Of all the species, human babies are amongst the most vulnerable at birth. This is why so much of their development in the first three months is centred around having their needs met. Crying, smiling and learning to connect with the people who are best placed to ensure their survival, takes much of a young baby’s energy and focus.
Some people view the first three months as the ‘fourth trimester’ – a period of time when newborns need to be cared for as if they were still in the uterus. Warmth, swaddling, shshing and gentle touch all help new little people adjust to living in the outside world.
Head first…
Babies develop in what is called a ‘cephalocaudal’ direction. This means that their development follows a sequence which moves from head to toe. The reason for this is again, about survival. Babies learn to focus their eyes, then smile and coo to help them build emotional attachments. Over time, they develop head control, learn to sit, crawl, stand and then walk.
Every baby develops in their own good time. Try not to compare your baby’s development with others of the same age. Every one is unique and a blend of their genetics, environment and individuality.
Ways to support your baby’s development in their first three months
You won’t have much spare time in the first three months after you’ve looked after your baby’s most basic needs. Feeding, changing, settling and helping them adjust to ‘extra-uterine’ life can take many hours of support and repetition. And it’s in those moments of caregiving that you’ll be able to support your baby’s development in simple ways.
Talk and smile with them, handle your baby gently and importantly, pick them up when they cry. Focusing on staying calm yourself will help your baby to feel secure and loved, so care well for yourself too.
Newborn baby development starts very small and expands as the baby grows. Your baby is hardwired to seek attention and there’s a reason why they look so cute and divine. Mother nature has worked out the best way for babies to be nurtured is to have the sweetest of features e.g., a button nose, wide eyes and rosebud lips.
10 ways to support your baby’s development in the first 3 months
- Make some time each day to just sit and hold your baby and not necessarily do anything for them. In the quiet ‘you and me’ moments with some eye gazing, listening to their coos and smelling their new baby smell, the emotional connection between you both will grow.
- Talk to your baby about what you’re doing when you’re changing their nappy, or getting ready to feed.
- Hold your baby close and cuddle them. Change their position in your arms and hold them out sometimes to see the world.
- Take your baby outside for walks and talk about what you can see and hear.
- Give your baby floor and tummy time daily, from birth. With time and practice, they’ll learn to lift their head.
- Give your baby massages and lovely warm baths. Plan for your baby’s bath when you’ve got plenty of time and won’t need to rush.
- Read to your baby everyday from birth. Simple story books with colourful pictures are perfect.
- Encourage your partner to care for your baby as well. Appreciate that the differences in your caregiving styles will support your baby’s resilience.
- Aim for a simple life at home for a couple of months. Taking on too much too soon can be overwhelming for people, no matter what their age and stage of life.
- Make time each day to just enjoy your baby. You are their greatest teacher. What’s valuable is the quality of the relationship you have – from this, everything else will follow.
Written for Infacol by Jane Barry, Midwife and Child Health Nurse, August 2022.
