Your baby has arrived and you have had your first meeting, pure bliss! But, these little ones don't quite come with instructions. So, whats going on for him? Well, for starters, he is very nearsighted and can't see much unless it is within 8-10 in from his face. Most babies have shown a preference for looking at human faces, mom and dad's in particular. A great time for gazing into each others eyes and letting your baby study your face, is during nursing or feeding sessions. Holding your baby in the "cradle hold" puts him right at the correct distance for seeing best, and the thing he likes to look at most is right there! That is, when he is awake. Your newborn will sleep most of the day (and night) away. He will of course only do this in spurts though, because he is working so hard at growing and gaining weight that he likes to eat often. As he gets older he will have longer and more frequent awake periods.
During these first few months, your baby is working very had at muscle development, especially with regards to her neck and shoulder muscles. In order to help with this, make sure your baby has some tummy time each day. He may not like it much at first, and you don't have to force him, but try it every so often to help him get used to the idea. To assist him a bit, you can place a receiving blanket under his chest. This will help prop him up until he can get the hang of pushing up on his own. In addition to helping your baby develop these very important muscles, tummy time helps prevent your baby from getting a flat spot on the back of his head. Remember though, it is always safest to put your baby to sleep on his back.
"Colic" may become an issue for your family during this stage of your baby's development. Colic is defined as 3 or more hours of consistent crying each day at least 3 times a week, with no known medical or other cause. Your baby isn't tired, hot, hungry, wet, etc. And there isn't anything the doctor can find causing him pain or discomfort, but he is still crying. This is colic. Many times a colicky baby will draw his legs up and seem to need to release gas, but colic isn't always due to gas. Sometimes, babies just need to cry. You can try massage, patting his back or belly, rocking him, bouncing him, etc. If youre nursing you can try an elimination diet to see if something your eating is contributing to his colic (one of the most common offenders is the milk protein in dairy products because it can be difficult for babies to digest). Colic can be so very difficult on parents. But remember, by 3-4 months, all will be well. This too shall pass.
By the time your baby is getting into his 3rd month, he is having more awake periods during the day. There is more time of quiet alertness now. Make the most of these times, and sing to your baby, talk to him, read him poetry or a story, he'll take it all in. He is hearing better and can recognize different voices. He is able to see things much better now too. He can track moving objects more easily as well as enjoy more complex patterns. He'll love to look at things like stuffed animals, or soft balls, anything you can think of. His movements are also getting more coordinated and less jerky.
Your baby has grown by leaps and bounds both mentally and physically during these 3 short months since his birth. By 4 months old most babies double their birth weight, and your little one is likely well on his way to that milestone! It really is true babies really do grow and change so fast. Be sure to make the most of every minute of it, because it only happens once!
