Baby Developmental Milestones:
7 Things to Never Forget

Is your baby achieving the right developmental milestones as per his/her age?

When I had my first baby, I was eagerly looking for a Baby Milestones Chart so I could keep a close eye on the newborn growth, and whether she is meeting all the baby development stages that she is supposed to. And it's quite natural for a new dad or mom to be concerned (read as worry) 'cuz we know that every millimeter and milligram counts! New parents are often programmed this way.

1. Baby Milestones Chart

When our baby is born, most of us compare the little one's weight (and all other possible dimensions) with that of other babies born in the family or neighborhood. We then continue to do so for all the important baby milestones such as starting on solids, teething, potty training, sleeping routine, crawling and walking, etc.

Babies don't come with a calendar. We need to understand this. Each baby meets his developmental milestones at his own pace. If there is anything to worry about, your doctor will point it out, or you can convey your concerns to your doctor in your next scheduled appointment.

Here we will help you keep track of your newborn's growth and developmental stages, informing you what your newborn baby will do next...till he blows his first birthday candle. Exciting, isn't it?

Let's get started with your newborn milestones...

Baby Milestones Chart: Week by Week

Baby Milestones Chart: Month by Month

Baby's First Week

Second Week

Third Week

Fourth Week/ 1 Month Old

2. Premature babies develop at a different pace.

If you have given birth to a preemie baby (also referred to as a preterm or a premature baby), you need to bear in mind that since your baby took an earlier train to exit your womb, he has some baby development stages to catch up outside your tummy now. Do have a look at our exclusive section for Premature Babies.

3. Encourage but accept!

It is no secret that every baby grows and develops at his/her own pace. Every parent knows this, right? But only few understand and accept this. It is important to encourage your baby to achieve different developmental milestones, but at the same time, it is more important to respect the fact that each baby is different from the other, even if we are talking about multiple births - twins ,triplets or siblings.

4. What should be my baby's ideal weight?

As your baby gets older, you need to keep an eye on the infant development and there needs to be a ratio for the weight gain. If your child is slightly below or above the range but is active, there is nothing to worry about. There is no mom on earth who is completely satisfied with her baby's weight. We tend to over-stuff our babies just to make sure they don't remotely feel hungry, and then we stuff them some more, and still believe our baby hasn't had enough. Check out your baby's Ideal Weight Chart here...

5. Misconceptions:

One of the misconceptions most mothers (of lean babies) have is that giving their baby a thicker doze of formula milk will make the baby gain weight or sleep for a longer time. Wrong! It may only lead to severe constipation, painful gasses, vomiting, diarrhea, and a seriously disturbed digestive system.

6. The Vitamin K Controversy:

If you have been hearing a lot about the merits and demerits of having a Vitamin K shot for your baby at birth time, we are here to help. Find out all the relevant information by clicking here - it's comprehensive and a must read for all new parents and parents-to-be.

7. Don't forget the Vaccinations:

I would have loved to give you a vaccination chart here, but every country has different vaccination requirements due to the prevailing medical threats in that part of the world. For this reason, you may find some vaccinations termed as very important in few countries while others won't even bother listing them. At the time of birth, your doctor may have given you a vaccination chart. Follow it religiously.

However, lately one vaccination has been termed quite controversial. Some parents are all gaga about it, while others are totally against it. And that's the Vitamin K shot. What is it, why is it important, and what are the pros & cons of having a newborn Vitamin K vaccination?

What if my baby is not achieving some of the developmental milestones?

Do all women have the exact same weight and height at a certain age? Is the BMI of every 35 year old man exactly the same? The answer is an obvious No. Then how can you want your baby to be a cloned version of someone else's baby in development? The baby milestones' chart is for reference only. Unless there is something really bothering you about your baby, he is super-fine and just too gorgeous to be compared.

Whether your baby achieves his developmental milestones quickly or slowly, enjoy each day as it comes, 'cuz the little ones grow up real fast, and these priceless days sure aren't coming back!

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