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PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT
weight: 14-23 pounds
length: 25-30 inches
first teeth begin to appear
drools, mouths and chews on objects
needs at least 3-4 feedings per day
reaches for cup or spoon when being fed
drinks from a cup with help
enjoys some finely-chopped solid foods
closes mouth firmly or turns head when no longer hungry
may sleep 11-13 hours at night although this varies greatly
needs 2-3 naps during the day
develops a rhythm for feeding, eliminating, sleeping, and being awake
true eye color is established
rolls from back to stomach and stomach to back
sits alone without support and holds head erect
raises up on arms and knees into crawling position; rocks back and
forth, but may not move forward
uses finger and thumb to pick up an object
transfers objects from one hand to the other
hair growth begins to cover head
INTELLECTUAL DEVELOPMENT
cries in different ways to say she is hurt, wet, hungry, or lonely
makes noises to voice displeasure or satisfaction
recognizes and looks for familiar voices and sounds
learns by using senses like smell, taste, touch, sight, hearing
focuses eyes on small objects and reaches for them
looks for ball rolled out of sight
searches for toys hidden under a blanket, basket, or container
explores objects by touching, shaking, banging, and mouthing
babbles expressively as if talking
enjoys dropping objects over edge of chair or crib
SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT
responds to own name
shows fear of falling off high places such as table or stairs
spends a great deal of time watching and observing
responds differently to strangers and family members
imitates sounds, actions, and facial expressions made by others
shows distress if toy is taken away
squeals, laughs, babbles, smiles in response
likes to be tickled and touched
smiles at own reflection in mirror
raises arms as a sign to be held
recognizes family member names
responds to distress of others by showing distress or crying
shows mild to severe anxiety at separation from parent
IDEAS FOR CAREGIVERS
Respect a baby's natural schedule. Most babies will settle into a
regular routine for eating, sleeping, and soiling their diapers, but the
schedule will vary depending on the baby. Some babies need to eat more
frequently than some others. Some will sleep more and take longer naps.
Baby-proof everything! It is amazing how much an infant can get into
just by rolling, reaching or creeping. Store toxic substances such as
dishwasher detergent, make-up, paint, or medicine up high. Put safety
latches on cabinets and covers on electrical outlets. Lower crib mattresses
so that older infants can't fall over the rail. Cover sharp corners of
tables or shelves that infants might bump into.
Expose babies to bright colors and a variety of objects to look at.
Pictures, moving objects, brightly colored or contrasting color toys
attract infants.
Provide an environment rich with sound. Help infants learn to
recognize common household sounds such as a vacuum cleaner, a radio, a
clock, a whistling tea kettle, or a doorbell.
Provide interesting objects for infants to feel, touch, mouth, and
explore. Square nylon scarves, cold metal bowls, plastic measuring cups,
large wooden spoons, and wet washcloths are favorite household toys.
Keep easy-to-swallow objects out of infant's reach. Babies should not be
allowed to play with anything smaller than a half dollar (about 1-1/4
inch).
Read to infants. Babies enjoy cuddling on a caregiver's lap, looking
at colorful picture books, and hearing the rhythm of their voice. With
time they begin to understand that words have meaning and can be used to
identify objects.
Give babies the freedom to move around. Young infants enjoy being on
their backs so that they can kick, wiggle, and look around. Older
infants need space and time to practice crawling, creeping, pulling up,
and walking. Spending too much time in a walker, playpen, or infant
swing may inhibit the development of these important skills.
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