Every stage of a newborn's development is something that parents look forward to. However, each baby goes through a different process of growth and development, from sitting, crawling, standing, to talking.
Since in the womb, babies are able to hear and respond with movement. This baby's natural abilities continue to develop after he is born, including when he is 1 month old.
At birth, the baby's brain will develop very rapidly. He began to know and learn many things about the environment around him in order to get used to life outside the womb.
Newborn Development Indicators
Well, there are several indicators of newborn development. Here is the explanation:
Newborn size and weight
Based on WHO data, Based on WHO data, newborn boys generally weigh 2.9–3.9 kg with a length of 48–52 cm. Meanwhile, baby girls weigh 2.8–3.7 kg with a length of 47–51 cm. For some conditions, such as premature, babies can be born with less weight.
Motor skills or reflex movements
Babies are born with some reflexes that they can even do while sleeping, such as hiccups. Some of the reflex movements that babies can show are:
- Curving your back like when you were in the womb
- Cry loudly when surprised to hear a loud sound
- Stretch arms and legs suddenly. This reflex is also known as the Moro reflex and will disappear in the next few months after the baby is born
Over time, the baby's reflex movements will develop, for example, the baby will push his tongue out when something is placed in his mouth and the reflex in the form of the baby's big toe curling back when the sole of his foot is rubbed gently. This reflex is also known as the Babinski reflex.
Ability to suck breast milk naturally
Newborns generally spend 16–17 hours a day sleeping. However, the hours of sleep may be intermittent up to 8 sleeps. Usually, the baby will wake up to drink milk every 2-3 hours. However, this schedule can be different for each baby.
Newborns can also smell breast milk and will naturally turn their heads and open their mouths when you place your nipple against your cheek and the corners of their lips.
The movement he did to suckle and naturally can directly suck the breast to get milk. This is the basic step for early initiation of breastfeeding (IMD). This ability also makes the baby feel more comfortable in his mother's arms.
Even though they are just born, babies can also taste and taste bitter and sweet, even with a sharper ability than adults. Meanwhile, the new salty taste can be felt when the baby reaches the age of 5 months.
Various Conditions of Newborns that Need to be Watched
Every child goes through different and unique stages of growth and development. Therefore, you don't need to worry if your little one has not shown signs of development according to his age.
However, you need to immediately consult a doctor if you experience the following conditions:
- Not urinating or urinating less than 6 times after 5 days
- It's been 48 hours without defecating
- The crown looks sunken
- Don't want to breastfeed
- There is a pause of more than 10 seconds for each breath
- Difficult to wake up from sleep
- Dark yellow stools with very little amount after 4 days of age
- The umbilical cord emits an unpleasant odor, pus, or blood
- Chest, arms, legs, and eyes are yellowish
- Unable to breastfeed properly
- Vomiting yellow or green liquid
- High fever
It is important to always meet the nutritional needs of newborns through regular breastfeeding. This is because breast milk is the only source of nutrition that he can consume for his growth and development.
If you still have questions about the development of a newborn or your little one shows the symptoms that need to be watched out for above, don't hesitate to consult a doctor so that the right treatment can be done.