Newborn - the period of a child’s life, which includes about a month (28 days), is considered in parts and is divided into 2: early and late. The first lasts 7 days from the moment the baby is born, the second - from the 7th to the 28th day. How does a newborn develop by week? A child is born with incompletely formed internal organs and tissues that continue to develop during these periods. The main activity of the crumbs at this time is sleep and nutrition.
This article will provide information on the norms of the development of the infant
during the neonatal period and on what points adults need to pay attention to.
The graph of the development of the child in the early period of the newborn
At this time, the tissues and internal organs of the crumbs are being intensively improved. Therefore, frequent visits to the pediatrician and close monitoring on his part are necessary. Examining a child, the pediatrician assesses his general condition:
- Sleep. During this period, the infant sleeps up to 18 hours during the day. Each has its own regime: someone sleeps more often, but little by little, someone less often, but longer. It is better to lay the baby on a barrel so that he does not choke on burping. In order for the head to take the correct shape, you need to change the position of the child, shifting from the right side to the left.
- The stool of the newborn is watery, has a slight admixture of mucus and a yellowish-greenish color. Its amount reaches 8 times a day. A baby pees about 15 times. Often during this period, the mammary glands swell, and in girls a white cloudy fluid is released from the vagina.
- Volume and diet. In the first few days, the baby loses weight about 5% of the original, then until 10 days of life it gains the same as at the time of birth.
- The development of the necessary motor functions.
- The work of the intestines.
- Reaction to family members.
- Skin condition.
- The presence of possible infections.
Newborn Development by Week: Late Period
From about the second week of life, the infant’s sleep becomes shorter, and the wakeful time is longer. The baby is already starting to turn the head toward the sound source, and by this moment it is assuming its normal shape. During this period, after the umbilical wound heals, you can already bathe the baby, spread it on the tummy and do aerobics on the fitball. The feeling of any discomfort of the child is expressed by his crying. Over time, mom will be able to distinguish between causes and take the necessary measures. The baby’s movements and eyes become more conscious, and the main reflexes are already formed.
Weekly Newborn Development: Key Points
Parents should consider that only average indicators are given here, and each child develops in his own way. Therefore, do not worry if something is different from them. In this period, as in any other, crumbs need parental love, affection, care, understanding and acceptance. Massage, gymnastics, nursery rhymes, swimming and much more are very useful at this time and will make the development of the baby more interesting for him and his mother.
Diagnosis of the development of the child at the end of the neonatal period
By the end of the first month of life, the baby already knows:
- turn your head to a source of light or sound;
- focus on the subject;
- listen to the sound source for about 15 seconds;
- smile at mom, hearing her voice and seeing her face;
- to agitate, groan and utter sounds in a chant;
- "Communicate" with adults;
- raise the head for a few seconds while lying on your stomach.
Newborn Development by Week: Summary
The first month of life is very important for the baby. At this time, tissues and internal organs of the crumbs are finally formed, basic reflexes develop. Movement and gaze become more conscious, and many new skills appear that are the foundation of the baby's future life.