Postnatal
Month 1
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
This month, your baby will probably be able to lift his head, respond to sounds and make eye contact with you. Some babies this age can follow objects, ooh and aah, and distinguish black and white patterns. A few can smile, laugh and hold their heads at a 45-degree angle.3
Doing Everything Right: Tips for New Moms
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Stimulate your baby's sensory development by singing lullabies or playing children's songs and music ranging from Mozart to Madonna.
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Baby's eyes can now focus, so help your baby learn to follow motion by moving a rattle or bright toy from side to side and up and down in front of him. Don't be concerned if your baby doesn't follow motions smoothly; this could take a few months.4
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When your baby tries to "talk" to you, coo and gurgle back and speak to him face to face whenever possible.5
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Be sure to drink plenty of water in the days and weeks after your give birth to help prevent bladder infections.6
Postnatal
Month 2
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
By now, most babies are gurgling and cooing, and holding their heads up for short periods of time. Many are also smiling and laughing, and his movements are becoming smoother. You may even see your baby lifting his head and shoulders in a motion that looks like a mini pushup.3
At this age, your baby probably enjoys playing with other people and may cry when the playing stops. Babies would rather look at people than objects, and they may study faces a lot. They may also start to show their first signs of anger.13
Doing Everything Right: Tips for New Moms
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Don't worry about spoiling your baby with too much attention. Young babies aren't capable of using "negative" behavior to get what they want. All they want are your love and attention, and once your baby knows you're there for them, the need for your focused attention will probably decrease, not increase.8
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If you're nursing and want to lose weight, think twice before going on a liquid diet, which may not give you the calories or nutrients you need. Remember too, most women lose the last five pounds or so after they stop breastfeeding.9
Postnatal
Month 3
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
Baby's laughter is now a common and joyful sound. Your baby can hold his head steady, and he can recognize your face and scent. Some babies squeal, gurgle and coo more, recognize their mom's voice and do mini pushups. A few can turn toward loud sounds, bring their hands together or bat at toys, and roll over.3
Emotionally, your baby is trying to start "conversations" by smiling at you and gurgling to get your attention.He often returns your smiles by opening his hands wide, lifting his arms and moving his legs. Your baby may also try to imitate your movements and facial expressions.7
Doing Everything Right: Tips for New Moms
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Even if your baby doesn't understand the words, reading to him helps him develop an ear for the cadence of language. Vary the pitch in your voice by using accents and singing to make it even more stimulating.
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Talking is another way to encourage your baby's development right now. Use a variety of words and sounds, and identify objects to him as you walk, shop and play. Believe it or not, your baby is storing all this new information in his memory.10
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If your baby resists taking medicine, ask your pharmacist about a flavor mix-in to make it taste better. Don't mix medicine in a bottle of milk or a cup of juice, though. If he doesn't drink the whole thing, he might not get the right dose of medicine.11
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If you're breastfeeding, your body might need about 16 cups of fluid per day. This includes beverages as well as the fluids in the fruits and vegetables you eat. Drink when you feel thirsty and keep an eye on your urine. A light color may indicate you’re hydrated.12
Nursery