New born babies may be sleeping a lot during the first months of life. However, there a lots of things going on in terms of baby growth and development even while they are in deep slumber most of the time. There are different areas where changes are occurring and these include not only the physical but also the cognitive development of babies. Language development, emotional and social development as well as sensory and motor skills development also occurs within the first year of the baby’s life.
Baby growth and development occurring in the physical aspect are readily observed as he or she grows. Though parents may observe that their babies may be losing some weight right after birth, they should not be alarmed. As the babies are able to adjust, they regain their weight at about 10-12 days later. Cognitive development also happens and parents need to interact with their babies often to stimulate brain development. As the baby hears or listen to their parents and to other environmental stimulus, they learn basic sounds of language which becomes the foundation for their speech or for their language development.
Part of baby growth and development also include the emotional and the social aspect. Babies learn to interact and to communicate with the people around them. They may express what they feel through the use of sounds and by the display of facial expressions. However, their discomforts are usually expressed through crying. As babies develop their senses, they are able to recognize those who care for them. They react when they see familiar faces or hear the voices of their parents. They also know how their mothers smell. Their sense of touch is also developed especially around their mouth.
Aside from these aspects of baby growth and development, the motor skills are also developed. Though most of the newborn’s movements are brought about their reflexes and instincts, in time, they learn how to move the other parts of their bodies. It is important that parents communicate with their babies in order for them to grow and develop well. Babies respond to high-pitched voice and also to some gentle touching, hugs as well as kisses. There have been some researches that prove better language development in babies through frequent talking to them as early as possible. Babies also learn faster through the interaction that they experience with the other family members rather than with the toys that they are given to play with.
The stimulus and the kind of environment where babies are raised contribute to baby growth and development. Parents should strive to provide a home atmosphere that would encourage proper baby growth and development.
