Chapter 55
What to Expect From Your Baby in the
First Twelve Months
The First Month
- Many newly born babies tend to resemble plucked chickens more than those
round, rosy-skinned and bouncy babies we all expect. Their heads are large and
seem to be out of proportion with the rest of their skinny, discoloured bodies.
Mothers need to be patient because the puffy eyes, bruises, tiny white pimples and
cone-shaped heads that are the frequent result of childbirth will all disappear
shortly.^1 By the end of the first month, your baby’s body will also begin to unfold
from its curled foetal position, and his arm and leg movements will be smoother
and less jerky. Although the baby is still physically helpless and can’t even hold
up his own head yet, he has an impressive array of reflexes you’ll observe in
action all day long. If you put your finger in his mouth he’ll begin to suck. Stroke
the palm of his hand and he’ll grab your finger. His eyes automatically close when
faced with a bright light. If your baby is startled by a loud noise or an abrupt
change in position, he will throw out his arms and legs and extend his neck. - The baby’s nearsightedness, which makes objects which are farther than eight
inches away seem blurry, contribute to his social detachment. He may seem to
look past you at first, although he is likely to respond to the sound of your voice.
By the end of the month, you’ll begin to notice some occasional smiles, and he
will tuck his body to yours when he is held. - The baby’s increasing alertness is the most obvious sign of his mental
development. During the first week or two, he will simply go to sleep if
confronted with too much stimuli. But by the end of the month, although he will
still sleep away the better part of his days, he will become more curious when
awake and focus intently on human faces and brightly coloured patterns.^2