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Baby Development |
Weight Gain (Growth Pattern)Breastfed and formula-fed babies grow at different rates. In general, breastfed babies tend to be leaner, which is healthier, especially in the long run. Here's a general guide to the growth of breastfed babies during the first year:
Weight gain of 4-7 ounces (112-200 grams) a week during the first month
An average of 1-2 pounds (1/2 to 1 kilogram) per month for the first six months
An average of one pound (1/2 kilogram) per month from six months to one year
Babies usually grow in length by about an inch a month (2.5c.m.) during the first six months, and around one-half inch a month from six months to one year.
In 1992, Dr. Katherine Dewey, of the University of California at Davis conducted a study comparing the growth patterns of normal, healthy breastfed and formula-fed infants. Dubbed the DARLING study (for Davis Area Research on Lactation, Infant Nutrition, and Growth), the results showed:
Breastfed and formula-fed infants grow at basically the same rate in the first few months.
Between four and six months, formula-fed babies tended to gain weight faster than their breastfeeding peers, although growth in length and head circumference were similar in both groups.
After the first six months, breastfed babies tended to be leaner. Compared to their formula-fed friends, the breastfeeding infants in this study gained an average of one pound less during the first twelve months.
The extra weight in formula-fed infants is thought to be due to excess water retention and a different composition of body fat. Researchers in the study concluded that new standardized growth charts are needed that will reflect the different growth patterns of healthy, normal breastfeeding babies.
Weight gain is determined by more than diet, which is why there is such a wide variation in normal patterns of infant weight gain. For example, babies with different body types due to heredity have different metabolic rates, and therefore burn calories differently.
Long and lean babies (we call them "banana babies") are hypermetabolizers. They burn off calories faster than the plumper "apple babies" and "pear babies." Banana- babies are likely to grow more quickly in height than weight, so that they normally plot above average in height and below average in weight on the growth chart.
Apples and pears show the opposite pattern on the chart, usually showing gains in weight faster than height. All these patterns are normal.
A baby's temperament also influences weight gain.
Mellow, laid-back babies tend to burn fewer calories and therefore gain weight more quickly.
Active babies with persistent, motor-driven personalities who always seem to be revved up usually burn more calories and tend to be leaner.
The frequency of breastfeeding influences growth.
Babies who are breastfed on cue and offered unrestricted feedings tend to grow faster.
Infants who sleep next to mother and who enjoy the luxury of unrestricted night nursing tend to grow faster.
Infants who are the product of "baby training" (parenting programs in which babies are fed on a schedule and forced to sleep through the night using variations of the "cry-it-out method) often show delayed growth. Babies who are breastfed according to a parent-imposed and restrictive feeding schedule are not only likely to get less milk, the breastmilk they get will have a lower level of fat and calories because of the longer intervals between feedings.
Various studies have shown that breastfed infants consume fewer calories and a lower volume of milk than formula-fed infants. This doesn't mean that their mothers aren't producing enough milk. Instead, it's an indication that breastfed infants have an amazing ability to self-regulate their calorie intake according to their individual needs. This ability to determine for themselves how much they eat is probably one of the reasons that infants who are breastfed are less likely to have problems with obesity later in childhood. Development Stages ( Month 1 to Month 6)
MONTH 1
During this time, you may not see too much growth, but the baby's tiny body is going through many changes, adjusting from life in the uterus.
your baby might have swollen breasts in the first few days after birth (this is normal even in boys, and it's a result of the mother's hormones passed to the baby in the uterus).
jaundice (yellow coloring of the baby's skin and white of the eyes) might appear a few days after birth, and it should disappear within a week
babies love to be held, caressed, rocked, kissed, patted, , massaged and carried: make sure you take time to do these things, as they will help you bond with your little one.
your baby will sleep at least 12 hours a day (usually longer), in up to 4.5 hours at a time, staying awake long enough to be fed, or up to 2 hours before going back to sleep.
Primary Skills
Lifts head
Secondary Skills
Follows objects
Advanced Skills
Smiles back
MONTH 2
During this time, most babies begin communicating their moods and preferences with smiles, and can recognize their parents.
baby enjoys fuzzy blankets, satin blanket edges, warm breezes, and stuffed toys -babies will "discover" their own hands, and will try to grasp objects.
baby loves the entertainment of watching his or her face in a mirror placed close to the crib, or near a blanket on the floor.
your baby's nursing time will become more predictable.
Primary Skills
Vocalises sounds - gurgling and cooing
Secondary Skills
Smiles, laughs
Advanced Skills
Holds head steady
MONTH 3
This month, your precious little one will follow your voice around the room with fascination, and will sometimes "talk" back to you: what a delight!
Primary Skills
Laughs
Secondary Skills
Squeals, gurgles, coos
Advanced Skills
Turns towards loud sounds
MONTH 4
They can now roll themselves over and bear their weight on their legs. Many can also sit up, reach for objects (uh-oh!), and some raise their chest, supported by their arms, when they lies on the stomach.
Primary Skills
Holds head up steadily
Secondary Skills
Can grasp a toy
Advanced Skills
Imitates speech sounds - baba, dada
MONTH 5
Oh, what a wonderful time this is: your baby is preparing to take on the world, and is happy most of the time.
Primary Skills
Can distinguish between bold colours
Secondary Skills
Turns towards new sounds
Advanced Skills
May sit momentarily without support
MONTH 6
Your baby starts to be more social this month. He will recognize his name, and turn his head in the direction of the person using his name.
Primary Skills
Turns towards sounds and voices
Secondary Skills
Reaches for objects and mouths them
Advanced Skills
May lunge forward or start crawling
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