Key Points:

1. Baby Basics & Crying

  • Crying is a newborn’s main communication tool.

  • Common needs behind crying: hunger, sleep, diaper change, comfort, gas/discomfort, temperature, or illness.

  • A simple response checklist (feed, sleep, diaper, soothe) supports calm, consistent caregiving and healthy attachment.

2. Tummy Time

  • Starts soon after birth with short, supervised sessions.

  • Builds neck, shoulder, and core strength; supports motor milestones and prevents flat head shape.

  • Goal by ~6–7 weeks: 15–30 minutes daily total, increasing over time.

  • Encourages sensory exploration and early interaction.

3. Moro (Startle) Reflex

  • Normal primitive reflex triggered by sudden movement, noise, or loss of support.

  • Causes arms to extend then curl inward; may wake or startle baby.

  • Peaks in newborn stage, fades by ~4–6 months.

  • Swaddling and slow, supported movement can reduce triggering (stop swaddling once rolling begins).

4. Communication Development

  • Early communication is crying, progressing to cooing and babbling.

  • Encourages early use of ASL signs (e.g., “more,” “all done,” “help”) to reduce frustration and support expression.

  • Functional language (open, up, cup, etc.) should be prioritized in daily routines.

  • Babies benefit from repetition and extra processing time (~8–10 seconds).

5. Sleep Basics

  • Sleep needs change rapidly across 0–12 months.

  • Wake windows and sleep cues help guide naps (“Goldilocks window” before overtired stage).

  • Sleep supports brain development, growth, and emotional regulation.

  • Safe sleep practices include appropriate swaddling transition (by ~8 weeks or rolling) and temperature-based dressing.

6. Feeding & Nutrition

  • Newborns feed every 2–3 hours (or more).

  • Breastfed babies may need Vitamin D and iron support; formula usually contains iron.

  • Hunger cues include hand sucking, fussiness, and increased alerting.

  • Introduction of solids typically begins 4–6 months, focusing on iron-rich foods and variety.

  • Emphasis on responsive feeding—no forcing or pressuring intake.

7. Diapering

  • Choice between disposable and cloth diapers.

  • Diaper sizes generally progress from newborn through size 6 based on weight and growth.

  • Growth rate varies, so timing in each size is flexible.

8. Developmental Milestones (0–12 months)

  • 0–2 months: basic reflexes, early tracking, social smiling begins.

  • 3–4 months: head control, reaching, babbling.

  • 5–6 months: rolling, sitting with support, name recognition.

  • 7–8 months: crawling, object permanence, separation anxiety.

  • 9–10 months: pulling to stand, pointing, imitation.

  • 11–12 months: standing/walking attempts, early words, simple understanding and communication.

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