Managing Your Baby over the First Six Months

You have a new born baby in the household and you wonder what to expect from the child during the first few months. You could have a midwife, nurse or health care provider take care of the baby at the start but that option are for people who can afford the expense. Most people do not have the luxury of household help. Each baby is different but there are certain standard development stages that babies normally follow. Monitoring the baby’s progress will help you gauge the natural development of the baby. As the baby accomplishes a stage of the development process, be there to give them love and encouragement to reach the next stage. Do not worry if the baby takes some time to reach the next development stage. Keep watch and inform the doctor regularly on their progress. The doctor can determine if the baby is developing at a normal pace. Here are a few guidelines to help you monitor the child’s progress over the first six months.

On the first month, the baby will begin to lift their head. Encourage the baby but do not force them. Let the baby do it on their own. The baby will detect and respond to sound. Talking and singing to the baby will help the baby recognize sound.

The baby will start making noises on the second month. The most natural sound will be their crying. The baby is able to see objects but cannot identify what they are. You can try talking to them and laugh and cry alternately. The baby cannot differentiate in detail between sounds of happiness and sadness but it can sense our emotions. Tell the baby simple words repeatedly like “mama” and “dada”. They are able to articulate these words easier than other types of words.

The baby will start reaching for objects by the third month. They become excited when they hear the sound of your voice. They want to stand up on their own. Do not force it because it could strain their back. Give them objects to hold but be sure they are too big to be placed in their mouth. Be sure there are no edges that could harm their eyes or other parts of the body. They want to taste anything they hold and if it tastes good to them, they will put it in their mouth. Sterilize the objects if possible to preserve a hygienic environment.

The child becomes frisky on the fourth month. Be sure the crib can withstand their rolling around. Sitting becomes an adventure for them. Train them gently so they do not strain their back. The baby will start crying incessantly on the fifth month and that’s because they are teething. They are developing teeth and want to chew everything in sight. This is a risky period. Be very observant as they might end up swallowing and choking on small items.

On the sixth month, the baby might start mouthing those words you have repeatedly said to them. Give them the milk bottle to hold on their own. Put them in a playpen to move around freely.
Don’t rush the child’s development. They will do whatever is needed in their own time. It is our duty to monitor and see that their development is normal and not impeded by harmful obstacles.  Love them and show your affection in every way. Babies can feel and appreciate it.