Knowledge is power, and noticing these developmental signs helps you support your baby’s growth.
As a mother, whether a first timer or a seasoned one, we possess our own instinct which can empower and guide us to be proactive about the early growth and development of our baby. When a healthy baby is born there is so much to be grateful for!
Below are seven things to observe in your baby’s daily routine to help you feel confident in their wellbeing. Rest assured, many behaviors are a normal part of growth and improve as your baby develops.
1. Does your baby favor one side?
If your baby prefers turning their head to one side or feeds better on one side, it may suggest torticollis, where neck muscles are tight on one side. If they turn equally well to both sides or the side preference is mild, they are most likely fine.
2. Is your baby extra fussy or colicky?
Some babies cry more than others, especially during the busy evening time. If your baby cries for long periods, or struggles to calm down even after being fed and changed, this can point to discomfort in the baby’s body. Most babies have fussy phases that pass, but if the crying seems excessive, this is something you can be proactive about to keep your baby more comfortable.
3. How’s your baby after feeding?
A calm, satisfied baby after feeding is a joy, but if your baby seems uncomfortable, cries, arches their back, or spits up excessively, it may suggest reflux or a digestive sensitivity. Many babies spit up a bit, which is normal, but frequent discomfort may need attention.
4. Is feeding going smoothly?
Whether nursing or bottle feeding, watch how your baby latches. Occasional clicking or choking on milk is common as babies learn, but if they consistently struggle, choke, or seem frustrated, it may indicate tension in their body. In some cases, feeding difficulties could suggest a tongue tie which can limit their ability to nurse effectively and efficiently. If the feeding issues don’t improve, there is support available to have a more comfortable and bonding nursing experience.
5. Are naps and sleep restful?
A baby who naps well is a blessing, but if your baby struggles to fall asleep, wakes up frequently, or seems restless, they may be uncomfortable due to tension. Many babies take time to develop sleep patterns until they are a little older, so there’s no need to worry if naps are shorter or if your baby takes some time to fall asleep. If sleep challenges continue, you can always seek guidance to support better rest.
6. Are dirty diapers regular?
Regular bowel movements are a sign of a healthy digestive system, but every baby’s pattern is different. Nursing babies may go a few days without a dirty diaper, which can be normal, but if your baby seems uncomfortable or goes longer without a bowel movement, it may suggest some tension in the body. Help is out there to ensure your baby feels at ease.
7. How’s tummy time going?
Tummy time helps babies build strength and encourage movement for milestones like rolling or crawling. But if your baby cries right away or seems very uncomfortable, this may suggest tension or even dizziness from positioning. Most babies fuss a bit during tummy time, which is normal as they adjust. If they are very fussy in tummy time, there is support out there.
Trust and empower yourself
At the end of the day you know your baby best. There is so much to be immensely grateful for with a healthy new baby! Whether your baby is thriving or you may think your baby may need a little extra help, trust your instincts. There is support and help out there, you are not alone, you’ve got this!
Reading this article brought me back to 2 years ago when my 5th baby was born BH healthy but miserable from day 1. He checked off 6/7 concerns on this article’s list and although I was an “experienced” mother nothing I did helped him. I would tell any mother now who’s going through a challenging time with their baby to know that some babies have a more difficult temperament and will be more “stressed” than the average baby. For my baby, we tried so many things – diff formulas.. sleep specialist, physical therapy, lactation consultant, chiropractor etc and it honestly took him close to 2 years to become more “settled”. In retrospect, he had an immature system coupled with a more high strung temperament. I have total empathy for any mother struggling and just know that this stage isn’t forever and with Hashems help you will get through it!
I’ve recently been made aware that poor pacifier choice can lead to a high pallet, constant open mouth posture, and mouth breathing. Both which can have negative and lasting effects for the future.
Fascinating and well written article Rachel! So important to be in tune with one’s baby’s development.
Many babies who sleep on their backs hate tummy time in the beginning! This doesn’t mean anything is wrong, they are just not used to this position. We all know how important tummy time is for their motor development. But what can you do if your baby cries the minute you put her on her tummy? With my oldest, I couldn’t take her crying, so I gave up on tummy time, but she eventually needed PT to teach her to crawl. If anyone can relate to this, here is my approach which worked great with subsequent kids who resisted tummy time. Try tummy time repeatedly throughout the day. When they cry (not just fuss, but really cry), then tummy time is over. The point isn’t to make your yummy baby miserable. But don’t give up! Give them a high contrast baby book or picture to look at during tummy time. Better yet, have a sibling lie on the floor and do tummy time with baby and talk or sing to them (a great way to make a toddler or preschooler feel like they can help!). Try tummy time on your chest. Or lie on your back, lift and your bend your knees, and put baby on your calves, and talk or sing to your baby. Yes, I know you don’t have time to do this consistently. But keep it up a few minutes at a time till baby is more used to this position, and IYH they will soon be happy with regular tummy time on the floor. Hatzlacha and don’t give up!
Yes consistency is key! My pediatrician told me every diaper change, do tummy time for a few minutes. It attaches the habit to something we are doing anyway!
thanks for the reminder, Michal! I know how important tummy time is, but can really forget when busy witg so many things… especially with a dramatic baby who starts to scream the second he gets uncomfortable on his tummy. Each session is another step forward to proper development, hopefully! Thanks bcp for a great article.