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Six Signs That You Are Pregnant [Infographic]

Are You Pregnant

 

If you have already kids, you might be somewhat familiar with the symptoms or signs of being pregnant. Some women, though, do not know the symptoms are getting some of them surprised with the expectancy. Here is an infographic that shows the symptoms when expecting.

 

  1. Swollen and Tender Breasts

Don’t fret if your bra doesn’t seem to fit your chest or if you noticed you became busty. And sometimes that is not a sign of puberty but, rather, to a greater extent – pregnancy. Better change your tight clothing to loose ones. And also, be more careful not to bump your “enlarged” breasts.Swollen and Tender Breasts

  1. Morning Sickness

When pregnant, women experience nausea – something that triggers vomiting or having a feeling of the unsettled stomach. It’s called morning sickness because it actually occurs in the morning, but of course, nausea can ruin an entire day of a woman’s life.Morning Sickness

 

  1. Mood Swings

In the early stage of pregnancy (usually the first trimester), an expectant woman can have major mood swings. Laughing now, then later they cry. Yes, it’s weird. It is because of the tragic increase of the progesterone – a hormone that prepares the body for pregnancy.Mood Swings

 

  1. Insomnia

Pregnant women will have trouble sleeping or resting. It is because the body is always working to prepare the body for the upcoming baby. So, even if a pregnant woman sits all day or just watching Netflix, they feel they have had a 40-km triathlon. That’s exasperating!Insomnia

 

  1. Cravings

Pregnant women crave for food (and sometimes, weird food). Well, they might be relatively hungry, but most probably, it’s the hormones asking for weird food. A pregnant woman may also instantly hate a food or beverage she used to LOVE before.Cravings

 

  1. Bathroom Visit

The growing uterus just keeps on telling your bladder to visit the bathroom. So, don’t be puzzled about your body always wanting to go to the comfort room. Deal with it, you’re pregnant! So, always keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of fluids.Bathroom Visit

 

Those are the symptoms when you are pregnant. Quite not sure about your body? You can use Pregnancy Test Kits to ensure expectancy. It may also best to visit an OB-Gyne Clinic. You know your body much then your spouse. So, it is always you who can tell if there is strange happening in your body. You might want to check for baby cribs as preparation. Read our next post.

Visit the full infographic at this link.

What Not to Buy for Your Baby

What Not to Buy for Your Baby

Having a newborn in the house is such an exciting time in every parent’s life. As a new parent, you probably can’t wait to shop for your baby needs. However, before you rush to the mall, you should sit down, research, and identify what products you should avoid buying.

Be mindful that not all products are safe for your child. Just because they are sold in the store means every item is suitable for your baby. It is unfortunate, but some products may possibly cause serious injuries to your precious one. This is why it is important to research each product first before taking it from the shelf.

Here are some baby products that we highly recommend to avoid.

Drop-Side Crib

A drop-side crib is designed to give you a convenient way to access to your child. You don’t have to put much effort and bend over to reach your child. It is built with one or two sides that slide down for easy access.

Why it is dangerous:

This type of crib has been linked to numerous deaths in the past few years which became the reason why the US Consumer Product Safety Commission ordered a recall. The drop-side feature may possibly suffocate or strangle your baby. The alternative is to use a crib with fixed sides or a convertible crib with simple and sturdy structure.

Infant Bath Seats

Infant bath seats are designed to place your baby in a sitting position while bathing them. This provides you with assistance so you can quickly and conveniently wash your child.

Why it is dangerous:

There have been reports of incidents and deaths related to this product. Bath seats can accidentally tip and fall over to the water causing your baby to drown especially if left unattended. It is safer to use a sturdy plastic bathtub for your baby and never leave them unattended even for just one second.

Sling Carriers

What Not to Buy for your Baby

Sling carriers can suffocate the baby

A sling carrier allows you to keep your child close to your body. It is similar to carrying a bag, however, in this case, you are carrying your baby. It may offer you a peace of mind knowing that your child is safe, but in reality, it is giving you a false sense of security.

Why it is dangerous:

There have been reports of injuries including severe fractures, contusions, and even death. The most common cause is when the child falls from the carrier, while in some cases, the baby gets suffocated inside the carrier. Some sling carriers are not robust and durable enough to carry a child. More about the dangers of sling carriers can be read in Mayo Clinic.

Walkers

Walkers help train your baby to stand and walk on their own. Although this may be a helpful tool in your child’s development, it may also pause as a danger to your baby. Your child can accidentally slide and fall on the stairs.

Why it is dangerous:

Some walkers may be built with safety features like rubber friction strips to help stop the walker if the wheels go over the edge. However, these pieces may easily come off and wear out quickly. The best alternative is to put your baby in a walking activity area so they can learn to stand and walk safely without the help of any device.

Bumbo Seats

What Not to Buy Bumbo Seat

Kids using Bumbo seats may fall over.

Bumbo seats are manufactured in various colors and designs to assist and train your baby to sit in an upright position. They can learn to lean, arch, and even rock front and back.

 Why it is dangerous:

On the downside, while your child learns different seating positions, they may also have the tendency to fall off the chair. There have been numerous incidents linked to this matter especially since Bumbo seats have a high tendency to tip over. It is better to use a bouncer seat or a stationary seat to prevent a fall.

 

 

Top 5 Picks of the Best Baby Cribs

Top 5 Picks of the Best Baby Cribs

A crib is the safest place for your baby. Some parents opt to use a cradle or a bassinet for their newborn but investing in a crib is highly recommended. It is safe and comfortable as well, not to mention practical.

Buying a new crib, especially for the first time, is a big step for parents. You sure have no idea what type of crib to look for especially since there are a lot of products available in the market. There are certainly a lot of colors, designs, styles, materials, and functions to choose from. Baby Center has provided practical guidelines that may help you, as a parent, on buying the perfect crib for your kid.

When choosing a crib, be sure to get a piece that has above average safety features. A Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association or JPMA-certified product is highly recommended. After all, the safety feature is the most important factor when choosing a crib.

You won’t have to constantly check-up on your baby while you are cooking in the kitchen. Instead, it will give you a peace of mind. So invest well and choose the right product.

Here are some of the best cribs mom’s recommend:

  • Baby Cache Heritage Lifetime Convertible Crib

baby-cache-heritage This crib is produced from solid mahogany wood which makes it sturdy and long-lasting, plus the elegant design makes it look premium. This convertible crib can accommodate newborns up to three years old and can even last up to ten years old with the use of conversion kits. It converts from a crib to a bassinet, toddler bed, daybed or a full-sized bed using conversion kits which are sold separately.

 

This crib is a great buy because you can definitely use it for your next baby and the following after. It is best to purchase the conversion kits at the same time since the manufacturer sometimes modifies the finish.

 

  • Pottery Barn Kendall Low-Profile Fixed Gate Crib

This crib is designed with excellent craftsmanship and is manufactured with little side panels. It is suitable for newborn babies until they become a toddler. In this case, the crib can be converted into a toddler bed.

The side rails measures 4 inches below the height of standard cribs. This allows you to quickly reach and access your baby without having to stretch or tiptoe. It can be turned from a crib to a toddler bed using a conversion kit which can be purchased separately.

  • Delta Children Canton 4-in-1 Crib

 

This is another great pick especially since it can be converted from a crib to a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed with conversion rails sold separately. The Delta crib is produced from robust and durable wood material. This crib is suitable for babies up to 35 inches in height and 50 pounds heavy. It can be changed to either a toddler bed, daybed, or full-size bed.

 

  • Dream On Me Violet 7-in-1 Convertible LifeStyle Crib

 

dream-onThis crib is made from solid wood and comes in fun colors including natural, black, cherry, royal blue, white, violet, and espresso. It is equipped with a 4-position mattress support system. This crib can be converted to a toddler bed and daybed including 2 set-up options for both twin bed and full bed. The bed and conversion kit can be purchased separately.

 

Among other cribs, the Dream On Me offers the most conversion. It is produced using non-toxic finishing and is lead-free.

 

 

  • Da Vinci 4-in-1 Convertible Crib

 This crib is a popular choice due to its safety feature and affordability. It is made of non-toxic finish and meets the JPMA safety standards. This crib is designed with a lower rail for easier reach and comes with a 4-level mattress support. This crib, the same with other modern crib models, can be converted to a toddler bed, daybed, and full-sized bed.

 

10 Incredible Facts About Babies That Will Blow Your Mind

10 Incredible Facts About Babies That Will Blow Your Mind

With their cute face, little fingers, and adorable body, you would not think babies to be very superior in their own ways. Infants have skills and talents that they keep hidden for some time. But, apparently, they have failed to retain the secret.

Here’s a quick fact from this infographic from infrographicspedia:

headingIf a new baby is born in every 0.25 seconds, that means there are 24,192 newborn infants per week! And oh, keep the awe for yourself and prepare yourself as we reveal the 10 marvelous facts about babies:

You’ve been deceived by your child.

If you hear your infant crying, well, you’ve just been fooled.  Infants not older than three weeks cannot shed a tear – not just yet. What you hear from them is either holler or scream. And hearing them scream does not necessarily mean they are in trouble, but it is their natural way of calling your attention.

ifg2Babies are decisive

Babies are pretty straightforward and strong-minded. How? They can firmly decline or reject something with no guilt. For instance, if the baby turns head when you spoon food which means they have had enough.

Newborn babies have extra 96 bonesifg3

Babies have 300 bones while adults only have 206 bones. Does that mean human are growing abnormally? No. That’s just how the bone works. The 96 other bones soon combine to form stronger bone necessary for the growing body. So, you don’t have to worry about your baby losing these extra bones.

ifg4Infants can recognize their mom

Newborn babies, even with tiny eyes, can identify their mother. This is no surprise. Remember, the child has lived in the mother’s womb for 9 months, and in that period, the baby’s been ‘downloading’ the maternal instinct which includes the mother’s smell and voice. That said, a child can actively recognize its mother.

Strong and mightyifg5

They may look gentle and vulnerable, but no. Studies show that babies are stronger than animals. Babies have the same strength with an Ox. So beware not to be kicked by your infant, or you’ll get bruises.

ifg6Babies urinate 72 times a day

As the infographic revealed, newborn babies pee every 20 minutes. Doing the math, babies urinate up to 72 times per day. A baby’s bladder can hold 15mL of fluid, which means a baby can release up to 1080mL of urine per day.ifg7

Infants are geniuses!

Though yet unable to speak, babies have their own way of ‘saying’ or expressing their emotions. Their hand gestures can show different emotions such as happiness, anxiety, or excitement. They can also recognize facial expressions like smiles and laughs – and they are capable of giving it back.

ifg8They literally do not know what salt tastes like

Not until their kidneys are completely developed, babies cannot recognize the salty taste. They can only start enjoying salty food until they are 4 months old.

And again, babies have much than us.

Newborn babies have 10,000 taste buds. A person has 10,000 taste buds too, except that ifg9only half of it actually works. This leaves the 5,000 taste buds on adult tongue useless.

Babies do not have kneecaps

Without kneecaps, the knee is vulnerable but not for the babies. Newborn babies do not have kneecaps. What they have is a growing cartilage that acts as a kneecap. So, never fear to let your child crawl to explore the floor.ifg10

Foods Pregnant Women Should Avoid

Foods Pregnant Women Should Avoid

When you are pregnant, you have to stay healthy in every way possible. You should break the habits you once had before becoming a mom. Breaking your habit may be tedious especially when it comes to your diet. Making sure your food is healthy for you and the baby is not always easy. To stay in proper nourishment, you have to avoid the food that may risk the life of your child. Here are some of the food you should not eat as an expectant.Eating Healthy on Pregnancy

 

Avoid Undercooked Eggs

Eggs are a good source of vitamins, minerals, and protein. They offer a lot of silver linings for pregnant women only if they are cooked thoroughly. Under-cooked eggs like sunny-side-ups and other food groups with raw eggs like mayonnaise, Caesar’s dressing, and eggnogs are hazardous as they contain salmonella bacteria that harm the health of the bun in the oven.

 

Liver

Pregnant women need vitamin A. It is vital for the early growth, and it helps repair tissues after labor. Vitamin A can be found in veggies, fruits, meat, and dairy products. However, too much Vitamin A can cause congenital disabilities on the baby. Beef liver provides Vitamin A that is more than enough; hence, avoiding it while in pregnancy is a wise decision.

 

Alcoholic Beverages

Alcoholic beverages are said to harm the baby while on pregnancy, but supporting evidence were not yet presented. However, there is also no proven facts that it won’t hurt the baby. In a nutshell, avoiding alcoholic beverages is an intelligent act of prevention from Fetal Alcohol Syndrome.Pregnant Should Say No to Alcohol

 

Coffee

The intake of coffee while in pregnancy has been a serious topic in the health industry. Coffee, as an indulging beverage, is said to cause danger to the baby because of the caffeine. Don’t worry; you do not have to sober about it. Experts still approve drinking of one to two cups of coffee each day. Drinking too much coffee can lead to miscarriage. Tea with caffeine must also be drunk with limitations.

 

While on pregnancy, you have to keep in mind that you are eating for two. Healthy nourishment on your trimesters can result in a healthy baby. Have a regular consultation with your physician and discuss the diet that concerns you.

 

Best Pregnancy Mobile Apps for Expecting Moms

pregnancy-apps

Becoming a first-time mom is one of the most exciting moments in a woman’s life. With today’s technology, there are many kinds of apps that can help guide you through your pregnancy. Gone are the days where you need to rely on pregnancy books or your other moms to help you step by step.
Now, all you need is a smartphone and an internet connection to access thousands of information at your disposal. Whatever info you need, all you need to do is ask Google and you’ll get your answer within seconds. Whether you are using an Android or an iOS device, there are numerous apps that are customized for pregnant women.

Each app may have different features but some have similar functions. Either way, these apps can make your life easier and more organized during your nine months. Here are 10 of the best apps for expectant moms.

babybump1. BabyBump Pregnancy Pro – This app acts like a journal to help record your weight, size of your bump, mood, cravings, thoughts, and other important details. It has a library of baby names you can choose from plus you can customize your birth plan. This app provides you with tips and updates on your weekly pregnancy development.

BabyBump has a community forum where you can interact with fellow expecting moms and share experiences with each other. It also has a baby kick counter, contraction timer, and online shop.

2. Sprout Pregnancy – Sprout helps you stay organized while educating you about the changes in your body as well as the development of your baby. It tracks every stage of your pregnancy. There are different sections that provide doctor’s advice, tips on what to expect, and a journal to keep track of your progress. Also included is a checklist for your hospital bag.

3. Pregnancy++ – This app displays photographic images of real fetuses that represent every week of your pregnancy including the development of your fetus through a 2D or 3D ultrasound scan and computer animation. The Pregnancy++ is highly recommended by pediatricians due to its up-to-date information.

4. My Pregnancy Today – It covers a wide range and a little bit of everything. This app has a community forum, baby development monitor, and a contraction tracker. If you want to ask anything related to pregnancy, labor, and baby supplies, the My Pregnancy Today can help answer your questions.

5. mPregnancy – This is the first pregnancy app for iPhone users that caters to expecting fathers. It describes what’s happening inside your belly in a tone that men can understand. For example, your baby’s dimension is compared to the size of a football.

This way men can easily relate to the jargons. It also features a countdown for your due date and tips on how the soon-to-be-dad can help the expectant mom.

6. I’m Expecting – The home page displays adorable photos of babies. This app keeps track of your pregnancy weight, baby bump, and symptoms. It features daily and weekly updates on your baby’s development. The community forum allows you to interact with other moms where you can post questions and reach out to other users.

babynames7. Baby Names – If you are thinking of what to name your baby then this app is definitely for you. This app has thousands of names that you can sort by gender, origin or popularity. Each suggested name comes with a historical fact and meaning as well as the pronunciation.

8. Totally Pregnant – This app allows you to personalize your experience once you input your due date. It has 3D videos of your baby’s development, informative videos, pregnancy articles, links to baby stores and healthcare services. It also features a Q&A with experts. Totally Pregnant can be used by hospitals who want to promote and sell their services to pregnant women.

9. Glow Nurture – The Glow Nature app is designed to support expectant mothers. It monitors your health and you can interact with other pregnant moms with the same due date. A planner keeps your appointments in check so you won’t miss out on your check-up.

10. MommyMeds – The MommyMeds is more of a reference app where you can easily search for medicines using the brand name or a barcode scanner. You can quickly identify the drug information in relation to pregnant or breastfeeding moms.

So-What Things Pregnant Women Can Do

So-What Things Pregnant Women Can Do

“Aren’t you pregnant?” – Many gravid women have been asked by this question when they do things folks think expectant women should be afraid of doing. Several ladies think their everyday norms would be greatly changed when they conceive; which is one of the sundry reasons why some are afraid of getting pregnant.

This paradox must be uprooted in our minds. Ethically trues as it can be, things go somehow different for a pregnant woman since her daily activities are already engaged with her little darling on her tummy. But there are still numerous wonderful things a pregnant woman can do for a healthy pre-natal care.

Getting Physical with Madonna

pregnant_excerciseExercising is no doubt beneficial for everyone. It enhances our system and makes us more physically healthier. Physical activities are even more vital during pregnancy for women as it cast out prenatal profits.

In the annual meeting of the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) in San Diego, researcher Melissa Hauge, MD, a clinical assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, says “pregnant women are still afraid exercise is going to hurt their child.” This founding has been presented by Hauge after conducting a survey in 90 women. She found out most of the regular exercisers thought exercising – and even walking – can be hazardous.

This ice was broken by ACOG when they issued an opinion of exercise during pregnancy. Unless OK-ed by their personal doctors, a pregnant woman can take physical fitness programs moderately for 30 minutes, says ACOG. However, of course, activities that may compromise the child such as actions with high risk of falling, interaction sports, and scuba diving should never be done.

Run The World

A working pregnant woman – so what? Yes, you can be a working mom – a money making woman with kicking little one on the tummy. Talk to your personal consultant to give you wise counsel whether working is practical or not. It mostly depends on the type and longevity of the work. However, working in front of your computer isn’t thought to be hazardous for your child.

Fear No Your Privilege

Pregnant women have the powerful privilege no one can ever argue with. This power, if not well manage, can be used abusively or coherently.

“I need to rest up.” – Five words that can easily manipulate things and no one can ever argue with that, even Superman. This privilege can help you escape in-law visits, boring work hours, or you can just say it when you feel like napping. Never fear excusing yourself, you know you’ll always win.

Continue The Love Saga

pregnany_loveMany believe that love-making during pregnancy can cause miscarriage and other harm for the child. Does it? Miscarriage usually occurs when fetus isn’t developing normally. Additionally, a developing baby is well protected by the amniotic fluid in your uterus and strong muscles around it, thus sexual activity is generally not an issue.

Frankly to say, some are not really afraid of having intercourse during pregnancy but they are rather influenced by their unstable emotions due to hormonal fluctuations, fatigue, nausea, and breast tenderness that lowers the sexual craving. This is usually normal.

Intercourse is a normal process in relationships. You hypocrite, never say you’ll never yearn for it. It does not only give pleasure but also a lot of prenatal benefits: it strengthens the muscles in the pelvic floor which will give you an easier labor, it reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, it prepares you for labor, improves self-esteem, and makes connections stronger.

Goodbye Fear!

You see, being pregnant is not so bad. There are things you shouldn’t fear doing and more things you’ll get to enjoy with no hesitations. So the next time someone questions you for doing amazing things – so what?

Sally Bee’s Awesome Heart Healthy Cookbook

recipe

recipeAs a mom, I am always looking for recipes that are healthy and tasty.  Looking out for the health of my children is always a top priority and it is sometimes easy to forget my own health.  The following story is a little reminder of why we all need to make sure that we are taking care of ourselves as moms.

At the age of 36, Sally Bee suffered three major heart attacks in the space of a week and the doctors called her husband so he could say goodbye before she died. She had never smoked, didn’t drink and was fit and healthy. Sally Bee’s story of survival and recovery from her heart attacks are nothing short of a miracle. Baby-step by baby-step, Sally defied all the odds and, five years later, is vital and healthy.

The most important thing for Sally during her recovery (thinking she wouldn’t live for much longer) was sitting down and eating with her family every night. To save her heart, Sally needed to eat healthily but her kids didn’t want just salads and seeds, so she began creating new recipes that they’d all enjoy, including versions of comforting classics and delicious desserts.

Sally Bee believes that her miraculous survival is due to her appetizing and achievable healthy eating plan, which she and her whole family enjoy. She has written a cookbook, THE SECRET INGREDIENT (Sterling, June 15, 2010;).

We have posted some of them below and the recipes are easy, affordable and YUMMY!!!

Get cooking everyone.

BBQ Fruit Skewers

Chicken Chilli Burgers

Spicy Couscous

Chicken Risotto Parcel

We all know the principles of eating a healthy diet, but actually translating that knowledge into an easy and affordable meal can be a challenge. THE SECRET INGREDIENT has recipes that the whole family will enjoy including Chili Con Healthy, Healthiest-Ever Lasagna, Ratatouille Chicken Tray Bake and BBQ Fruit Skewers with Ice Cream.

recipeThroughout her book, Sally tells her inspirational story and gives encouragement and support for changing your eating habits, and those of your children, without feeling deprived and in a way that works for life. She’s living proof.

Sally’s self-published edition of THE SECRET INGREDIENT went to #1 on Amazon UK’s food and drink best-seller list. She sold out her stock in a matter of weeks, including selling 12 copies to the White House. Sally is now an internationally best-selling author and has been invited to visit the White House in June 2010.

I consider her an example of a woman who has triumphed and conquered and wanted to share her inspirational story with all of our readers who triumph and conquer every day.

Please give us your opinions of the recipes. Do you love them as much as we did?

Toilet Training Your Toddler

Toilet Training

There are so many different and effective methods of toilet training your child. As time (and months) ticked by, I remember looking at my mother in despair when my child refused to use the toilet. After not listening to her for well over a year something changed…I finally heard what she was saying. She had told me time and time again that this would not go on forever. My child wanted to use the toilet. It is part of every child’s normal development. It will happen when my child is ready. Forcing the issue will only MAKE it an issue. Patience was required and I would be rewarded. And Mom you were right. It took some patience but now we are diaper free. The moment that I stopped pushing, my child started on the journey to Pottyland.

Toilet TrainingHere is the technique that I found effective.

WORDS: Choose the language that you are going to use with your child. Are you going to say “pee” or “wee wee”? Whatever you choose make sure that you stick to these terms and use them during the entire toilet training process.

WATCH: Children learn by watching. Let your child watch you go to the washroom and talk about it with them while you are on the toilet. It might seem awkward but you are doing your child a wonderful service by teaching them that both Mommy and Daddy use the toilet too.

REWARD: You don’t need to reward with anything more than positive reinforcement. It can go miles. Have a mini celebration every time your child uses the toilet.

If you hit a roadblock, try out some special treats if the child reaches a goal of your choice. My child refused to go #2 on the toilet; he was actually terrified of it. I decided that bribery may work to get him over this developing phobia (I know, I know). One day when we were playing he mentioned a specific toy and talked about longingly. Instead of saying, “Let’s write that down for your Birthday or Santa!” I decided to say the following, “I am going to buy that toy for you. You can play with it every time you poop on the toilet. If you stop pooping on the toilet, I am going to put it away until you poop on the toilet again. What do you think of that?”. My child looked at me and quickly asked me when I was getting the toy…Later that day I escaped to get the toy and my child went poop on the toilet the moment I walked in the front door. We have never looked back.

This strategy might not work for everyone but I sure hope that it does.

READINESS:

Try not to force your child to toilet train. They will get to a stage of development where it is something that they are going to want to do naturally and on their own. Read books and look for DVDs about toilet training. Talk about it with them so that they know that going to the toilet is always an option. Try and peak their interest.

Toilet TrainingThere is no perfect time for toilet training. If you have a specific target that you have to meet, like your daycare won’t accept toddlers in diapers, you will have to work a little harder to make your child fit your schedule. Talk to your daycare about flexibility in their timing. A lot of daycares don’t want to force a child into something that they are not ready for because it only leads to setbacks down the road. Some children are just not ready to train when others are. There is nothing wrong with that and the child should never be made to feel guilty or shamed, and neither should you.

NO SHAME:

Children crave attention. Attention can come in the form of positive or negative reinforcement. Praise your child for a job well done and the child will seek that praise by repeating the task. If an accident occurs or if there is a setback to diapers, choose not to shame your child. Just go with the flow. By removing a reaction you remove the benefit(or attention) from the action. Give your child a chance to figure this out on their own with your loving guidance, not a heavy hand.

Good Luck!

Developmental Milestones

baby milestone

baby milestoneMilestones are a way to track your Baby’s progress and development but it is important to remember that all children are different. Some babies don’t meet the milestones within the charted dates and some far exceed them. If your baby does not meet these milestones please do not panic. If you are concerned, talk to your pediatrician. Otherwise, just be patient and use these milestones as a general guide.

By the end of their first month, most babies:

  • Make jerky, quivering arm movements
  • Bring hands near face
  • Keep hands in tight fists
  • Move head from side to side while lying on stomach
  • Focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away
  • Prefer human faces over other shapes
  • Prefer black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
  • Hear very well
  • Recognize some sounds, including parents’ voices

By the end of their third month, most babies:

  • Raise head and chest when lying on stomach
  • Support upper body with arms when lying on stomach
  • Stretch legs out and kick when lying on stomach or back
  • Push down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
  • Open and shut hands
  • Bring hands to mouth
  • Grab and shake hand toys
  • Follow moving object with eyes
  • Watch faces closely
  • Recognize familiar objects and people at a distance
  • Start using hands and eyes in coordination
  • Begin to babble and to imitate some sounds
  • Smile at the sound of parents’ voices
  • Enjoy playing with other people
  • May cry when playing stops

By the end of their seventh month, most babies:

  • Roll over both ways (stomach to back and back to stomach)
  • Sit up
  • Reach for object with hand
  • Transfer objects from one hand to the other
  • Support whole weight on legs when held upright
  • Develop full-color vision and mature distance vision
  • Use voice to express joy and displeasure
  • Respond to own name
  • Babble chains of consonants (ba-ba-ba-ba)
  • Distinguish emotions by tone of voice
  • Explore objects with hands and mouth
  • Struggle to get objects that are out of reach
  • Enjoy playing peek-a-boo
  • Show an interest in mirror images

By their first birthday, most babies:milestones

  • Sit without assistance
  • Get into hands-and-knees position
  • Crawl
  • Pull self up to stand
  • Walk holding onto furniture, and possibly a few steps without support
  • Use pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
  • Say “dada” and “mama”
  • Use exclamations, such as “oh-oh!”
  • Try to imitate words
  • Respond to “no” and simple verbal requests
  • Use simple gestures, such as shaking head “no” and waving bye-bye
  • Explore objects in many ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
  • Begin to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)
  • Find hidden objects easily
  • Look at correct picture when an image is named

By their second birthday, most children:

  • Walk alone
  • Pull toys behind them while walking
  • Carry large toy or several toys while walking
  • Begin to run
  • Kick a ball
  • Climb on and off furniture without help
  • Walk up and down stairs while holding on to support
  • Scribble with crayon
  • Build tower of four blocks or more
  • Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts
  • Say several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
  • Use simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
  • Use two- to four-word sentences (“want snack”)
  • Follow simple instructions
  • Begin to sort objects by shapes and colors
  • Begin to play make-believe
  • Imitate behavior of others
  • Show growing independence

Source: American Academy of Pediatrics. “Caring for Your Baby and Young Child: Birth to Age 5, Fourth Edition” (Bantam Books, 2005).