Courtesy-Make It Common
In April, we are focusing on COURTESY. It seems simple but it requires a constant effort because it's easy to forget in the hustle and bustle. We will be working of using "Please" and "Thank You" (sound familiar, parents??). We'll also be focusing on using YOUR name. Because we want you to know that we KNOW you.
We hope you notice!!
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Movement Milestones: Young Infants
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Here's an overview of some typical motor milestones to expect from birth to 3 months:
Month one
Your baby will not be able to control many of her movements during the first few weeks. As she begins to develop more physical abilities, her motions may still be jerky or jittery. But she's learning fast, so hold on!
- Eyes on you. Did you know one of the first parts of the body a baby can move are her eyes? Newborns can only see about a foot in front of them at first, but that's just enough to move their eyes to gaze at faces near them. Your baby may also look toward familiar sounds and voices.
- Neck control. Newborns can move their head to the side. You may see this with their first feeding, when the "rooting" reflex prompts them to turn toward the nipple. But infants don't have much neck control the first few weeks. Your baby needs your help to support her head.
Month Two
Your baby's nervous system has matured some by now. Certain newborn reflexes are beginning to give way to voluntary motions. With improved muscle control, movement becomes more fluid and wigglier. Here's what else you can expect:
- Heads up on tummy time. Most babies this age can lift their head up when lying on their tummies. Regularly giving your baby some "tummy time" is a great way to help her build strength in her neck and trunk. Some will cry when placed on their tummies, but usually do better after a few tries. It helps to have something interesting, such as mom's face, in front of them so they have encouragement to lift their head. Although too young to actually crawl, your baby may try or begin to push up from a lying position.
- Hand to mouth. During these weeks, your baby may begin to wave his arms around more when excited. Increasingly, his hands will catch his attention. He may spend a lot of time trying to move them in front of him where he can see them. After many tries, he may be able to move them to his mouth. His finger motion is still limited, though, so his hands will likely still be clenched in tight little fists. Sucking on them may become a way for him to soothe himself.
- A tug of the lips. You may have already noticed random facial movements, including reflexive smiles, while your baby sleeps. But starting sometime around her sixth week, your baby may flash you her first real smile in a genuine gesture of affection or amusement.
Month Three
Your baby's arm and leg movements continue to become smoother. The "startle" reflex is probably gone by now. She's becoming stronger and better able to coordinate her motions.
- Straightening out. You might notice your baby's whole body now looks more relaxed. His hands will no longer be balled up in fists all the time. In fact, he may entertain himself by carefully opening and shutting them. He'll also enjoy more actively kicking his legs, which are straightening out from their pulled-up newborn position.
- Ready to roll. As her kicks continue to become more forceful, she may soon be able to kick herself over from her tummy to back. While most babies can't roll from back to tummy yet, some may begin rolling over at this age. Be careful never to leave your baby along on furniture where they could roll over.
- Get a grip. Babies this age may begin to swipe at objects hanging just out of reach. While a newborn reflex causes babies to wrap their fingers around objects that touch the palm, your baby's grasp may now be more deliberate. She may even be able to hold and shake hand toys.
- Let's bounce. When held up and supported in a "standing" position on a surface such as your lap, your baby may discover the joy of bouncing. This is a fun way to play together as your baby begins to hold some of his weight in his legs. It's best to avoid leaving babies in bouncer seats or harnesses. These can actually slow your baby's movement progress because they don't let her practice using her muscles as much.
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Heard About Measles?
You have probably been hearing and reading a lot about measles lately because there have been several outbreaks around the country, especially in areas where there are a lot of "anti-vaxxers"-parents who refuse to immunize their children. That's really sad, because measles vaccine is super-safe, super-effective, and measles can cause some BIG problems in children.
What you need to know:
How soon can my baby get the measles vaccine?
We give
measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine
at 12 months of age. If we were to have a local outbreak in Seguin or if you travel internationally, your baby may be vaccinated as early as 6 months of age. We give the second and final dose at 18 months of age.
My baby is too young for the vaccine. Is there anything I can do to protect her?
Wash your hands!
Just as you would to prevent germs at any time, use soap and water and scrub for at least 20 seconds. Remind others in your home or anyone who is near your baby to do the same.
Other things that can help:
Limit your baby's exposure to crowds, other children, and anyone with colds.
Go germ-free. Disinfect objects and surfaces in your home regularly.
Remember, the measles virus can live for
two hours
on a surface or suspended in the air.
How likely is it that my baby will catch the measles?
The risk posed to you and your family largely depends on where you live and the percentage of your community who have been vaccinated against measles. Fortunately, in Guadalupe County, we work hard and have high immunization rates, so the risk locally is fairly small.
Babies at a greater risk for catching measles include:
Ones under 12 months who have not received the measles vaccine.
Ones in a child care setting or living in crowded living conditions.
Ones with older siblings.
Ones who are not breastfed.
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Teething Necklaces: Please Don't
When parents see their baby suffering, they just want a solution. Teething necklaces and beads have become an increasing popular alternative treatment to ease
teething pain
. But, are they effective and safe? The answer is no.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) released an
official warning
in December 2018 after receiving reports of children choking on beads that break off and an 18-month-old being strangled to death by an amber necklace during a nap.
Why These Teething Necklaces and Beads are Choking and Strangulation Hazards:
"The risk is two-fold — strangulation and
choking
," said pediatrician Natasha Burgert, MD, FAAP. It occurs when the necklaces are worn around a child's neck, especially when unsupervised (such as while sleeping) or if the child were to break the necklace and swallow the beads. However, those risks are not only for these teething necklaces.
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) does not recommend that infants wear any jewelry. Suffocation is the leading cause of death for children under a year old and among the top five causes of death for children between the ages of 1 and 4.
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