New analysis questions understanding about how crying changes over the first year of life
You might have heard that the amount of time your baby cries for peaks at around six weeks. New research suggests that crying does not follow this neat pattern, and you might not be surprised to hear it varies a lot between individual babies. This research is important, as it gives parents and professionals a better understanding of what might be considered ‘normal’ crying as a way to communicate.
What is the crying curve?
When you search for ‘babies’ and ‘crying’ on the Internet, you are likely to find articles about the crying curve. Our own article about newborns’ crying refers to it, as it has been used to support the understanding of crying since it was first developed in the 1960s.
Creamy red pepper and tomato sauce
This sauce has only four ingredients and can be used for multiple meals! It’s great for a simple pasta or rice dish and can be made in big batches to be kept in the fridge or even frozen. (See below for freezing instructions!)
Getting support as a family: looking into a new study of couples’ experience of perinatal depression
A new study has analysed how often perinatal depression (depression during pregnancy and the first 12 months of being a parent) can be experienced by both parents. This study is an important reminder that it is not only mothers who can be affected by perinatal mental illness. Read on to find out more about the findings and for details about getting support.
Lots of the studies that are used to talk about and treat depression in new parents looks at one parent, often the mother, in isolation. The authors of the study ‘Prevalence of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Both Parents’[1] wanted to review existing data to see how often both parents were experiencing depression, as this might result in significant changes to what will support those families.
Tips for promoting conversations with your baby
You may feel like you don’t know what to talk about or say to your baby, or feel awkward chatting to someone who can’t reply just yet. Don't worry about what you’re saying, just know that your baby will love simply hearing your voice.
By talking to them in these early weeks and months, you are creating a strong foundation for your baby’s language skills. Here are our top tips for getting chatty with your baby.
Look at your baby while you’re chatting
Try to gain eye contact, even for short moments, as you talk. Engaging in eye contact helps your baby to know that they are involved – and they love to see your face.
Bye-bye! Why a wave goodbye is a moment to celebrate in your baby’s developmental journey
It might be copying a wave at the end of a video call, or waving goodbye as you leave them at nursery; whenever it happens, waving goodbye is a big step for your child!
At first, they will simply copy the gestures that you make, as they have done with other skills that they have mastered. But gradually they will realise the power of a wave or of blowing a kiss!
Every parent should read The Little Book of Calm for New Mums
The emotional load of being a new parent is high, and even though you’ve had time to really get to know your baby, it can feel like each new developmental step is a huge change to routine. It’s also a time when a lot of the support you were being offered as the parent of a newborn seems to fade away...
In these moments, having something on hand to reassure you that you’re not alone in your feelings can make all the difference.
The Little Book of Calm for New Mums: Grounding words for the highs, the lows and the moments in between by Anna Mathur is a brilliant book to have nearby and dip into when you need it.
Mirror, mirror on the wall: why it's great to look in the mirror with your baby
Your baby might be starting to notice their reflection in a mirror, looking at it intently, or pausing when they see themselves. Noticing their reflection is such an exciting development for you and your baby, plus it's another way to fill some time in a long day!
Here are some reasons why your baby noticing their reflection in the mirror should be celebrated:
Newborn reflexes are becoming a thing of the past – roll on controlled movements
As newborn reflexes start to disappear, you'll notice your baby moving their hands more deliberately. Why is this important and what does it mean?
When your baby was born, some of their first movements happened involuntarily, triggered by newborn (primitive) reflexes.[1] The lovely feeling of your baby closing their fingers tightly around yours is priceless.
Become an outdoor observer and explore your baby’s senses in nature
Being outside is extremely beneficial for you and your baby. You might have noticed how interested your baby is in the things around them now that their vision is becoming fully developed. Head outside to engage all their senses using the power of nature.
Your baby is now able to see more detail, and at longer distances, than ever before. They have truly opened their eyes to the world.
