“Critical Time:” Infant Development 0 to 3 Months

After the first few weeks of life, we enter an important time for your baby’s development. What you do and don’t do now can have an impact on the rest of their patterns. As Dr. Husband noted (and highlighted and underlined) next to “6 weeks,” this is a “Critical Time!”

Around six weeks, babies start noticing toys and wanting them. These (and probably mom) are now motivators for movement. During her tummy time, we’re looking for her to accomplish her first bodily support by weight bearing on her forearms and upper abdominal quadrants (Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization presentation).

Again I will note here the importance of placing your baby on a flat firm surface. According to Marianne Hermsen-Van Warnrooy, “A slightly tilted surface, like a bouncinette...changes the force or direction of gravity. This will inhibit the development of good muscle balance because he cannot learn to lift his legs up in this position” (p. 28). If your baby has an issue such as refluxing, flat on her back may be difficult, but it’s important to try for this as much as possible.

Encouraging Ideal Patterns = Tummy Time! 

My son's tummy time at almost three months.

Keep up the good work every day, but remember not to bring baby’s arms forward. Also, take your hands away and let her get comfy on her own. If she hates it, then get down on your tummy, too, mom, so you can be face-to-face. Coo and sing to her. I’m sure your wonderful voice and beautiful face will encourage her to learn to bring her own arms forward and lift her head. Once she can do this she will enjoy this position much more, but maybe not your singing.

Teachable Moment!
I didn’t remember this from last time at all, so I wanted to point it out here. Hermsen-Van Warnrooy says that if your baby tends to roll onto her back after she has been placed on her tummy, “this is an indication that the tummy position encourages muscle imbalance in your baby and he shouldn’t be there. If this happens, it is better to leave tummy time for a while” (p. 30). Noted!

Do’s and Don’ts

• DO dress your baby in non-restrictive clothing. If clothing is hindering movement, it doesn’t matter how cute it is, it has to go!
• DO touch and be touched. Let your baby feel her face, hands and hair and your face, hands and hair.
• DO squeeze those little limbs. Deep gentle squeezes on each limb are good. Rubbing isn’t.
• DON’T disturb a happy baby. Take a deep breath and enjoy the moments when your baby is just content lying on her back or doing her tummy time. Soak it up!
• DON’T encourage stages that are ahead of her. Ex: rolling over. These things take time for a reason—stay tuned!