After three months of adjusting - having probably endured nights of little sleep (and possibly hours of crying) - you will be eagerly anticipating the twelve-week milestone.

 

Things get easier

This is the point when things really do get easier. Is it because we, as parents, have mastered our new roles? Or is our baby finally beginning to show signs of being human? Whichever way it is, the stress is somewhat relieved and the task of parenting seems achievable.

 

Be aware of how you are feeling

If the task of parenting has more downs than ups, it is possible that you are suffering from postnatal depression . This is more common than you would suspect and needs to be recognised and managed, for your sake and that of your baby.

 

Your baby seeks interaction

Your baby can now manage an hour and a half of awake time between sleeps, during the day. During this time he will be alert and happy and will seek interaction. Remember that his brain is still learning how to interpret and deal with the stimulation his world offers, so watch for signs of overstimulation and remove him before he becomes overwhelmed and frenetic.

 

Important to develop good sleep habits now

Finally a full night’s sleep can be expected, especially if your baby is a good sleeper. This is certainly the time to focus on developing good sleep habits in order to avoid having broken nights for the next few years! The importance of this cannot be over-emphasized.

 

Milk … and more

Milk continues to be Priority No. 1 for nutrition at this stage. Some babies need to have solids introduced as they approach 6 months of age. When introducing solids, ensure that you find a sensible advisor, such as your paediatrician or clinic sister. Then try to listen to that one person’s advice.

 

Play

Play is the name of the game – and your baby begins to examine objects with avid interest. Mouthing his toys and his hands is really your baby’s way of finding out more about the qualities of objects. “Is this hard or soft? What does it taste like?”

 

Rolling and sitting and chatting

The tummy and back muscles are now well developed and provide the basis for rolling, which happens during this stage. By six months your baby will have sufficient stability for sitting, although he will probably still require support from you (or at least from a cushion or two behind him) lest he falls over. Language foundations are laid at this stage, so talk to and imitate your baby.