Babies go through incredible physical changes in a short time. Here's what you can expect in terms of growth and development during the first six months.
Starting from birth, your healthcare provider should measure your baby’s weight, length and head size on a regular basis.
These measurements are important for determining your baby’s growth. Your healthcare provider will use a chart to track your baby’s growth pattern.
Physical Milestones
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First month:
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Second month:
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Third month:
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Fourth month:
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Fifth month:
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Sixth month:
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Did You Know?
From about two to three weeks of age, your baby will probably gain about 120-240 grams (four to eight ounces) per week until his or her birth weight doubles, usually by four to six months.
Play and Activity
Babies love to play - there's so much you can do to foster your baby's physical growth and development through play and activity:
- Always supervise your baby to prevent falling.
- Hold the things you want your baby to see close to her eyes so she can focus clearly.
- Have lots of supervised tummy time so your baby can kick and move. Offer clean rattles and toys that your baby can feel and mouth.
- Provide a variety of noisemaking toys and objects and place them within batting range.
- Play in front of a mirror with your baby.
- Create safe play spaces on the floor.
- Take lots of walks with your baby in the fresh air.
- Provide safe, clean, chewable toys.
- Everything will go in your baby’s mouth - make sure objects are big enough that they cannot be swallowed.
- Extend bath time so your baby can kick and squeal while you supervise. Never leave your baby alone in the bath.
- Baby proof your home so that everything harmful is out of the way.
Growth
For more information about your baby’s growth and the growth charts, see the resource Is My Child Growing Well?
Tummy Time
Tummy time helps your baby learn to roll and crawl. It also helps prevent your baby from getting flat spots on the head. Read more about tummy time.
Physical Play and Activity
For more suggestions, see Leap BC’s guide Move with Me from Birth to Three. This trusted guide contains 40 fun filled activities to support your child’s development from birth to age three.
Resources & Links:
HealthLink BC: Physical Development, Ages 1 to 12 Months
