Congratulations! You did it! You and your partner made it through a pregnancy and safe delivery. The initial fears that worry all newborn parents have been set aside. Now that you have made it through childbirth, it is time for a whole new set of challenges. After you have brought your newborn home, one of your biggest concerns is making sure they are healthy.
Oftentimes, new parents are on edge about whether or not their little one is developing properly. Here are four common signs that your baby is doing well.
1. They Calm Down When They Notice You Are Around
Let’s face it: Babies cry. If you are not used to it at first, over time, you will notice they cry a lot. However, your baby recognizes your voice, so hearing you talk to them should often help put them at ease.
In addition to hearing your voice, healthy babies also respond to your touch. When you hold them close, it reminds them of being in the womb, which makes them feel better. Both of these are indications of healthy emotional growth.
2. They Are Gaining Weight
Another way to know if your baby is healthy is their weight. Gradual weight gain is a sign of successful feedings. In the first few days, your baby’s stomach is very small. Do not be discouraged if they don’t eat much at first. However, as their stomach grows, you should notice them signaling for more feedings.
It can be hard to determine if your baby is gaining weight, especially between checkups. One of the best signs of healthy weight gain is the number of daily wet diapers. If they are not gaining weight or wetting and soiling diapers at a normal rate, speak to their pediatrician for alternative methods.
3. They Begin Sleeping Regularly
The average newborn sleeps between 14 and 19 hours within a 24-hour period. As they grow, they begin sleeping on a routine basis. This adjustment is a good sign of their nervous system developing correctly.
Reasons for Poor Sleeping Habits
If your newborn does not eventually adopt a sleeping routine, it is often due to:
- A growth spurt and the need for more feedings
- Overstimulation
- Startling themselves awake
- A desire for cuddles
These are common problems that can easily be remedied. Be sure to pay close attention to your baby’s cues and work harder to meet their needs. Eventually, they should develop regular sleep patterns.
4. They Can Support Their Own Weight
As your baby gains muscle power, you will notice they can hold themselves up on their own. Typically, babies can hold their heads up for a short time after a month. By their third month, they should be able to regularly hold their head up and stretch their muscles.
To jumpstart their ability to support their own weight, be sure to give them plenty of tummy time. Place a blanket in the middle of the floor and place your little one on it, tummy down. Stay close by in case they roll over.
While it may not seem like an issue early on, your baby’s inability to hold themselves up may be a sign of a serious underlying condition. Slower development can be an indication of cerebral palsy. New parents should be wary of these warning signs of cerebral palsy:
- Muscle spasms
- Stiffness
- Floppiness when picked up
- Trouble feeding and swallowing
If you notice these symptoms, quickly seek professional care.
Every parent wants a happy, healthy baby. By paying close attention to their eating, potty, and physical patterns, you can roughly estimate their development between appointments. If you ever have concerns about how your little one is advancing, be sure to seek emergency health care immediately.
