A healthy baby weighs 3.2 kg. (7 lb.) at birth. In six months his weight increases to 6.35 kg. (14 lb.) and when he is one year old he weighs 8.5 to 9.5 kg (21 lb.). On an average a child gains approximately 2.5 kg. In weight and 6 to 6.5 cm in height per year.

Average weight and height figures are:

Bones

It is normal for the legs to remain curved during infancy. The curve straightens out between the 12th and the 18 month. A gap in the skull bone is found in all babies. The gap closes before the baby is 18 months old. Should it remain open after 18 months, consult your doctor.

Milestones

There are approximate time periods at which the baby learns to do certain things, namely, support his neck, sit up, stand and walk.

• Supports neck at 3 months
• Sit up at 6 months
• Pulls himself up in standing position by 9 months
• Walks with support by about 10 to 11 months
• Walks on his own in a year.

Talking

By one year most infants are able to say 'ta-ta', 'dada', and 'mama'. They can also imitate sounds. 15 months and short three word sentences speak single words by two years. For some children the words come late, especially if the parents had themselves started taking late. One thing must be borne in mind; a partially deaf or completely deaf child will have difficulty in speaking. So, if a child never turns in the direction of a sound, a doctor must be consulted.

Play time

A mother should spend some time playing with the baby. Play is a very important need of the growing baby. Let your husband also join you in playing with the baby. The baby enjoys such attention and thrives on the love and affection showered on him.

It would best to remove any article that you do not wish the baby to handle from the vicinity before you sit down to play so that unnecessary restrictions are not imposed on the baby.

Outings

The suitable time to take the baby out, either in your arms or in a perambulator, is early morning or after 4 p.m. Care should be taken to see that the direct rays of the sun do not fall on the baby's face.

Building baby's character

Respect the individuality of your baby. He will learn what you teach him. If you love and respect him, he will return it manifold. Be gentle but firm with your baby. Do not give in easily or be too stern.

Occasionally punishment may be necessary. This must be meted out not in anger nor after a lapse of time. The mother should not lose her temper over the baby.

Occasionally a child may get into a temper tantrum. Handle such situations with care because if the baby discovers that he can get his way by means of a temper tantrum, he will repeat it.

Often, a child does things to please his parents. Always show your appreciation for these little gestures.

Normal praise is necessary. Unnecessary praise, especially in front of strangers, may either make the child shy and self-conscious or a show-off.

Teeth

It is wrong to imagine that since milk teeth are replaced by permanent set, it is a waste of time looking after milk teeth. Healthy teeth ensure good health. Besides, his permanent teeth may get disarranged at the time of eruption if the milk teeth are not properly looked after.

Teething does not cause convulsions. Occasionally, the baby has trouble during teething time. Loose motions may occur for a few days. Should they persist, consult your doctor.

There are 20 teeth in the first set (milk teeth) and 32 in the adult set. The time when teeth erupt varies considerably and hence do not worry if eruption is late or early. The average times of eruption are as follows: