After birth, in the first three months, the child grows the fastest, and then intensive growth continues, but with a slight slowdown. In this period, nutrition and still insufficiently defined genetic factors have a key influence on the growth rate, along with the appropriate
support from the immediate environment. Childhood illnesses can be disruptive, but with your adequate support, they usually have a temporary effect. At birth: First month: First three months: 6 months: Each child's growth is unique, and if the child has optimal nutrition and a nurturing environment, it generally follows the growth pattern established in the first months of life, while regular measurements and keeping growth charts help us to monitor it properly. Child Age 1st
month 2nd month 3-4 months 5-6 months
References and comments
WHO child growth standards and the identification of severe acute malnutrition in infants and children. A Joint Statement by the World Health Organisation and the United Nations Children s Fund.
The Growing Child: 1 to 3 Months
How much will my baby grow?
While all babies may grow at a different rate, the following is the average for boys and girls 1 to 3 months of age:
Weight: average gain of about 1½ to 2 pounds each month
Height: average growth of over 1 inch each month
Head size: average growth of about ½ inch each month
What can my baby do at this age?
As your baby begins to grow, you will notice new and exciting abilities that develop. Babies at this age begin to relax the tight muscle tone of newborns and start extending their arms and legs more. Babies may progress at different rates, but the following are some of the common milestones your baby may reach in this age group:
Some of the newborn protective reflexes start to disappear
Neck muscles become stronger, head bobs then is held erect
Turns head from side to side when placed on belly
Brings hands or objects to mouth
Looks at hands
Follows light, faces, objects
Listens to sounds
Opens and closes hands
Holds, then drops a rattle or other object
Active leg movements
At the end of 3 months:
Raises head and chest when placed on belly
Starts to reach hands to objects, may bat at hanging object with hands
What can my baby say?
It's very exciting for parents to watch their babies become social beings that can interact with others. Every baby develops speech at his or her own rate, but these are some of the common milestones in this age group:
Starts to imitate some sounds (coos, vowel sounds)
Cries become more purposeful and are different for hunger, fatigue, and other needs
What does my baby understand?
A baby's understanding and awareness of the world around him or her increases during this time. Babies may progress at different rates, but these are some of the common milestones in this age group:
Knows familiar voices, especially of mother and father
Smiles in response to others
Responds to social contact, may coo
Moves arms, legs, body in rhythm with other's voice
How to help increase your baby's development and emotional security
Young babies need the security of a parent's arms, and they understand the reassurance and comfort of your voice, tone, and emotions. Consider the following as ways to foster emotional security of your newborn:
Hold your baby face to face and make eye contact.
Talk to your baby with a soothing, animated voice throughout the day while dressing, bathing, feeding, or playing with your baby.
Sing to your baby.
Give your baby rattles and soft toys with different sounds.
Let your baby hear different sounds (for example, wind chime, ticking clock, soft music, or music box).
Show your baby bright pictures of black and white images.
Hang a mobile with bright objects above your baby.
Call your baby by name.
Hold your baby during feedings and provide comfort when he or she is distressed and cuddling when happy.