How I Grow: Birth Through Five - A Guidebook For Parents
With permission from The Early Childhood Direction Center of Syracuse, NY, I bring to you a guidebook that contains a variety of information and resources for parents. Just click on the topic you are interested in and it will bring you to that area on this page.
Each is by age and will contain: How Your Child Will Grow, Things You Can Do With Your Child, and Safety Tips. **REMEMBER: This is ONLY a GUIDE -- NOT a should or should not do. As with anything that pertains to your child, use your own discretion and always consult with your doctor and/or other professional.**
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: The information provided on this page comes from a publication that was originally prepared cooperatively with the Suffolk Child Development Center, now known as Developmental Disabilities Institute, in conjuction with the Suffolk County Department of Health Services under a grant from the New York State Education Department.
Your newborn will spend much of the first month sleeping, eating and needing to be comforted. She will known that she is being comforted by the way you handle her. Be gentle with your infant whenever you pick her up or put her down. Remember, an infant's neck muscles are very weak at first, so be sure to support her head.
Feeding time is a great time for talking to your infant. Occasionally, switch your infant from one arm to the other.
Your infant should be sucking and swallowing well. For safety's sake, don't leave her with a bottle. After each feeding gently burp her, and if you lay her down, place her on her side or back to prevent choking.
The most important need of a newborn is to know she is cared for and loved. You will not spoil her by meeting her needs. Go to her when she cries. That cry is her language. Does she need to be fed, changed, or held? She needs your love and attention in order to grow strong and healthy.
REFLEXES OF THE NEWBORN
Just as you laugh when tickled or blink when you sneeze, your infant has certain "reflex" movements, too. In most cases, the reflexes will appear during the first two months and then gradually disappear between three and six monnths.
Also, please be aware that premature and delayed infants may reach certain stages later than they are listed.
Infant will squeeze your finger if you put it in her palm
Common resting and sleeping position of infant is lying on back, arms and leg on one side stretched out and arm and leg on the other side bent
Infant will turn her head toward your finger if her cheek is touched
We hope that in these first months you and your infant have been getting to know each other. Does he seem to be calm, active or just in-between?
Watching him as he starts to grow and learning how he does things are the first steps towards good parenting. Remember, you are the key observer of your infant. Enjoy his growth. However, if you have any questions about his development, please do not hesitate to check with your doctor and/or Early Childhood Direction Center.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Lifts head up briefly when on belly
Reacts to sudden movement or noises
Makes sounds such as "cooing"
Follows moving objects with eyes
Appears to stare at times
Smiles when played with
Grasps small object if placed in hand
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Place your infant on his belly at times when he's awake.
Watch and see if your infant reacts to sounds.
Speak to him in a pleasant voice.
Hang a mobile two feet in front of your infant. Move him from room to room.
Let him watch people and activities.
Smile and talk softly while holding and touching your infant. Your infant needs as much contact with you as possible.
Place a small rattle in your infant's hand.
SAFETY TIPS
Your infant should always be in an infant car seat when in a car or taxi.
Toys should be simple and unbreakable with no small parts.
Exposure to cigarette smoke can affect your infant's health.
It is very likely that by the end of six months your infant will be very active. This is a happy time for her. You can share in her happiness by gently holding, talking to and touching your infant.
Have you been keeping the chart up to date? Do you have any questions?
By the way, you should be concerned if:
--Your infant suddenly stops "babbling" or has never made sounds at all, or
--Your infant is unable to focus on objects or has roving eye movements
In either case, you should call your doctor.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Lifts head and chest when on belly; Tries to roll over
Sits with support
Kicks legs and moves arms actively when on back; looks at hands and fingers and sometimes folds hands on chest
Tries to reach and hold objects
Seems to know familiar objects and is happy to see them; for example, parents' faces, bottle, toys and mirror
Makes babbling sounds such as "ee, ih, uh"; Somtimes laughs or chuckles
Turns head towards sounds such as bell, voice, music
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Place your infant in different positions in crib.
Hold her in a sitting position on occasion.
Turn your infant on her back. Do not keep her tightly covered. Allow movement for exercise.
Hold her in front of a mirror.
Praise your infant, show pleasure at her first sounds and repeat them back.
Sing and speak to your infant. Play music for your infant. Look at your infant when speaking to her.
SAFETY TIPS
Always makes ure your infant is not left alone on a bed or table as she may quickly roll off.
Do not hold your infant when handling hot liquids and be careful with cigarette ashes.
Never leave your infant unattended in a sink or tub of water.
You will notice that your baby may get upset if a new person comes into the home. This is a stage that he needs to go through. Comfort your baby and allow him to get used to different people in his own way. During this time, or in other stressful situations, you can help you baby if you remain calm and patient.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Sits by self when placed
Rolls from stomach to back, and back to stomach
Begins to creep on belly; may rock back and forth on knees
Reaches, holds and puts objects in mouth; feeds self cracker; may pass objects from one hand to the other
Naps about one to four hours a day
Makes sounds as , "baba, gugu, didi"
Uses crying to show different needs for example, hunger, anger, discomfort
Knows strangers from family; cries when parent goes away
Begins to play simple games
Looks at person speaking; may respond to own name
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Help your baby to a sitting position.
Place your baby in a playpen or on a blanket on the floor.
Give him safe play areas. Prevent accidents by "child proofing" your home. Your baby is very active now.
Introduce finger foods such as crackers, toast and small pieces of bananas. Watch what your baby puts in his mouth.
Provide a quiet place for him to sleep.
Talk to your baby about what you are doing and name objects and foods.
Try to understand what your baby is crying about.
It is very important to spend as much time as you can touching, talking to and playing with your baby. Let him stay near you and get accustomed to new people a little at a time.
Play peekaboo, clap hands, and help your baby play with his toys.
Expose your baby to many different sounds. Noise-making and musical toys are a good idea at this age.
SAFETY TIPS
Check your home for accident hazards, poisons, medicines, sharp objects and table edges.
Be careful when handling your baby. It is dangerous for him to be jerked or shaken.
Use plastic plug covers on electrical outlets.
Plastic wrappers, plastic bags and balloons should be kept out of reach.
Be aware of materials containing lead (e.g., paint chips, mini-blinds, soil or dirt) as your baby is becoming more active.
When riding in a vehicle, place your baby securely in a rear-facing car seat in the BACK SEAT.
This is the beginning of your baby's active, exploring and discovering stage. Prepare yourself and your home. Keep cleaning products, glass, and small objects that your baby can swallow, out of reach. You can make it safe, but make it fun too! Curiousity is a necessary tool for all learning. Make sure you provide your baby with many opportunities to learn and grow.
When you pick up your baby, if she seems very limp or stiff, you should bring this to your doctor's attention.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Pulls self to sitting and/or standing positions for short periods of time
Creeps or crawls; perhaps backwards at first
Hand Skills - Picks things up with thumb and forefinger and looks closely at objects; may place objects in and out of containers; can stack two blocks
Understands some simple words such as "Mommy," "Daddy," "Dog," "Bye-bye"; knows own name
Pays attention to simple commands such as "No" and "Give it to me"
Copies sounds such as clicking and coughing, and words such as "Mama" and "Dada"
Plays with family members
Gives affection and love
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Provide a safe area where your baby can practice these new skills, and help her to do so.
Give her a safe area in which to move around and exercise.
Play is important now. Give your baby small, safe objects such as cups, blocks and lids. Provide your baby with containers and pots and pans. Be patient, she needs to practice picking up and dropping things. Let your baby use the hand she prefers.
Tell your baby the names of many things such as people, animals, colors and parts of the body.
Ask your baby to hand you objects and praise her for doing it.
Provide sounds and simple words that she can mimic. Look at simple picture books with your baby and point to objects. Avoid baby talk. Use simple words and short sentences.
Continue parent-child games. Roll a big ball with your baby.
Provide your baby with a lot of love and attention; always respond to her gift of love.
SAFETY TIPS
As your baby starts to pull to stand, she may be in danger of pulling down lamps and other objects on a table. Dangling electrical cords are also a hazard.
Use safety gates at stairwells.
Install safety devices on windows, screens and cabinet doors.
A toddler car seat will be needed when a baby is over 20 lbs.
Do not give your baby foods like raisins, peanuts, popcorn, frozen corn, peas or beans, raw carrots, apples or celery. Your baby may choke on small, hard foods.
Beginning at this age, babies should receive a blood lead test regularly through age 6.
Is your baby making lots of new sounds now? Has he tried to walk yet? Can he feed himself and is he chewing and swallowing well?
We certainly hope your baby is developing these skills. By the way, in some cases a baby who is growing very well may leave out one milestone or may not follow our chart exactly. For example, a baby could begin to walk without ever creeping. However, if you look back now and notice that your baby has not been doing many of the things that we have listed in the chart, you may want to take your baby for a check-up or call the Early Childhood Direction Center.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Begins to walk by himself; may walk by holding onto furniture at first; may begin to climb
Hand Skills -- Begins self-feeding (lifts cup with two hands and drinks; starts using a spoon); turns pages two or three at at time; tries to build and stack objects
Language -- Talks nonsense words; voice goes up and down as if speaking (jargoning); can usually say two or more words besides "Mama" and "Dada"
Understands more of what is being said to him; comes when called by name; starts to be aware of "do's and dont's" around the house
Plays by himself, but also likes to be with other children and adults.
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Provide safe places for your baby to practice walking. Praise him for his efforts. Walk hand in hand with your baby. Watch him in case he falls. Let your baby practice climbing at playgrounds; in the backyard and on furniture, but watch your baby and try to prevent falls from happening.
Provide baby size cups and spoons for your baby. Be patient, your baby wil be messy. Give your baby some cloth or cardboard books. Give your baby objects to stack such as blocks and plastic cups.
Talk about the day's activities, household objects, toys and people.
Give only one simple direction at a time. Teach your baby the "shoulds" and "should nots" for his safety and pleasure.
Spend some special time with your baby.
SAFETY TIPS
Poison proof your home. Do not leave medicines on tables or dresser tops. Use safety caps on medicines. Be sure to have the telephone number of the Poison Control Center handy.
When your baby is outside he should always be closely supervised.
Never leave a baby unsupervised in or near a pool, bathtub, bucket of water, ditch, well or the bathroom.
Electric tools, firearms and matches should be locked up out of reach.
Get ready, get set, go! You and your toddler can now become good partners. She wants to play and work right alongside you.
Your little one is learning by imitating what you do. She will watch you carefully and try hard to copy your actions. Be patient; she needs to practice these new activities.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Walks by herself; can often walk upstairs with help and creep backwards downstairs; can throw a ball without falling
Hand Skills -- Likes block building (can pile three-four blocks); scribbles with crayons; can push and pull toys
Language -- Imitates simple words (may use many words); can point to simple pictures such as dog, baby, and car; can imitate two word combinations
Naps one to three hours in the afternoon
Imitates simple actions such as cleaning and reading; begins to ask parent for help when needed; enjoys being with other children and adults
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Take your toddler on walks. Allow your toddler to walk barefoot indoors. Play ball with your toddler.
Give your toddler toys and blocks to play with. Color with your toddler. Fat crayons are easier for little hands.
Read out loud to your toddler. Let her point to known objects. Listen and pay attention to your toddler.
Provide a quiet, comfortable area to rest.
Praise your toddler if she tells you she is wet.
Let your toddler help you with everyday chores
SAFETY TIPS
Prevent burns and scalds -- keep hot liquids out of reach. Panhandles should be turned toward the back of the stove. Be careful when ironing and keep your toddler away from the stoves, heaters, radiators and fireplaces.
Your child will be very active now. You may not be used to all his energy and movement. These few months will take much patience and understanding on your part. He will come to you with lots of questions; he wants to learn so much. You are your child's first teacher. Please remember, you child will be growing in his own special way. Your child will usually enjoy moving to music. However, if he rocks back and forth, spins, walks on his toes and/or bangs his head, we suggest that you discuss this with your doctor.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Walks well; may begin to run; can climb stairs and onto adult chairs; throws a ball overhand
Hand Skills -- Can put squares and circles into puzzles; likes to explore and examine all sorts of objects
Language -- Uses many words to tell you about specific objects, persons or actions; combines two or more different words such as "Play ball," "Me want cookie"
Knows self in mirror or picture. Uses words such as "I," "Me" and "Your"
Often says "No" to bedtime, certain foods and simple requests
May show some interest in using the toilet
Likes to move to music; play periods are longer; will play next to, but not usually with other children
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Take your child on walks. Go to the playground and play catch with him.
Give him simple puzzles and other objects and show him how to use them.
Talk about the activities that he is involved with. Name foods, toys and household objects for your child to say. Sometimes ask your child to name objects for you.
Make sure your child has some things of his own and places to put them.
Allow your child to make choices whenever possible, for example say, "Do you want an apple or an orange?"
Praise dryness and the use of the bathroom. Don't punish your child for any toilet accidents.
Provide music for your child and help with simple dance-like movements. Let your child be around other children. Play with your child using different toys.
SAFETY TIPS
All play outside should be supervised.
Never leave child unattended in a car or alone at home.
Because children during this stage have very definite opinions about things, it is often called "The Terrible Twos." Your child may often disagree with you. This is very common. She is not being bad. She is learning that her feelings count and that she is an important member of the family.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Jumps; runs; kicks ball; walks up and down stairs
Hand Skills -- Turns pages one at a time; can help to dress and undress herself; turns door knob and unscrews lids; can feed herself well with a spoon
Language Skills -- can speak in short sentences; begins to name objects in books; uses many words; able to express needs; relies less on gestures
Understanding -- Can pay attention to activities for longer periods of time; knows some colors; points to four-five parts of the body; can say first name
Begins to ask to use the toilet during the day
Plays with other children, usually for short periods of time, with little sharing of toys
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Encourage your child to play in a safe area.
Let your child look at books and magazines. Hang a full length mirror at your child's height. Teach your child to dress herself; do not rush her. Praise her for good feeding skills.
Listen and talk with your child. Point to pictures in magazines and ask your child to tell you about them. Don't rush your child when she is speaking. Answer your child's questions simply and honestly.
Read simple stories to your child. Let your child use paints, clay and crayons. Have your child color simple pictures. Tells her to choose the crayon that is the same color as the object. Have your child touch her nose, mouth, ears and other parts of the body.
Praise her for using the toilet. During the day, try to use training pants instead of diapers. Remind your child to use the toilet especially after mealtime.
Provide time for your child to play with other children.
SAFETY TIPS
Parents should ensure that play areas both inside and outside the home are safe.
Limit television viewing and do not use TV as a substitute for interaction with your child. Turn off the TV during meals.
Children grow and mature at different rates. They develop in their own ways. Some children are better at climbing and jumping, others are better at drawing and singing. your child may not be athletically inclined. However, if you think he is very clumsy and awkward, and does not seem to enjoy any playground equipment, you may want to discuss this with your doctor.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Walks upstairs (one foot on a step); begins to balance on one foot; likes to ride a tricyle
Hand Skills -- Puts shoes on (no lacing); begins to copy simple shapes; cuts with scissors; brushes teeth with some help
Language Skills -- Says first and last name; knows whether he/she is a boy/girl; repeats some nursery rhymes; speech is clear
Understanding -- Knows difference between "Big" and "Little." Follows two or three directions given at one time; begins to count
Naps start to disappear (may not nap every day)
Plays more often with other children (shares, tells stories, likes to play dress-up)
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Take your child to parks and playgrounds. Point out things in nature such as flowers, birds and trees.
Praise your child for his efforts. Encourage him to use materials such as finger paints, blocks and simple puzzles. Children love to play with water.
Let your child tell stories and explain pictures. It is "normal" for your child to want to look at and touch the parts of the body. Teach your child to say his name and to sing nursery rhymes.
When you play with your child, help him to understand numbers and ideas such as large-small, under-over, on-off and open-close.
Encourage napping when he seems tired.
Make sure your child has the chance to play with other children. Encourage his imagination. Provide old clothes for dress-up games.
SAFETY TIPS
Teach your child the danger of following a ball or a dog into the street. You child must still be closely supervised when near a street. Teach him that the street can be dangerous.
A car seat must still be used; a seat belt can be used if a child weighs 40 lbs. Your child should be sitting in the back seat of the car.
Bicycle helmets are required for all children under the age of 14.
Monsters, trains, Sesame Street, dreams and dinosaurs are a few of the thoughts that your child will want to share with you. Write her stories in a notebook; she will enjoy hearing them over the years.
In her rush to tell you about everything, she may stumble over words. This is very common. However, if you notice that she often cannot get her words out, you may want to discuss this with your doctor and/or call the Early Childhood Direction Center.
HOW YOUR CHILD WILL GROW
Walks and runs well; has good balance
Hand Skills -- Catches a large ball; begins to copy some capital letters; draws circles, crosses and squares
Self-Help Skills -- Washes and dries herself; brushes teeth; dresses and undresses herself (including buttons); tells you when she needs to use toilet
Language Skills -- Talks about her experiences; makes up stories; asks many questions (why, what, where); names two-three colors
Understanding -- Knows difference between part and whole, same and different; begins to understand ideas of past, present and future. May count from one-ten
Plays well with other children (takes turns, shares); interested in new experiences; more independent
THINGS YOU CAN DO WITH YOUR CHILD
Play games such as Giant Steps, Red Light-Green Light, and Hide-and-Seek.
Play ball with your child. Use follow-the-dot outlines for letters and shapes. Let her cut pictures from old magazines and newspapers.
Help your child when necessary, but allow your child to do as much as she can.
Encourage your child's questions and talk about her day. Be patient, she is learning and is curious.
Play guessing games; for example, ask her, "What is round, red and good to eat?"
Take your child to different places such as a museum, a bakery and a library. Talk about feelings with your child. Allow your child freedom, but keep a watchful eye.
SAFETY TIPS
Your child should be taught not to go with strangers.
Children can learn their name, address and telephone number in case they become lost.
Children should be taught what to do in case of fire or other emergencies in the home.
THE NEWBORN (BIRTH TO FOUR WEEKS)
SAFETY TIPS
