First Month
Your newborn is truly an amazing little person! Recent research has demonstrated the profound abilities of newborns to identify their parents through the sound of their voices, the smell of mom’s milk, the familiarity of mom's heartbeat, and the comforting way they are held and touched. Read More...
Research has recently proven that newborns have astonishing, previously unrecognized abilities. More than just a collection of reflexes, newborns are forming relationships, learning, remembering and interpreting what is going on in the world around them. What this translates for you, the parents, is the importance of talking, cuddling and responding to your baby. Babies are forming foundations of trust, so responding to their needs consistently is one of the most important things a new parent can do.
As the non-profit organization Zero to Three states, “Early Experience Matters”. DayOne highly recommends visiting their website and interacting with their fascinating “baby brain map” that shows which parts of the baby’s brain develop when and more importantly, how parents can assist in development of a happy and healthy baby. For more information, visit: Zerotothree.org/baby-brain-map.html.
Second Month
Most babies demonstrate their first purposeful smiles at the age of 5–6 weeks, marking the end of what sometimes feels like a one-way relationship. This is also the age when babies seem much more interested in the world and the people around them. Read More...
Babies at this age continue to demonstrate startle reflexes which can interrupt with sleep. Research has demonstrated swaddling helps babies sleep more soundly and for longer periods of time, which is a great thing for tired parents. There are many ways to swaddle a baby and help them to feel they are back in the womb. Recent research recommends avoiding tight swaddling of a baby’s hips to prevent hip dysplasia (looseness of the hip joint). For more information, visit Hipdysplasia.org.
Third Month
By age three months, you’ll notice profound changes in the way your baby responds. Reflexes are no longer controlling your baby—she or he has developed a clear temperament and style all their own. For many babies, the third month of life brings some rhythm to what might have seemed a nonstop period of feeding, diapering and occasional sleeping. Read More...
Babies in their third month are starting to have more head control and are beginning to enjoy tummy time a bit more. Tummy time is helpful in encouraging motor development now that we only allow babies to sleep on their backs. By encouraging babies to spend time on their tummies when awake, even for 5-10 minutes, 3 times a day, parents can make a big difference in supporting their baby's ability to crawl, which is an essential milestone. Since babies enjoy looking at faces, DayOne recommends using the Lamaze Mirror as a tool to encourage tummy time. Place the wedge that accompanies the mirror under the baby’s chest and the mirror about 8 inches in front of the baby. Most babies will enjoy looking at themselves, which encourages them to not only stay on their tummy but to lift up their head and strengthen their neck and shoulders.
