Have you ever wondered how long babies are considered newborns?
The answer might not be what you expect. Here’s how long babies are considered newborns and what happens after that!
Most babies are considered newborns within the first few days after birth. This term may be used from birth to two months. Baby can be used by any child from birth until 5 years, while a toddler is a baby from 1-3 ears, preschooler from 3-5 years, school-aged 5-12 years, and Teenage from 13-18 years.
Stages of a newborn baby’s development from 0 to 3 months.
From birth to one month
In the first month of development, the baby should be breastfeeding well and gaining weight. You can weigh them more often to ensure that they are adding more weight. As a parent, you will experience Jerky quivering motion from their arms and legs thus knowing that your baby is on the right track.
Something else that you will notice is bringing their hands towards their face and not into their mouths. More often they will put their hands in their face. The hands will often be closed and fisted. After breastfeeding their hands sometimes will be open and this shows that they are full.
At this age, the newborn can hear well and distinguish the voice of their mother from other people.
Also when a newborn baby is kept down or placed on a mat they should be able to move their head from one place to another. This might not be instant but you should be able to experience this by the end of the first month.
Tummy time is also important during the first month of a newborn. You can place them on a mat or just hold them during the process.
During the first month, The baby should be able to focus on an object that is far away or close.
Their eyes are not fully developed during birth so you should be able to see them focus on an object. The most common thing that they focus on is the human face you will find them staring at a person or an object.
Newborn babies love to look at contrast books and pictures. This includes pictures of animals and the covers of books.
There’s not are you huge demand for the first month because our main goal is for them to breastfeed gain weight and grow stronger.
Areas of concern where you should seek a pediatrician
If the baby is overly floppy. This means that the baby is not doing those thrusting hand motions or whenever you pick them their body is just dormant.
If the baby does not focus on an object this could be a human face or contrast pictures. This means they would be having vision problems or any other disease. It’s always good to visit a pediatrician.
Another area of concern is when a newborn is not reacting too loud this means they are lacking that startle reflex. For example, if you close a door too loud you might notice a newborn baby jump and startle.
The last thing is when the baby does not move its arms and legs in a jerky motion this also may be an area of concern.
Another concern is also when the baby is not breastfeeding or gaining weight.
The second month of development
In the second month of development of a newborn will discuss five key components. This includes communication, gross motor, fine motor, personal and social, and problem solving.
Communication
This is where a baby is acquired to make a throaty or gurgling sound. The baby should be able to smile when they see you. They should be able to produce some sounds.
Gross motor.
In this phase, the baby should portray signs such as turning their head from one side to another.
During tummy time the baby should be able to hold his head up for more than a few seconds.
Fine mortal
The newborn hands should be tightly closed when they are asleep. They should be able to grasp your finger if you touch the palm of their hands. Also, they should be able to touch your face with their hands.
Personal and Social
This includes social signs the baby portrays when they are not comfortable. For example, cry when angry wet, or want to behold. The baby should smile or watch at her hands.
The third month of development.
At this age, the baby is so much grown. They have developed sensors such as touch. This is a great way of bonding with your baby. Massaging which includes skin-to-skin contact between the mother and the newborn builds a great bond between them.
Another development is the baby’s basic understanding of cause and effect. For example, if a baby touches a toy he or she understands that it will move. This makes the baby’s muscles get stronger from time to time.
Apart from this, their stomach develops and can hold more as compared to the first and second months.
You can show your baby action songs that help them do the actions. Clapping and patting a cake is a good alternative.
During tummy time you can place them on the mat and toys far away from their reach. This will help them to stretch themselves to get a toy. You can buy them toys such as tummy time floor mirrors, play mats, and visual toys.
Conclusion
In conclusion, babies are referred to as newborns from birth to two months of age. During the first month of development, they start adapting to the environment and learning how to breastfeed as they develop.
By the end of the third month, they become so much developed and understand some basic information.
Motherhood is about sacrificing yourself to cater to and care for the newborn.You need a lot of time to look at and ensure that they are on the right track. However, this is our call and duty as mothers to raise our babies well.
That’s all for today I hope these tips will be of help to you. In case you have any questions don’t forget to post them in the comment section below.
