Your Baby’s Growth in the First Year of Life

The first 12 months are very important in the growth and development of your baby. Dra-matic changes are taking place in all areas of growth and development. Most babies will double their birth weight by gaining an average of 0.5 oz to 1 oz every day for the first 6 months of life, and triple their birth weight between 9 to 12 months. By their first birthday, most babies have grown about 10 inches in length. Their head circumference normally in-creases 0.25 to 0.5 inches per month.
When you take your baby in for their checkup the doctor or nurse will take three measure-ments:
Weight
Undress your baby completely, diaper and all. The doctor will place him on a scale to weigh him. The doctor or nurse will be able to tell you your baby's weight in pounds to the closest ounce.
Length
While your baby is lying down he will be measured from the top of his head to the bottom of his heel. Some pediatricians use a device that has a headboard and a movable foot-board so they can easily get accurate results.
Head circumference
In order to measure your baby's head, the doctor will place a flexible measuring tape where his head has the largest circumference — just above their eyebrows and ears, and around the back of his head where it slopes up from his neck.
If your baby was born 5 weeks early, her numbers will be compared with babies who are 5 weeks younger than your baby. Some pediatricians use "preemie" growth charts when measuring your premature baby. Whichever growth chart is used your pediatrician will take into account that your baby was born prematurely.
You shouldn’t worry needlessly about these percentages because each child is an individ-ual and will develop at his own pace. These measurements are a general guide to help you and your pediatrician assess your baby's growth and development.
If you are concerned about your baby’s growth or development, you should talk to your pediatrician. They will understand that you are just a concerned parent and you want the best for your new baby.

Article Source: http://www.articleselections.com

The author of this article, Aruni Gunasegaram, is the President/Founder of Babble Soft, which offers web and mobile software applications that facilitate communication between caregivers by helping them track baby growth, bottle feedings, mom’s pumping, baby sleep patterns, diapers, immunizations and medicine doses.

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