Postnatal
Month 1
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
This month, your baby will probably be able to lift his/her 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 him/her learn to follow motion by moving a rattle or bright toy from side to side and up and down in front of them. Don't be concerned if he/she 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 at him/her, and speak to them 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 their movements are becoming smoother. You may even see your baby lifting his/her 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 he/she may cry when the playing stops. They would rather look at people than objects, and they may study faces a lot. He/she may also start to show their first signs of anger.7
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 he/she wants are your love and attention, and once he/she 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, don't resort to a liquid diet, which may not give you the calories or nutrients you need. An occasional meal replacement shake or bar is okay, but eating a well-balanced diet, drinking plenty of water and getting regular exercise are better for losing weight gradually and healthfully. Remember too, most women lose the last five pounds or so after they stop breastfeeding.9
Postnatal
Month 3
Baby Steps: Growth & Development
Your baby's laughter is now a common and joyful sound. He/she can hold her head steady, and they recognize your face and scent. Some babies squeal, gurgle and coo more, recognize their moms' voices and do mini pushups. A few can turn toward loud sounds, bring their hands together or bat at toys, and roll over.3
Emotionally, baby is trying to start "conversations" by smiling at you and gurgling to get your attention. He/she often returns your smiles by opening her hands wide, lifting her arms and moving her legs. He/she 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 them helps him/her 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 them as you walk, shop and play. Believe it or not, they're storing all this new information in his/her memory.10
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If your baby resists taking medicine, add a little sugar or juice in an oral syringe or spoon to make it taste better. Don't mix medicine in a bottle of milk or a cup of juice, though. If he/she doesn't drink the whole thing, they might not get the right dose of medicine.11
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Drinking lots of water is good for your general health, especially if you're breastfeeding, which can cause your body to shed excess fluid. Try to drink at least eight, 8-ounce glasses of water a day, as well as any time you feel thirsty.12
Nursery
Nursery