Are you wondering if your little one is eating enough, sleeping enough and on track for those all important milestones? Check out these simple signs that baby is both happy and healthy.
Even if you're afraid you don't know the first thing about newborns, after a few weeks with your own little darling, you'll probably start to hear the difference between their hungry and tired cries. You know how they like to be rocked and burped. Essentially, you become more confident in your parenting skills as each day passes. If it weren't for the fatigue and hormonal overload, you might even feel like you have everything under control.
But all it takes is one small, nagging thought like – Is my baby eating enough? Is all this crying unusual? Are they sleeping too much? - and you can easily fall into a spiral of anxious anxiety. You seek out friends and ask, "Are they okay with you?" They say yes, but still, you can't help but wonder.
So you Google a million things and read the comforting, vague phrase: "Healthy babies exhibit a variety of behaviors, looks, and temperaments."
The question is, how do you know if your baby is happy and developing normally? Be sure to consult your doctor if you have any concerns for the baby. But to help reassure you, we've put together a list of indicators that prove your baby is doing just fine—and hopefully help you relax, let go of your worries, and enjoy your bundle of joy.
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#1 Baby is soothed by the touch and sound of the mother's voice
What it proves: You've got a bonded relationship. That is, this sign proves that the bond between the mother and the child is intact and the child is healthy.
Newborns are crying a lot, but just talking to your baby won't stop the tears. Your voice was the soundtrack to their time in the womb, though, so it should be something that usually gets their attention.
"A baby is used to being around, and your voice is a big part of that experience," says Jennifer Shu, MD, pediatrician and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn. "After they're born, hearing your voice, being wrapped and carried, and feeling your body heat all mimic that peaceful time."
When your baby is soothed by your presence, this is the first step in bonding with you and a clear sign that they are developing emotionally. That is, your child has developed mentally.
Remember, colicky babies can be very difficult to calm at times, which is not a reflection of their mental health or their attachment to you. However, lots of fussing is normal for some babies in the newborn stage - you're not doing anything wrong. However, if your baby's crying time is prolonged, consult a doctor. Often, there are some helpful strategies that will ease their crying, but it's also important to rule out something more serious.
#2 Change 8 to 10 wet diapers per day and increase their weight
What it proves: They're getting enough milk even if they change how much they drink. If you are nursing, how can you make sure your baby is getting enough breast milk? Proof of this is in wet diapers.
"My baby was born five weeks before his due date and weighed only 5 pounds," says Sara Port of South Deerfield, Massachusetts. "I was always worried about her weight. I didn't relax about her eating until she started making significant gains ten days after birth."
It is important to visit your well-baby so that the pediatrician can assess whether your baby is growing. Between trips to the doctor, regular wet diapers are the best sign that they are drinking well. Trust these indicators without obsessing over how much they consume at each meal. Babies don't eat the same amount every day, even at each feeding. "There are growth spurts and slowdowns," says Dr. Shu. The important thing is that the baby gains weight over time.
#3 The child is calm and focused at least a few times each day
What it proves: They are starting to learn. That is, when you find this symptom in your child, you will know that the child has started learning.
These first few weeks should be marked by feeding (about every 2 hours) and sleeping (about 16 hours a day, but several hours in a row). Amidst all this, there is holding and crying - and very little. It's not until your baby begins to gain control over their eye muscles and focus on a target (mostly you) that you realize you have a little sponge on your hands.
When babies are calm and alert, they take note of everything around them and process all kinds of new information. "Babies usually start spending more awake time around 1 month of age," says Dr. Shu" That's when they can briefly settle in and soak in more visual cues."
#4 Child turns to new words and tries to listen
What it proves: Their hearing is developing and their brains are processing sound.
Babies can hear from birth, but it takes weeks for them to filter out the white noise of everyday existence outside the womb. The idea that some sounds are more interesting than others (the dull hum of the air conditioner is not as important as the sudden squeal of laughter from the older sister) develops over time. The sound of music, in particular, will eventually get a baby's attention, whether it's the sound coming from toys or your stereo.
Once you see your baby's response to sounds by locating the source, you'll know their ears are healthy and they're becoming curious about what they're hearing.
#5 Babies see patterns, colors and movement
What it proves: Their eyesight is sharpening and their brains are developing.
You wouldn't think that the ability to space out while looking at a ceiling fan would be a sign of progress, but it is. Babies are born with about 20/100 vision, and they can see 8 to 12 inches away—try to learn about the distance between your baby's face and yours when you're feeding them.
By 1 month, they can see 18 inches away. And by 2 months, most babies start tracking patterns, bright colors, and moving objects like mobiles or fans.
They don't have perfect color vision or good depth perception, which is why contrasting colors attract their attention. So, if you see the world around them, it's a great sign.
#6 Make eye contact, smile and flirt with people
What it proves: Your baby is becoming a social — and happy — creature
The first moment of real eye contact with your newborn usually comes when they're a month old, the first laugh at about 2 months, a giggle at 3 months, and a giggle at 4 months — and none of these milestones come too soon.
"I want to have any kind of interaction with Zachary," says Sally Lee of New York City, whose son is 2 months old. "I can't imagine that one day he will sit up and talk to me."
All of these interactions show that your baby is connecting or trying to connect with you and becoming more aware of their surroundings. On some level, they understand that people interact more with them when they behave in socially attractive ways.
When a baby is about 5 months old, they smile when someone smiles at them as if it were a reflection.
All of these behaviors are important indicators of early social and language development. "Long before babies speak, they use body language, including eye contact and facial expressions," said Dr. Shu. "It's a precursor to verbal communication. "When your baby makes a noise, they're testing their vocal cords." Soon, your little baby will really start chatting away.
#7 Cry a little less and sleep more regularly
What it proves: Baby's nervous system is maturing. That is, if this sign appears in your baby, you will understand that the baby's nervous system is maturing or developing.
Do you feel that barely perceptible change in your baby's routine? As such, have a glimpse of a routine? You can make it from the newborn juggernaut!
This is the result of their nervous system learning the ropes. Look for several naps during the day and stretch four or more hours between feedings at night. Some children get there quickly; Others do not perform this ritual until they are 4 months or older.
If your baby is older and still eats and sleeps at random times, try scheduling their days more tightly. Then, it's your turn to find a new parent and reassure them: your baby is doing great and will be sleeping more soon!
#8 Children are able to control their own body weight
What it proves: Those little muscles are getting stronger.
Many babies hold their heads briefly — so briefly! - Within 1 month. By the time they are 3 months old, they usually do it more regularly and more efficiently. If your baby can hold their head up or roll in your arms, you know they're flexing their growing muscles.
To help them, make sure they spend quality time outside of the carrier or car seat. Tummy time on the floor (most children's version of exercise classes) can help accelerate the development of several muscles in particular, including the muscles that allow them to roll over or sit unassisted.
"We find that babies who haven't had the opportunity to exercise with their tummy tend to roll, sit and crawl later than normal," says Dr. Shu. So, give your little one daily playtime to move and strengthen those muscles!
Last words:
The birth of a new baby is a whirlwind of happiness, love and yes, stress. It's normal for your baby to become excited, restless, or anxious in quick succession—or even all at once. Trust your instincts, and if you ever have any questions or concerns, contact your baby's doctor right away.
But when everything seems fine, instead of focusing on your fears, look for signs that your baby is doing just fine. Perhaps, they are doing great. Letting go of your worries can help you enjoy this precious time—and every minute counts because it will be over in a flash.
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