Growing Miracles: Physical development – infants

Your infant may lose some weight after birth but should begin steadily gaining after the first few days. Once babies have recovered their birth weight, they'll gain, on average, 180 to 240 grams (6 to 8 oz.) a week for the first 2 months. From 2 to 6 months, weight gain averages 450 to 1000 g (1 to 2 lbs.) a month. A baby's weight usually doubles by 6 months of age.

The First 2 Months

At first, reflexes will drive your infant's movements. They will kick, push their feet, grasp with their hands, and turn their head to search for food or to make sure they can breathe. They will know how to suck and swallow, and will cry when they need your attention. They don't know they can do these things-these are reflexes they are born with so they can survive.

You can expect your infant to sleep and wake often throughout the day and night. At first, there may not seem to be much of a pattern to when or how often babies are asleep or awake. As they grow, they settle into more predictable patterns.

Infants have weak necks-both their head and neck need to be supported at all times. All babies are fragile and need to be picked up, carried, and put down gently. Fast, quick movements, even playful bouncing, can be harmful.

Babies with normal hearing will wake, startle, or respond to loud noises. The sounds your baby makes-crying, cooing, and squawking-are your baby's way of talking to you. Responding to these first noises helps build trust with your baby and helps your baby develop speech and language.

3 Months

As babies approach 3 months, they will become more aware and interested in the people and activities around them. As they get used to their surroundings and the routines of daily life, they will begin to recognize you or others by cooing or becoming excited. They will smile with pleasure at people and may like or dislike their bath time. As they become stronger, they begin to follow moving objects by turning their head.

4 to 6 Months

From 4 to 6 months old, infants begin to hold their head more steadily. Once they discover that they have hands and feet, they play with and study them endlessly.

If you go to them when they cry, they will learn to trust you to comfort them when they are upset. You will begin to understand some of the things they like and dislike by the way they respond to them.

During this time, infants also begin to smile at familiar faces, laugh out loud,and listen to their own sounds and babbling. They respond to their parents' voices and are soothed by calm words or gentle songs. They can look and suck at the same time, but must stop and turn their heads to listen. As infants approach 6 months, expect them to react to sounds even when they can't see what caused them.

By 6 months, most infants can roll, usually first from their stomach to their back, then from their back to their stomach. Many infants are able to sit at this age, although some support may be needed. At 6 months, your baby is also ready to start eating solid foods.

Over these months, babbling increases and infants "talk" more to people and their toys. When you answer, your infant starts to learn to take turns listening and responding. These are your baby's first conversations.

During this time, your infant starts to smile at familiar faces, laugh out loud, and listen to his own sounds and babbles. He responds to your voice and is soothed by calm words and gentle songs. He can look and suck at the same time, but must stop and turn her head to listen. As your infant approaches 6 months, expect him to react to sounds even when he can't see what caused them.