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Growth and Development at one monthGrowth(general info re growth)Weight Average weight at birth for healthy full term baby girls is between 2.4k and 3.8k Average weight at birth for healthy full term baby boys is between 2.6k and 4.2k Most babies lose a little weight over the first 7-10 days. By week three the weight is starting to go on if not before - 150gms to 450gms a week is the normal range in the first three months. Babies can gain weight steadily or in spurts. Some breastfed babies (link into breastfeeding) are a little slow to start gaining weight so don't panic if this is the case for you. Length Average length at birth for healthy full term baby boys is between 47cms and 56cms. Average length at birth for healthy full term baby girls is between 45cms and 53cms. (I have seen plenty of baby girls who measure 55/56cms) Birth measurements are notorious for being a little bit out so be prepared for a discrepancy between the birth measurement and the first measurement at the early childhood/maternal and child health centre.(link into where to get help). Your baby will grow about 1.9cms a month. Length increases in spurts. It is much more rewarding to measure every three or four weeks rather than weekly. Weekly measuring of babies frequently records shrinkage rather than growth (due to the difficulties of doing it accurately - not because you are bathing (link into bathing) your baby too much). Development at one month(link into general info on development) Large Body Movement (strange heading for such a small body eh?) * Lying on back: head goes to one side * Pull to sit from lying: usually head falls back although some babies seem to have enough muscle tone to keep their heads up (doesn't mean they are going to be smarter and stronger than the others). * When held sitting: back curves a lot. Small Body Movements * Fists usually closed * Will grasp your finger if you place it on his palm * Hands and arms tremble and jerk when they move * Bottom lip quivers (not from cold, a reflex) Vision (unlike baby puppies, human babies can see from birth) * Short-sighted, sees best close up. Are able to see light, dark and colour * Fleeting cross-eyes are very common until the baby's eye muscles strengthen (between 3 and 6 months). If the eyes are permanently crossed seek help# * Pupils react to light * At times when your baby is relaxed and alert she will stare at a human face held close, especially yours. Hearing and Speech * Usually responds to sudden loud noises (blinks, widens eyes, jumps, cries). However if your baby is crying, sleepy, distracted or feeding there may be no response. Rather than clapping loudly and crashing doors to test his hearing just quietly take note of his response to the spontaneous noises of everyday living; adult coughing or sneezing is a good one. Others are things like a dog barking or the sound the Velcro strips on disposable nappies make as they tear apart. * Until your baby starts to smile and coo crying (link into crying and sleep) is his main form of speech and the main way he gets your attention. Social Behaviour and Understanding * Stares at things and especially at movement and light * Can usually be calmed by being picked up * Can sometimes be distracted from crying by a human voice * When relaxed and alert appears to respond to a stream of tender words, especially from you. Robin Barker 20(c)00 saftey notice and disclaimer |