POSITIVE PARENTING

The First Five Years

A POSITIVE LIFE Publication by Dr. James F. Hubbard

BACK

Chapter Two

From Three To Six Months

NEXT
BACK

Expected Norms For the Period

Sleeping Time - The infant will sleep through the night and the parents will be less disturbed. The baby will take one long nap in the daytime.There will be more waking hours and entertaining the child will become somewhat of a chore.

Feedings - The baby will require fewer feedings and solids are being introduced and spooned into the waiting mouth. Some preferences will begin to develop.

Growth - Muscle activity will increase. The child will be able to hold the hand up. Arm waving and kicking will become more coordinated. The baby will be able to turn over. At around six months the baby will be able to sit up unassisted. Playtime is very important Using the arms and legs is a real pleasure. Putting a cuddly toy between the legs and removing it initiates a little game called corralling. It can be placed between the arms in a similar manner. There is a canvas bottom chair which allows the baby to push up and down.

Affection and Interaction - The baby’s need for interaction in- creases during this period. It is no longer necessary to hold the baby as much as in the earlier months. Lifting and holding will be continued. Interacting with the baby is a real pleasure. Responding with the smile and audible coos brings attention from the adult world. This is a good time to intro duce friends and neighbors as well as baby sitters to play and interact. Mothers should use this period to get some relief.

The Bonding Experience - During this period is developing a special bond with one person, usually the mother. This preferred relationship will play a major role in the child’s life. The child develops a fear of strangers and will have a major cry if the bonded person leaves. This has a name called Separation Anxiety. This is the reason to provide other playmates before this bond occurs. There is a special caution to parents with twins. The mother needs to relate as much as possible to one at a time. Leaving them together too much may bring on the bond to each other and separation becomes a major problem. The bond usually appears around six month but some take place earlier and some later. There will be no doubt in the mother’s mind when this occurs.

Sensory Stimulation - Hearing, seeing, and feeling are in full swing during this period. This is a good time to introduce music. The child will be happy listening for a considerable length of time especially while the mother has other matters to attend to. Television noise is not as beneficial as some special song that can be played over and over. The out of doors is very important during this period. It is stroller time. Find a friend and place where trees, flowers, and birds are available.. Turn the stroller in different directions when there are things to see. It is a good practice to stop occasionally and talk to the occupant. This will confirm the mother’s presence. Lifting or bouncing is a very pleasant sensation.

Crying - Crying should be much less frequent during this period. When crying and irritability does occur, it is more likely to come from illness. Taking the temperature will confirm this. During illness holding and caressing is very important. The music experience may also be beneficial.

NEXT
BACK Copyright 2006 James F. Hubbard
All Rights Reserved
May Be Copied For Educational Purposes Only
NEXT