Baby's development and growth
Your child has been born, and it's time for them to discover their environment, learn everything, and grow. How is your baby developing? How can you follow your little one's growth to make sure everything is going well? Here is what you need to know about your baby's growth between 0 and 3 years old.
At birth, an infant weighs on average 7 pounds and measures 20 inches. Babies experience a very rapid growth spurt during the first year of life. Growth will then be steady from the age of 2 onwards, and will pick up again at puberty.
To follow the growth of children, 4 elements are considered:
- height
- weight
- the perimeter of the cranium (head circumference)
- the corpulence or body mass index (BMI)
This information is detailed in your baby's health record, where you will find several graphs that will allow you to compare your baby's growth to the average for a child of their age, including the curves for:
- height ;
- weight ;
- head circumference ;
- body size.
The pediatrician will record your baby's measurements at each visit to make sure that growth is normal.
These curves will help to detect cases of delayed, stopped, or accelerated growth, and allow acting on things in time.
Along with the physical transformation, your baby's cognitive development is taking place.
In terms of language, they gradually learn to express themselves with sounds, syllables, words, and then by formulating sentences.
Between the ages of 1 and 2, your baby begins to walk and discover their environment. It is also at this age that they become aware of their individuality and asserts themselves, often by being in opposition. Your baby becomes autonomous.
Like any mother, you may sometimes worry about the growth or behavior of your little one. Keep in mind that each child is unique and therefore develops at their own pace. If in doubt, do not hesitate to consult your pediatrician.
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In this article
Baby's weight and growth before 3 years
Your baby grows very fast from birth to age 3, so you need to keep a close eye on their weight and growth.
- You can do this by measuring and weighing your baby every month and keeping track of the data.
- You can use a weight chart to check that your baby is growing properly. You will find it in your child health record booklet. From there, you can easily keep track of your baby's BMI.
- Of course, not all children grow at the same rate, but the most important thing is that they grow steadily.
- Don't hesitate to consult your pediatrician if you have any doubts.
Evolution and development of a child
If you are passionate about your child's growth and development, you should know that it varies slightly according to his personality.
- Your baby grows and changes at an incredible rate! Each month brings new and exciting developments.
- From birth until the end of the first month, a baby's senses of smell and hearing are the most developed.
- Step by step, your baby develops new motor skills, and they acquire new gestures, postures, and language skills.
- Each child has their pace: your baby sometimes focuses on the acquisition of one skill before tackling another.
The psychology of your baby
What's going on in your baby's head? We now know some answers.
- During the first few years, a child establishes a very high number of neuronal connections, which allows them to become a structured and balanced adult later on.
- It may not be obvious, but a baby processes an enormous amount of information, which explains their great need for sleep.
- Toddlers are very observant and therefore very empathetic: they quickly understand when something is wrong and when things are going great.
- Imagination and play are central to your baby's experience.
