Newborn development: in a nutshell

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Although boys usually weigh more than girls and are slightly longer, there is no ‘right’ size for a newborn. If your baby is active and feeding well, there’s no need to worry if she doesn’t fit neatly into the weight-length chart you see on the baby health centre wall.

In the first nine months, your baby will roughly triple her weight. If she is not gaining weight at a healthy pace, it could be a feeding problem and your child health nurse will be able to help you sort that out.

What your newborn may be doing

All babies pick up new skills in their first year. These are called milestones. Here’s a guide to some of the major milestones.

• At birth: unable to support her head unaided, closes hands involuntarily in the grasp reflex, startles at sudden loud noises
• At four weeks: focuses on a face, may respond to a bell in some way (startling, crying, going quiet), follows an object moved in an arc about 15 cm above her face until straight ahead
• At six weeks:may start to smile at familiar faces, may start to coo
• At 12 weeks: can lie on her tummy with head held up looking around, can wave a rattle, starts to play with own fingers and toes

Your baby may be a late starter with milestones. Don’t worry, they nearly always catch up.

Development problem signs

It’s wise to have her checked by your doctor if your newborn shows any of the following signs:

• consistently doesn’t respond to sounds
• doesn’t seem to see things, has white or cloudy eyes or if there is anything about her eyes that bothers you
• isn’t interested in what’s going on around her
• can’t hold her head up by 3-4 months
• continually cries for more than three hours every day, especially after 3-4 months. (Babies usually cry for about two hours a day, peaking between 6-8 weeks.) For more on constant crying, see Newborn behaviour
• doesn’t move or use both arms and/or both legs
• is not grasping your fingers or objects

You know your baby best. If you are worried about your newborn’s development, speak to your GP or child health nurse.

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  Newsletter snippet: Newborn development: in a nutshell
  

   

  By Raising Children Network

  There is no ‘right size’ for a newborn, although boys are generally heavier and longer than girls.
  
  Milestones for newborns

  • Birth: newborns can close their hands in the grasp reflex and startle at sudden loud noises.
  • 4 weeks: they can focus on a face, follow an object moved above them and respond to a bell.
  • 6 weeks: they may smile at familiar faces or make cooing noises.
  • 12 weeks: they can lie on their tummy with their head held up, wave a rattle and play with their fingers and toes.

  Problem signs

  Newborns should be checked by a doctor if they:

  • don’t respond to sounds
  • don’t seem to see things
  • are unable to hold their head up by 3-4 months
  • cry continually for more than three hours a day after 3-4 months
  • don’t move or use both arms or legs
  • can’t grasp a finger or object.

  This article is an extract only. For more information visit raisingchildren.net.au/development/newborns_development.html

  Sourced from the Raising Children Network's comprehensive and quality-assured Australian parenting website www.raisingchildren.net.au.