The first 6 months in the world. The long wait is over and your little treasure is finally with you. That sounds like an exciting time. There is so much for your baby to discover now and as a mother you are guaranteed not to get bored with your newborn. No other year sees as much development as the first year with your baby. But how do I know that my baby is developing properly? What can I do to support my baby's development? What does my baby need?
We asked expert and doula Sophie-Marie Hugle for her best tips and advice for this exciting time. Since so much happens in the first year with a baby, she shares her expertise with us in two extensive articles. Today it's all about the first six months with a baby. Enjoy reading!
After birth
After the birth, which was exciting and stressful for your baby, your child must first find its way around the new environment. Up until now, your baby has been warm, cozy and calm in your tummy. But now it has to get used to touch, light, loud noises, different smells and other sensory impressions.
This is how the weight of newborns changes
Every baby loses weight after birth, but this is not a bad thing at all. The baby loses about 10% of its birth weight. This weight is usually regained by the 10th day of life. It is important that you support your child and breastfeed or feed it regularly. It is also advisable to keep the baby warm with plenty of physical contact, as cold increases weight loss. At 6 months, your baby has gained about twice its birth weight.
Bowel movements in babies in the first 6 months
In the first few weeks, your child's stool will change. At first, meconium, also known colloquially as baby's poop, will be excreted. It is black and viscous. Over time, it becomes lighter, more liquid and slightly yellowish. Breastfed children can have a bowel movement from 5 times a day to every 5 days. Babies who are bottle-fed usually have a stool every day.
The baby's umbilical cord
The navel is initially a little red, bloody and/or yellowish. If it has dried out, it usually falls off in the second week of life. Make sure that the area around the navel is always nice and dry. This is the best way for the skin to heal.
Baby skin care: What it needs in the first 6 months
Many babies have dry skin at the beginning or develop what is known as newborn acne. This is completely normal and a reaction to the hormonal changes. The skin can also be yellowish in the first few days, which can indicate an increase in bilirubin (a breakdown product of the liver). This value is checked by the pediatrician. To reduce bilirubin, frequent cuddling, ideally with direct skin contact, plenty of daylight and frequent feeding are important. A baby's skin is very sensitive. It is therefore advisable not to bathe the baby too often. 1-2 times a week is completely sufficient and no additional products such as shampoo are necessary. A little breast milk or a few drops of baby oil will care for your baby's skin sufficiently. Fingernails should not be cut in the first few days to avoid inflammation. Since fingernails are still soft, you can often trim them a little yourself with your fingers.
Sleeping like a baby: How your baby develops a sleep rhythm
A baby sleeps 15-18 hours a day in the beginning. Your baby does not yet have a day and night rhythm. It is recommended that you play with the child during the day and do something quiet in the evening, such as reading a book. You can help your baby to distinguish between day and night by introducing rituals. For example, you can darken the room every evening, read a book, give a massage before he or she goes into the sleeping bag and into bed. Repeat this every evening and your child will know that it is time to go to bed.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome: How to Prevent It
There are various things that are recommended to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Here are some recommendations: - Lay your child on its back on a firm surface to sleep. - Always put a sleeping bag on and avoid blankets, pillows, nests, fur pads, cuddly toys, bed surrounds, comfort blankets, etc. Otherwise there is a risk that the child will cover itself with them and not get enough air. - Overheating should be avoided. The optimal room temperature for babies is 18°C. - The baby should sleep in its own bed, but in the parents' room. According to the latest studies, however, the family bed is also very safe, as long as there is enough ventilation. - Breastfeeding and using a pacifier while sleeping can also reduce the risk. - Ensure a smoke-free environment. - Swaddling the baby to sleep should be avoided, as this can hinder breathing.
feeding your baby
In the first 6 months, babies should only be fed breast milk or formula. They do not need water or tea. It is still widely believed that fennel tea, for example, helps with stomach aches. It has now been scientifically proven that this is not the case and therefore it can be avoided.
Communication with baby in the first 6 months
At first, your baby can only see objects blurry. Up until the second month of life, it can only tell the difference between light and dark, and only perceives its surroundings in black, white, and gray. Over time, it will make more and more faces and try to imitate you. Babies start to smile between the first and fourth weeks of life. At around two months of age, they do this consciously. Make eye contact frequently and show different facial expressions. Talking and singing also strengthens the bond and is good for brain development. At first, your baby can only express itself through crying. Over time, you will recognize which crying represents which need. In the third month, children are already making other noises, such as cooing. They keep testing their voices and start squeaking or can repeat one-syllable words like "Ma" or "Da."
Mobility: How your baby becomes mobile
Your baby is getting better and better at holding its head up. Keep laying your child on its stomach so that it can build up good neck muscles, which are important for holding its head up. It may also be reaching for your finger and toys. Your baby is becoming more and more mobile. It is all the more important that you never leave it alone on the bed, sofa or changing table to avoid accidents. Over time, its movements will become more controlled and targeted. There is nothing more exciting for your baby than exploring the world. Different materials, such as crackling, fluffy or rattling things, help your baby to discover its senses. Here too, please make sure that there are no small parts that can be swallowed. At 6 months, some babies can crawl, make their first attempts at crawling or can sit up freely. Development is always individual! If your child cannot do these things yet, that is completely normal and does not need to worry you. Show your baby the world and discover it together.
What was your experience in the first 6 months with your baby? Leave a comment and share your experiences with us.