Tuesday, September 8, 2009

growth signs upto 2 yrs




How do babies grow and develop in the first year?

The first 12 months may be the most dynamic period of life. Dramatic changes are taking place in all areas of growth and development, which include:
  • Physical development. Most babies double their birth weight by gaining an average of 0.5 oz (14.2 g) to 1 oz (28.4 g) every day for the first 6 months of life. Birth weight usually triples sometime between 9 and 12 months of age. By 12 months of age, most babies have grown in length a total of about 10 in. (25.4 cm) since birth. Head circumference usually increases about 0.25 in. (0.6 cm) to 0.5 in. (1.3 cm) a month.
  • Cognitive development. This is the process by which babies develop the abilities to learn and remember. Babies begin to recognize and interact with loved ones and start to understand that people and objects still exist even when they are out of sight (object permanence).
  • Emotional and social development. In a loving environment, babies easily bond with their parents. In the first month, newborns express emotion mainly by crying and grimacing or displaying an alert and bright face. By about 4 months, they learn to smile, coo, and move their arms around when excited. By 5 months, babies show a clear preference for a loved one. In the following months, "separation protest" and "stranger anxiety" are two of the ways babies show this growing attachment. A close bond provides a foundation for future relationships: babies learn from their parents how to love and how to trust.
  • Language development. Babies' brains are very open to learning, and they quickly absorb the language around them. By about 3 to 6 weeks, babies develop a different crying sound to show a specific need (such as hunger or discomfort). By around 2 months of age, they begin to interact with caregivers by cooing and smiling, which proceeds to babbling and chuckling within about 6 months. Also by 6 months, most babies have learned all of the basic and distinct sounds of their native language. By the first year most babies can say a few words, like "mama" or "dada," and can understand many more.
  • Sensory and motor development. A baby's movements become more controlled and deliberate as the newborn reflexes fade. Although seemingly stiff at times, a baby will be limber and coordinated enough in 6 months to suck his or her toes and strong enough to sit with light support. By 10 months, many babies can stand, although they may need support.

  • Physical development is rapid during the first year of life. Babies steadily gain weight and grow in length throughout this first year. Your baby's birth weight doubles around 6 months of age and triples by about 12 months. But remember that each child is different. Your child may be smaller or larger than other children of the same age. As long as your child continues to grow at a regular pace, your doctor will likely assure you that your baby's growth is within the normal range.
  • Cognitive development, or how the brain develops its abilities to learn and remember, progresses rapidly. Babies soon begin to recognize familiar people. As their memory develops, they gradually realize that people and objects exist even when they are out of sight, a cognitive skill called object permanence. Sensory integration evolves throughout the first year, which is the process by which a baby's brain begins to connect what is seen with what is tasted, heard, and felt.
  • Emotional and social development begins with the bonds babies form with their parents and other caregivers. When cared for in a loving and consistent way, most babies begin to engage and interact with others. By 2 months of age, your baby smiles as a way to engage you. This is called a "social smile." At about 9 months, your baby gets upset when you or another caregiver leaves. This is a normal phase that is known as separation protest. By 12 months, most babies are expressive and have formed a close attachment to their parents. They also experience some degree of separation protest.
  • Language development occurs along with brain growth. Babies start communicating with different types of cries, then progress to babbling. By 12 months, they may be able to say a few words. Most babies also understand some words by this time and begin to infer the meaning of many others. For more information, see the topic Speech and Language Development.
  • Sensory and motor skill development progresses with the continual growth of the brain, nerves, and muscles. As controlled movements become more refined, newborn reflexes gradually fade. By 4 months of age, your baby will start using the arms with purpose. For example, your baby may move the arms and squirm when excited or "swipe" at dangling objects. By 6 months of age, your baby will likely be able to sit with little or no support. Your baby learns to crawl usually by 8 months of age. Some babies will be walking by their first birthday.

When to Call a Doctor

Talk to your doctor any time you have concerns about your baby's:
  • Physical development. It is important to talk with your doctor if your baby's growth seems to slow significantly or if he or she is not consistently eating well.
  • Cognitive development. Cognition is the ability to learn and remember. If your baby is not becoming increasingly alert or active, talk to your doctor.
  • Emotional and social development. Talk to your doctor if you are concerned about how you and your baby interact or if you feel unable to nurture or emotionally connect with your child.
  • Language development. If your baby doesn't babble as expected or respond to your voice, talk to your doctor. These may be signs of a hearing problem.
  • Sensory and motor skill development. If your baby does not consistently meet motor skill development milestones, such as purposeful rolling over or crawling, talk to your doctor.

Posted by Anand Patel at 10:26 AM

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