7 Signs That Signal Your Baby Is Healthy
Having a baby can be an exciting and overwhelming experience for new parents. Imagine you’ve just birthed a human dependent on you for all their needs. It takes time to understand your baby’s cry and interpret different cues. Until then, it’s just a series of guesswork. Parents also rely on their instincts to ensure their baby is comfortable and happy.
But regarding your baby’s health, relying on medical research and what your pediatrician says is crucial. Although frequent check-ups with a pediatrician can give you an accurate picture of your baby's health, monitoring your baby's behavior, growth, and development can help ensure that they are on track and receiving the care they need. This guide highlights easy-to-spot signs that you need to look out for in your babies to ensure their health.
- Look out for signs of illness
Be vigilant of any unusual symptoms you might notice. For instance, Jaundice is a common condition in newborns that causes yellowing of the skin and eyes. It can indicate an underlying health issue if it persists over a few weeks.
More importantly, you must watch for any injuries your baby might have suffered during birthing. For example, babies may suffer a head injury called newborn cephalohematoma during childbirth. It is the accumulation of ruptured blood vessels in the skull. It is visible on the infant’s scalp, and although it commonly heals independently, it might become complicated and fatal if gone unnoticed. Birth Injury Justice Centre provides treatment and legal help in case of such injuries.
- Healthy appetite
A significant sign of a healthy baby is a good appetite. A baby will rely on breastmilk or formula in the first few months. Babies are born with a natural sucking reflex, and as soon as they feel a nipple, they’ll feel the urge to suck. If your baby asks to be fed every few hours and you can hear your baby swallowing milk, rest assured that your baby has a good appetite.
As babies reach the 6-month mark, they will start showing interest in solid foods. A healthy baby typically eats every 2-3 hours and shows signs of hunger, such as rooting or sucking their fingers.
- Adequate weight gain
If your baby is eating well, he should also gain weight at a steady rate. Adequate weight gain in babies is an important sign of good health and proper growth and development. During the first few days after birth, a baby may lose a small amount of weight as they adjust to their new environment and feeding routine. However, by the end of the first week, they should start to gain weight consistently. In general, a healthy newborn gains about 5-7 ounces per week for the first several months of life.
If a baby is not gaining weight appropriately, it may indicate an underlying health issue or feeding problem. Parents should talk to their pediatrician if they are concerned about their baby's weight gain.
- Regular bowel movements
A healthy baby will have regular bowel movements. In the first few days of life, a newborn may have several bowel movements daily, but this will decrease over time. The consistency of a baby's bowel movements can also vary depending on their diet. After the first month, a baby should have at least one bowel movement daily, although some babies may have one every other day.
The color and texture of your baby’s poop can also tell a lot about a baby’s health. Breastfed babies typically have loose, seedy stools, while formula-fed babies may have firmer stools that are harder to pass. However, if you find your baby’s poop very runny or see bubbles, it indicates that your baby might suffer from diarrhea. Consistent and easy bowel movements are an important sign that your baby's digestive system is functioning properly.
- Responsive to stimuli
Babies are born with various reflexes, such as the rooting reflex (turning their head toward a stimulus that touches their cheek) and the sucking reflex (sucking on objects that touch their lips). Babies become more responsive to visual, auditory, and tactile stimuli as they grow and develop. For example, they may turn their head toward a sound or a bright object, reach for and grasp objects, or smile and coo in response to their caregivers' voices and touch.
A lack of responsiveness to stimuli can be a sign of a developmental delay. Parents should consult with their pediatrician if they have concerns about their baby's responsiveness or notice any changes in their baby's behavior or development.
- Development of motor skills
A healthy baby will develop motor skills at a steady pace. By the end of the first month, babies will start to lift their heads momentarily. At the end of three months, they’ll begin to lift their heads for longer stretches. Babies can roll over and sit up at six months of age. To help their physical development, you can give babies tummy time, which means laying them on their bellies. This will help babies learn to sit steadily and crawl eventually.
Moreover, babies should also be able to reach their hands and grab things. If your baby seems delayed in their motor skills, it may be a sign that they need extra support.
- Regular sleep patterns
Sleeping patterns can vary from baby to baby. Generally, newborns tend to sleep most of the day, and their sleep patterns gradually become more established as they grow and develop.
By 3-4 months, most babies begin to develop more regular sleep patterns, with longer periods of sleep at night and more frequent naps during the day. By six months, many babies can sleep through the night without waking up to feed. It is important to note that some babies may be more wakeful at night, while others may sleep longer at a stretch.
Conclusion
Although babies don’t speak to tell us what they need, parents can distinguish their baby’s cues and determine what they require. Parents must stay vigilant and watch for signs indicating any health-related or developmental delays.
