Development of a newborn child

The period of newborn is a very important stage in the life of every baby. This is the period from birth to the age of 28 days.

During the first month of life, the newborn baby adapts to new conditions of existence. The basic needs of a newborn during this period are related to his mother – a sensation of her warmth, physical contact with her and mother’s milk.

The primary assessment of the condition of the newborn is carried out on the Apgar scale at the first and fifth minutes of life. Healthy children have an Apgar score of 8/10 points. The score from 6 to 7 points may indicate a severe violation or that the baby suffered moderate hypoxia (oxygen starvation). Score of 5 points and below is an indicator of a serious violation of adaptation (adaptation) to new conditions, or one of the signs that the child suffered severe hypoxia. In this case, the child needs urgent medical assistance.

On average, the weight of the full-term child is 3,500 grams, the permissible fluctuations for a healthy (full-term) baby is the mass from 2,700 g to 4,000 g. Moreover, a relatively large head, relatively to its body, and short extremities attract themselves.

The body length of the newborn is on the average 50 cm. The permissible vibrations are 46-56 cm.

The head circumference at birth is on the average from 34-36 cm, the permissible parameters are the sizes 32-38 cm.

Circumference of the chest – 32-24 cm (it should be less than the circumference of the head for 1-2 cm).

Hardening activities, in the period of newborns, consist of regular walks in the fresh air and air baths.

About the subtleties of caring for a newborn baby, you can read in the article - The Aces of caring for the baby: what you need to know?

In the first three days after discharge from the maternity hospital, the baby should be visited by a pediatrician. During the first month of life, 2 times a week (at least) your baby should be visited by a doctor or nurse. During these visits, the doctor examines the child and gives the mother the necessary recommendations for caring for the baby, feeding and responds to questions of interest to her.

When the baby is 1 month old, the doctor will have to go to the polyclinic alone. Every month during the first year of life.

On these examinations the doctor evaluates the physical and neuro-psychological development of the child, appoints the necessary tests and examinations.

During the first month of life, the baby basically is and sleeps, but there are small intervals of time when he is in a state of active wakefulness. It is this time you need to use for games and communication with the baby. Most of all, at this age, the child is interested in watching my mother's face. Smile, build funny faces, grimace. He is also pleased to hear your voice, talk with him, sing songs, tell tales.