Baby Growth & Development

The first few weeks with your baby will seem nothing more than chaotic and emotionally volatile. It will take about a month for both the mother and the baby to find and fit into a comfortable routine. By this time, you would have learnt how many naps he/she takes during the day and their approximate duration. You will know how often the baby needs a feed and at what intervals. You will have an idea of how many times they wake up at night. The baby will learn that you are the chief caregiver and that you will feed, clean and comfort him/her when he/she cries. Depending on the way you interact and react to the baby, they will expect you to be talkative, quite, upset, clam or irritated in a different situations.
Babies will also be developing their own personalities and will be learning things from you. If your behavior is not what the baby expected in a particular situation, he/she will be upset and cry because there is a sudden unexpected change in behavior. Babies measure their worth by the response of their caregivers. As you feed, change, bathe, clean and talk to your baby, they will look attentively at your face, observing all the changes in your expression as you speak. The first few months of a baby’s life are very important from the point of view of his/her socialization. These months will form the basis for their interaction with the rest of people. Therefore, the mother’s interaction with the baby and her behavior towards him/her assumes immense importance in the first few months.
Baby Routine
As you have a new baby whose care will take up most of your time, it is better you make a plan and have a daily routine in place. Since you will have to take care of the baby, you may not be able to pay much attention to the rest of your family. You have an additional responsibility now that needs maximum attention and care on your part.