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Newborn and Infant Care

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Newborns


A child is generally considered a newborn from birth to 4 weeks. Characteristics associated with newborns are their ability to lift their heads for short periods of time, turning toward familiar sounds and voices, and moving their heads from side to side. Older siblings of newborns tend to complain that these children are “no fun,” as they seem to live only to eat and sleep.

Infants

It’s often so difficult for us to determine when a child has advanced from one stage to another, for instance, from a newborn to an infant. We get confused as to whether or not they are one and the same. Therefore, we use the veiling term ‘baby;’ it just seems more encompassing. A baby is generally considered a very young child, between birth and a year old. Being that babies grow so much in a 12-month span, there are several great developments parents can look forward to as each month passes.

In the first four months, babies track objects with their eyes and begin making noises rather than simply crying. Babies begin to recognize familiar objects and people, even from a distance. They babble a lot and laugh at their own noises. At this stage, they become interested in circular and spiral patterns and start reaching for hanging or dangling objects. By four months, some babies begin teething and sitting with support.

By the eighth month, babies have gone from needing their parents to hold their bottles to holding it themselves, as well as feeding themselves some foods. A child’s first tooth is usually showing by now, with a few more itching to come out. At this stage, children are usually able to roll over and back, imitate many sounds, and respond to their own names.

On a child’s first birthday, the differences over the last few months are definitely clear. By this time, children can identify themselves in the mirror, clap, wave “bye-bye,” crawl well, and walk with little or no help. At twelve months, babies understand simple commands and word “no." They are also able to shake their heads “no.”

Newborn Care

The Basics

Infant Care/Parenting



The Basics
The Growing Infant
Bathing the Newborn
Changing Diapers
Child Care
Common Medical Conditions
Clothing
Crawling and Walking
Crying
Environment and Stimulation
Medications
Nail Care
Pets
Sleep
Speech Development
Swaddling
Teething, Thumbsucking & Dental Care

Newborn Care

Basics

Infant Care/Parenting

The Basics

Credits: New York Online Access to Health

Parenting
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