects within reach. Encourage bottle holding, and serve finger foods. Eating finger foods helps develop chewing and stimulates the gums. Your child will now be able to diffrentiate a family member from a stranger, and will respond to a greeting. Notice the eyes move to locate sound. Your baby should begin making talking sounds. It is produced as babbles: ba, da, mm, or ma. When stimulated, babies at this age laugh aloud. Speak to your baby during feeding, bathing, when holding, and stimulate laughing. Have eye contact and smile while speaking to your child. If your baby does not make crying or laughing sounds at this age, notify the physician.

Things will really become busy in your home now. At nine to twelve months, your baby should begin to crawl and pull themselves up to a standing position, and will begin standing alone. It will be possible to drink from a cup, with assistance. The child will begin holding a spoon, but will feed with fingers. There will be longer periods of interupted sleep at night, one to two naps a day lasting one to four hours, is expected. It is not unusual for the child to refuse a nap, especially the morning nap. Your baby should begin to respond to simple commands, activity may cease when hearing "no-no". Speech will progress to two word phrases commonly: "mama," and "dada," will be spoken. This is a time when your child will explore and discover. Your child should be able to put objects in and out of containers and will begin to examine objects. It is a time for trying out newly developed motor skills. Objects will be taken to the mouth and chewed or sucked, be cautious and provide a safe, child-proof, enviroment. This is the perfect age for a playpen and the use of a walker. Place your child in a high-chair and feed during family meals. Provide your child with games, that allows the practice of placing objects in a container. Begin to have your child respond to simple verbal commands. You might ask them to sit down, stand, to come here. Be patient, your child may cry on occasions, due to tension. Sometimes the desire to remain awake and avoid a nap will frustrate your child. This is common and can lead to fatigue. Once you know all of your babies' physical needs are met and safety is satisfied, you may have to ignore the fussing. Make sure the babies area is quite, excessive stimulation will make it difficult to fall asleep.

Enjoy your baby, and always provide for their needs. If you suspect any problems, notify the physician immediately. We can't be too careful when it comes to our children. Read and learn all that you can. An informed parent, is a better parent.