How do babies develop during their first year. What are the key milestones to watch for. When should parents be concerned about developmental delays. Discover essential insights into infant growth and development.

The Incredible Journey of Infant Development

The first year of a baby’s life is a period of remarkable growth and change. Parents often find themselves marveling at the rapid progression of their little one’s abilities. From those early days of jerky movements and unfocused gazes to the exciting milestones of first steps and words, each stage brings new wonders and challenges.

Understanding these developmental milestones can help parents track their child’s progress and identify any potential concerns. However, it’s crucial to remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and variations from the average timeline are common and often perfectly normal.

Key Milestones in the First Month

Even in the earliest weeks of life, babies are already making significant strides in their development. During the first month, parents may observe:

• Quivering arm movements
• Hands frequently near the face
• Tight fists
• Side-to-side head movements when lying on the stomach
• Focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away
• Preference for human faces and high-contrast patterns
• Improved hearing and recognition of familiar voices

Is it normal for newborns to have unfocused or crossed eyes? Yes, it’s quite common for newborns to have difficulty focusing their eyes or even appear cross-eyed at times. This is because their eye muscles and visual processing skills are still developing. Most babies will have improved eye coordination by around 3 months of age.

Rapid Progress: Milestones at 3 Months

By the end of the third month, babies typically show significant advancements in their physical and cognitive abilities:

• Raising head and chest when lying on stomach
• Supporting upper body with arms during tummy time
• Stretching and kicking legs
• Pushing down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
• Opening and closing hands
• Bringing hands to mouth
• Grasping and shaking toys
• Following moving objects with eyes
• Recognizing familiar people and objects at a distance
• Beginning to babble and imitate sounds
• Smiling at parents’ voices
• Enjoying social interaction

Can babies recognize their parents at 3 months old? While every baby is different, many infants at this age can indeed recognize their parents’ faces and voices. They often show a clear preference for familiar caregivers, responding with smiles and excited movements when they see or hear them.

Milestones at 7 Months: Increasing Independence

As babies approach the half-year mark, their physical abilities and cognitive skills continue to expand rapidly:

• Rolling over in both directions
• Sitting up without support
• Reaching for objects
• Transferring objects between hands
• Supporting weight on legs when held upright
• Developing full-color and mature distance vision
• Using voice to express emotions
• Responding to their own name
• Babbling chains of consonants
• Distinguishing emotions in others’ voices
• Exploring objects with hands and mouth
• Showing interest in mirror images

Should parents be concerned if their 7-month-old isn’t sitting up independently? While many babies master this skill around 7 months, it’s not uncommon for some to take a bit longer. As long as your baby is making progress in other areas and showing increasing strength in their trunk and neck muscles, there’s usually no cause for alarm. However, if you have concerns, it’s always best to consult with your pediatrician.

The Big One: Milestones at 12 Months

By their first birthday, most babies have made tremendous strides in their development:

• Sitting without assistance for extended periods
• Getting into a hands-and-knees position
• Crawling
• Pulling themselves up to stand
• Walking while holding onto furniture (cruising)
• Possibly taking a few independent steps
• Using the pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
• Saying “dada” and “mama” with meaning
• Using simple exclamations
• Attempting to imitate words
• Responding to “no” and simple verbal requests
• Using simple gestures like waving “bye-bye”
• Exploring objects in various ways (shaking, banging, throwing)
• Beginning to use objects correctly (e.g., drinking from a cup)
• Finding hidden objects easily
• Identifying correct pictures when named

Is it worrisome if a 12-month-old isn’t walking yet? Not necessarily. While many babies take their first independent steps around their first birthday, it’s perfectly normal for some children to start walking as late as 16 or 17 months. As long as your child is making progress in other areas of development and shows an interest in becoming mobile (through crawling, cruising, or other means), there’s usually no need for concern.

The Toddler Years: Milestones at 24 Months

As children enter their second year, their skills continue to grow by leaps and bounds:

• Walking independently
• Running
• Kicking a ball
• Climbing furniture without assistance
• Walking up and down stairs with support
• Scribbling with crayons
• Building towers of four or more blocks
• Recognizing names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
• Using simple phrases and short sentences
• Following simple instructions
• Beginning to sort objects by shapes and colors
• Engaging in make-believe play
• Imitating others’ behavior
• Showing increasing independence

How many words should a 2-year-old be able to say? While there’s a wide range of normal, many 2-year-olds can say about 50 words and are starting to put two words together to form simple phrases. However, receptive language (understanding) typically develops faster than expressive language (speaking), so your child likely understands far more than they can say at this stage.

Understanding Developmental Variations

It’s crucial for parents to understand that developmental milestones are guidelines, not rigid rules. Every child is unique and will develop at their own pace. Factors that can influence a baby’s developmental timeline include:

• Genetics
• Premature birth
• Environmental factors
• Individual temperament
• Opportunities for practice and exploration

Premature babies, in particular, may reach milestones later than their full-term peers. For these infants, it’s important to adjust expectations based on their corrected age (calculated from their due date rather than their actual birth date) for the first two years.

When should parents be concerned about developmental delays? While some variation is normal, consistent delays across multiple areas of development or regression (loss of previously acquired skills) should be discussed with a pediatrician. Early intervention can be crucial for addressing potential developmental issues.

Nurturing Your Baby’s Development

Parents play a vital role in supporting their baby’s development. Here are some ways to encourage growth and learning:

1. Provide plenty of tummy time to strengthen neck and upper body muscles
2. Talk, sing, and read to your baby regularly to promote language development
3. Offer age-appropriate toys and safe objects for exploration
4. Engage in interactive play and respond to your baby’s cues
5. Create a safe environment for crawling and walking
6. Establish routines to provide a sense of security
7. Offer opportunities for socialization with other children and adults

How can parents best support their baby’s cognitive development? Engaging in responsive, interactive play is key. This means following your baby’s lead, responding to their interests, and providing gentle challenges to encourage learning. For example, if your baby is fascinated by a particular toy, you might demonstrate different ways to use it or incorporate it into simple games.

The Importance of Sensory Experiences

Sensory exploration is crucial for a baby’s cognitive and physical development. Providing a variety of safe textures, sounds, and visual stimuli can help stimulate your baby’s senses and encourage learning. Consider activities like:

• Introducing different textured fabrics for touching
• Playing with water during bath time
• Exploring age-appropriate musical instruments
• Looking at high-contrast picture books
• Offering safe, edible items for taste exploration (for older babies)

How do sensory experiences contribute to brain development in infants? Sensory experiences help create and strengthen neural connections in a baby’s brain. This process, known as synaptic pruning, is crucial for cognitive development. By engaging multiple senses, babies learn to integrate information from their environment, which forms the foundation for more complex learning and problem-solving skills later in life.

The Role of Sleep in Development

Adequate sleep is crucial for a baby’s growth and development. During sleep, the brain processes and consolidates information learned during waking hours. Additionally, growth hormones are released during deep sleep stages. As babies grow, their sleep patterns will change:

• Newborns: 14-17 hours per day, in short periods
• 4-11 months: 12-15 hours per day, including naps
• 1-2 years: 11-14 hours per day, including naps

How can parents establish healthy sleep habits for their babies? Consistency is key. Establishing a regular bedtime routine, creating a sleep-friendly environment, and responding to your baby’s sleep cues can all contribute to better sleep habits. It’s also important to remember that every baby is different, and it may take time to find the right approach for your family.

Monitoring Your Baby’s Progress

While it’s important not to become overly anxious about developmental milestones, keeping track of your baby’s progress can help you identify any potential concerns early. Here are some tips for monitoring development:

• Keep a baby book or digital record of significant milestones
• Attend regular well-baby check-ups with your pediatrician
• Share any concerns with your healthcare provider promptly
• Use reputable resources to understand typical developmental patterns
• Remember that small delays in one area are often balanced by advances in others

What should parents do if they suspect a developmental delay? If you have concerns about your baby’s development, the first step is to discuss them with your pediatrician. They can perform developmental screenings and, if necessary, refer you to specialists for further evaluation. Early intervention services are available in many areas and can be incredibly beneficial for children who need extra support in certain developmental areas.

The Impact of Environment on Development

A baby’s environment plays a crucial role in their development. Factors such as nutrition, physical surroundings, and social interactions all contribute to a child’s growth and learning. Consider the following aspects of your baby’s environment:

• Nutrition: Adequate and appropriate nutrition supports physical growth and brain development
• Physical space: A safe, stimulating environment encourages exploration and learning
• Social interactions: Regular, positive interactions with caregivers and peers promote social and emotional development
• Exposure to language: A language-rich environment supports cognitive and communication skills
• Stress levels: Minimizing stress and providing comfort helps babies feel secure and ready to learn

How can parents create an optimal environment for their baby’s development? Focus on providing a safe, loving, and stimulating home environment. This includes ensuring proper nutrition, creating opportunities for play and exploration, engaging in frequent positive interactions, and minimizing exposure to stressors. Remember that you are your baby’s first and most important teacher, and your loving care is the foundation for their healthy development.

Celebrating Individual Differences

As you track your baby’s developmental milestones, it’s essential to celebrate their unique journey. Every child has their own strengths, challenges, and pace of development. Some babies may excel in motor skills while others show advanced language abilities. Embracing these individual differences can help foster a positive, supportive environment for your child’s growth.

How can parents support their baby’s individual developmental path? Focus on encouraging your baby’s efforts and progress rather than comparing them to others or fixating on specific milestones. Provide opportunities for them to practice and build on their strengths while gently supporting areas that may need more attention. Remember that your love, support, and responsiveness are the most crucial factors in your baby’s development.

The journey through your baby’s first year and beyond is filled with wonder, challenges, and incredible growth. By understanding developmental milestones, supporting your child’s individual path, and creating a nurturing environment, you can help lay the foundation for a lifetime of learning and achievement. Remember to enjoy each moment of this remarkable journey, as these precious early years pass all too quickly.

Developmental milestones for baby | March of Dimes

During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. 

Her weight will double by 5 to 6 months, and triple by her first birthday. And she is constantly learning. 

Major achievements—called developmental milestones—include rolling over, sitting up, standing and possibly walking. And your heart will likely melt at the sound of her first “mama” or “dada.”

No two babies are exactly alike. Your baby will develop at her own pace. Most babies reach certain milestones at similar ages. However, it’s not unusual for a healthy, “normal” baby to fall behind in some areas or race ahead in others.

The following milestones are only guidelines. Your baby’s health care provider will evaluate your baby’s development at each well-baby visit. Remember: Always talk to your child’s health care professional if you think your baby is lagging behind.

If your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), you need to look at the milestone guidelines a little differently. The age at which your baby is expected to reach various milestones is based on her due date, not her birthday. So if your baby was born two months early, she will most likely achieve milestones two months later than the guidelines below predict.

By the end of their first month, most babies:

• Make jerky, quivering arm movements
• Bring hands near face
• Keep hands in tight fists
• Move head from side to side while lying on stomach
• Focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away
• Prefer human faces over other shapes
• Prefer black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
• Hear very well
• Recognize some sounds, including parents’ voices

By the end of their third month, most babies:

• Raise head and chest when lying on stomach
• Support upper body with arms when lying on stomach
• Stretch legs out and kick when lying on stomach or back
• Push down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
• Open and shut hands
• Bring hands to mouth
• Grab and shake hand toys
• Follow moving object with eyes
• Watch faces closely
• Recognize familiar objects and people at a distance
• Start using hands and eyes in coordination
• Begin to babble and to imitate some sounds
• Smile at the sound of parents’ voices
• Enjoy playing with other people
• May cry when playing stops

By the end of their seventh month, most babies:

• Roll over both ways (stomach to back and back to stomach)
• Sit up
• Reach for object with hand
• Transfer objects from one hand to the other
• Support whole weight on legs when held upright
• Develop full-color vision and mature distance vision
• Use voice to express joy and displeasure
• Respond to own name
• Babble chains of consonants (ba-ba-ba-ba)
• Distinguish emotions by tone of voice
• Explore objects with hands and mouth
• Struggle to get objects that are out of reach
• Enjoy playing peek-a-boo
• Show an interest in mirror images

By their first birthday, most babies:

• Sit without assistance
• Get into hands-and-knees position
• Crawl
• Pull self up to stand
• Walk holding onto furniture, and possibly a few steps without support
• Use pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
• Say “dada” and “mama”
• Use exclamations, such as “oh-oh!”
• Try to imitate words
• Respond to “no” and simple verbal requests
• Use simple gestures, such as shaking head “no” and waving bye-bye
• Explore objects in many ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
• Begin to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)
• Find hidden objects easily
• Look at correct picture when an image is named

By their second birthday, most children:

• Walk alone
• Pull toys behind them while walking
• Carry large toy or several toys while walking
• Begin to run
• Kick a ball
• Climb on and off furniture without help
• Walk up and down stairs while holding on to support
• Scribble with crayon
• Build tower of four blocks or more
• Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts
• Say several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
• Use simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
• Use two- to four-word sentences (“want snack”)
• Follow simple instructions
• Begin to sort objects by shapes and colors
• Begin to play make-believe
• Imitate behavior of others
• Show growing independence

What Developmental Milestones Will My Baby Reach in the First Year of Life?

Written by Rachel Reiff Ellis

In this Article

• 1 to 3 Months
• 4 to 6 Months
• 7 to 9 Months
• 10-12 Months

Your baby will grow and change rapidly during their first year. Every child is different, and your little one will reach development milestones at their own pace. There are some typical age ranges, though, when some of the most exciting advances happen. Watch — and enjoy — as your baby moves into each new phase.

Around 1 month after your baby is born, they’ll still have jerky arm and leg movements and not much neck control. They’ll probably keep their hands in a fist shape, and their eyes may cross from time to time.

But there are also some new skills that are starting to show up. They can probably:

• Bring their hands near their face
• Pay attention to people’s faces over other objects
• Focus their eyes on things 8-12 inches away
• Turn their head from side to side while lying on their back
• Turn toward sounds and voices they recognize
• Smiles when you talk to or smile at them
• Reacts to loud noises 

By the time your baby is 3 months old, you’ll notice some other things going on. They may:

• Try to grab for and hold on to objects
• Put their hand in their mouth
• Stretch and kick while lying on their back
• Push down against a surface when their feet are placed on it
• Calm themselves occasionally by finding a hand or finger to suck on
• Coo or gurgle using mostly vowel sounds
• Focus on objects farther away than 12 inches
• Raise their head off the floor or push up their torso while lying on their stomach

As your baby closes in on the halfway point of their first year, they are no longer a newborn. Their movements will have more purpose, and their vision and speech skills will grow. They’ll probably be able to:

• Smile at people
• Copy sounds they hear
• Use different cries to express different feelings (hunger, pain)
• Follow an object with their eyes
• Copy expressions on others’ faces
• Reach for toys with one hand
• Roll from tummy to back and maintain control of head
• Makes sounds back when you talk to them
• Pushes up on their elbows or forearms when on their tummy

At the halfway point of their first year, they should be able to:

• Realize when someone is unfamiliar
• Look at themselves with interest in the mirror
• Play with other people, especially their mom and dad
• Start stringing more than one sound together when they babble
• Respond to their name
• Bring objects to their mouth
• Reach for toys and grab them
• Pass a toy from one hand to another
• Laughs
• Closes lips when they don’t weant food

By 6 months, some babies can also:

• Roll over in both directions
• Start sitting without support
• Hold their weight on their legs when they stand
• Rock back and forth on hands and knees

Your baby gets steadier as they grow. From 7 to 9 months, some master sitting up on their own and using their hands to pick up and move things. Others even walk by 9 months. Babies usually have full color vision by 7 months.

Typically, at the end of 9 months, your baby may be able to:

• Cling to you when someone unfamiliar is around
• Prefer certain toys over others
• Understand the word “no”
• Recognizes their name
• Play games like peekaboo
• Reach for a toy that’s far away
• Put things in their mouth
• Shows several facial expressions to show emotion
• Makes a lot of different sounds such as “mamamama” of “babababa”
• Sit on their own
• Pull up to standing
• Stand while holding on to something
• Crawl
• Lifts arms to be picked up
• Looks for objects that they dropped like a toy or spoon.
• Bangs things together

As your baby approaches 1 year, they can explore more of the world than ever before. They have learned new ways to communicate with you and others, and is getting more mobile every day. They can likely:

• Bring you a toy to play with or a book to read
• Recognize when you’re leaving and get upset about it
• Get your attention with noises or movement
• “Help” dress themselves by putting arms and legs through clothes
• Use gestures to say things (“no” and “goodbye”)
• Say a few simple words like “Mama” or “uh-oh”
• Mimic words you say
• Find an object behind your back
• Clap their hands together and wave
• Point
• Follow simple directions
• Drink from a cup
• Use their thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects, including food that they put in their mouth

There’s a wide range of skills when it comes to sitting, crawling, and standing at this age. It’s normal for a 1-year-old not to walk, but some do. On average, most 1-year-olds can:

• Get into a sitting position alone
• Pull up to standing
• “Cruise” (move while holding on to furniture or other support)
• Stand alone
• Take a few steps

When it comes to reaching milestones, remember: Your baby is in charge. They’ll cross the goal line when they are good and ready. If you have concerns about how your child is developing, check with your pediatrician. Some of the changes you may see as each month goes by:

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what is it in simple words, benefits and harms for a child, where to listen for free

Problems with children’s sleep are familiar to almost all parents. Sometimes the child is difficult to put to sleep, then he wakes up every 20 minutes, or refuses to sleep in the crib. In fact, it takes a lot of work to get a newborn to sleep, but a baby can really be taught to go to bed at eight o’clock in the evening, fall asleep without a breast and sleep all night, 10-12 hours in a row.

But in this article we will talk about white noise, which can be a helper for parents trying to improve their child’s sleep. Let’s take a look at how white noise can help kids and adults, and how safe it is to use.

What is white noise for newborns

As adults, you yourself have probably fallen asleep to white noise more than once. For example, to the sounds of the road, when the window is open, or a fan running in the apartment. This is white noise – background sound, in which there are high, medium, and low frequencies, they are evenly distributed and sound at the same volume, without any drops. In our life, we encounter such noise all the time. This is the rumble of the crowd, the sound of rain, a waterfall, the murmur of a river, the sound of a working hair dryer, vacuum cleaner, air conditioner, crackling fire and others. But if such noise does not always have a calming effect on adults, and sometimes even vice versa – it interferes with falling asleep, then for a newborn, a monotonous sound is more familiar than silence, and helps him calm down.

The explanation is simple. All the time while the baby was in his mother’s stomach, he was not in absolute silence. He heard mother’s heart beating, how she breathes, how blood runs through her vessels, the noise of the intestines, as well as many sounds from outside: conversations, music, etc. All these sounds were constant and measured. The kid is used to such a background, so the silence in which the parents are trying to put the child to bed can scare him, especially at first. By the way, many mothers themselves imitate white noise when they rock the child, saying “shhhhhhh.” Also, often babies sleep well in a stroller for a walk – just under the white noise of the street.

Benefits of white noise for newborns

— Studies have been conducted on the safety of using white noise in newborns and infants. The effectiveness and safety of white noise has been proven not only in relation to a child’s sleep, but also in infantile colic as the main non-pharmacological method, says Tatyana Stetskaya, PhD, neurologist, member of the Russian Society of Somnologists . – White noise can work during a child’s daytime sleep and nighttime sleep, if you want to “mask” extraneous sounds. Its use is most effective in the first 12 weeks of the newborn, but studies have not revealed any age restrictions on its introduction. Simply put, if you haven’t introduced your child to white noise before six months, it’s never too late to try.

So, let’s take a look at the benefits of white noise for a newborn and his parents.

• Helps the child to calm down. If the baby cries for a long time, and the mother fails to calm him down either by motion sickness, or by breastfeeding, or in other ways, then turning on white noise can help. Perhaps you have noticed how the child suddenly calms down when he enters the bathroom, where water runs from the tap.
• Accelerates falling asleep. The sooner the excitement of the baby, obtained after a fun game or walk, goes away, the sooner he will fall asleep. This is where white noise can help.
• Improves the quality and depth of sleep. When using white noise, the newborn does not wake up every 20 minutes, which parents often complain about. The problem of fragmentation of sleep is being solved, it becomes longer, the baby sleeps better.
• Helps to mask extraneous sounds. This is especially familiar to parents who already have grown-up children, who often prevent the younger one from falling asleep with their games. Repairs at the neighbors, loud noises from the street or guests in the next room – all this also does not allow the newborn to fall asleep peacefully. Turning on white noise will mask these sounds and help solve the problem.
• Helps parents relax and unwind. With better quality white noise sleep, adults have more time for themselves to do household chores or just relax. In addition, parents themselves can fall asleep easier under such noise after a hard day.

Harm of white noise for newborns

Photo: pixabay.com

Some parents of babies fear that white noise can be addictive, form a clear association for sleep, and then the child will not be able to fall asleep without it. Or it can somehow affect the still immature nervous system of the baby.

— In fact, there is no need to be afraid of white noise, — says our expert Tatyana Stetskaya. – Conducted studies on the safety of using white noise have proven that it does not have a detrimental effect on the central nervous system, provided that the basic safety rules are observed: the sound volume should be no higher than 50 dB (this is approximately the level of a calm conversation between two adults – ed.), distance – not less than 1 meter from the baby’s crib.

There is one more nuance. Often, parents use the so-called sleepy toy as a source of white noise. They have been gaining popularity lately. The soft toy reproduces several types of white noise, turns off when the baby falls asleep, that is, lies motionless for a certain time, and turns on when the baby starts tossing and turning. Moreover, manufacturers say that you can use such an assistant to fall asleep from birth. But not all experts approve of such a gadget.

“Kids fall asleep really well to white noise, but I don’t see the point in these toys, may the manufacturers forgive me,” says Tatyana Stetskaya. – And it is simply not safe to use it from the first weeks of life. The American Academy of Pediatrics categorically does not recommend the presence of pillows, blankets, toys, and even bumpers in the crib of a newborn due to the risk of developing suffocation, sudden infant death syndrome. In addition, the source of white noise should be located at least a meter from the baby’s crib. And in my personal experience, the sound that such toys generate is not as effective as the sound of a real hair dryer or an audio program from a special application.

Reviews and opinions of specialists

Many parents leave positive feedback about white noise. They assure that the newborn really calms down, falls asleep faster, the duration of sleep can also be longer.

“I noticed the effect of white noise on the baby on the second day after returning from the hospital, although I didn’t know anything about it then,” says Irina Moiseeva. – My son cried a lot, and somehow I went into the bathroom with him, where the water tap was open. He suddenly began to listen and after a few seconds calmed down. At first I resorted to this method to calm him down, and then I read about white noise, downloaded the application, and used it constantly when laying down.

“I have two children,” says another mother, Svetlana Barkova. – When the youngest was born, the eldest was not yet three years old, and it was impossible to explain to the child that the youngest should be quiet during sleep. She made noise, played, constantly woke up her sister. White noise helped, I always turned it on when I put the child to bed. He drowned out the sounds from the next room and the baby quickly fell asleep.

White noise really works, but it’s worth remembering that it is only a helper for parents, and not a salvation from all sleep problems.

– In general, white noise really helps the child to calm down and fall asleep. But it is a mistake to think that this is a panacea, – says Tatyana Stetskaya. – Parents should understand that if the baby has poor sleep hygiene, there is an incorrect rhythm of the day, physical discomfort, pronounced associations for falling asleep in the form of rocking or feeding, systematic overwork and lack of sleep, white noise alone will not help. Comprehensive work on a child’s sleep is important.

Where can I download and listen to white noise

You can easily reproduce white noise at home by turning on a fan, hair dryer or shower. But this is not entirely convenient, especially since the time of its use is not 1-2 minutes, but much longer.

The easiest way is to download an app that plays white noise on your phone. There are many of them today, choose according to your taste, read the reviews of those who have already used the programs. The most popular today: applications “Bayu-bay” (this is the Russian version of Sound Sleeper), Baby Sleep Instant, White Noise, Relax Melodies. The advantage is that you can turn on white noise wherever you need, you don’t need the Internet for this, but only a charged phone.

There are also many sites on the Internet that offer to download or listen to white noise online. But, unfortunately, they are not always of high quality and meet all parameters. So be careful if you’re looking for white noise there. Pass by dubious sites that offer a lot of different content, it is better to stop at resources that are dedicated specifically to sleep problems. Before you turn on white noise for your baby, listen to it yourself, evaluate the quality.

Popular questions and answers

Consultant for breastfeeding, sleep and child care Liliya Khusainova answers questions about white noise .

What is the risk of excessive use of white noise for newborns?

Qualitative studies on this topic do not exist, we cannot speak with full confidence about either the harm or the benefits of white noise. The only recommendation that is scientifically proven is not to use noise louder than 50 dB.

There is definitely evidence that the use of white noise above 50 dB is harmful, anything lower is relatively safe. It is important that the device that makes the noise is not in close proximity to the child.

Until what age can white noise be used?

There are no clear age restrictions, but I want to note: the less the baby gets used to special conditions for falling asleep, be it white noise, absolute silence, blackout curtains or a spy toy, the easier it is to put him to bed in other conditions.

This allows parents to lead a more active lifestyle: they are not tied to a place to sleep, they can go out to people, go to visit, go to a cafe. If it is possible not to use white noise, it is better to do without it.

And this is possible if you understand the real needs of the child during falling asleep. In fact, white noise is a “crutch” that helps parents put the child to bed, switch his attention.

If your child is having trouble sleeping, they probably have unmet needs and white noise distracts from them. It is better to solve the original problem, find and satisfy the need, and not mask it.

Can adults use white noise for newborns?

Of course, you can use white noise for adults with the same volume restrictions. But for an adult to sleep well, white noise is not necessary, it is more important to observe sleep hygiene: go to bed at physiological time, put away gadgets an hour before bedtime, do not overeat before bedtime – these are more effective ways to combat insomnia.

Blood pressure in a child: norm and pathology

Speaking of high blood pressure, we usually imagine a middle-aged or elderly person with hypertension.

Speaking of high blood pressure, we usually imagine a middle-aged or elderly person with hypertension.

However, pressure problems can also occur in childhood. We are talking about this today with the neurologist of LLC “Expert Tula Clinic” Sycheva Anna Georgievna.

－ Anna Georgievna, first of all, I would like to know what is upper and lower blood pressure?

Upper pressure, called systolic in medical practice, is the pressure that occurs during the contraction phase of the heart muscle (systole). Lower, or diastolic, is the pressure that occurs during the relaxation phase of the heart muscle (diastole).

－ What are the age norms for blood pressure in children?

Like many indicators in the human body, systolic (upper) and diastolic (lower) pressure have their own minimum and maximum normal values. They are measured in millimeters of mercury (mm Hg).

For example, in newborns, the norm indicators are:

– minimum systolic – 60 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 40 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 90 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 50 mm Hg.

By the age of one month:

– minimum systolic – 80 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 40 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 96 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 60 mm Hg.

By year:

– minimum systolic – 90 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 50 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 112 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 74 mm Hg.

After a year and up to 10-12 years, normal pressure does not change significantly.

By the age of 10-12 there are such normal indicators:

– minimum systolic – 110 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 70 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 126 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 82 mm Hg.

At 13-15 years:

– minimum systolic – 110 mm Hg.

– minimum diastolic – 70 mm Hg.

– maximum systolic – 136 mm Hg.

– maximum diastolic – 86 mm Hg.

－ When can changes in blood pressure in children be considered normal, and when should a doctor be consulted?

It may vary depending on various factors. For example, in the morning, its indicators may be closer to the minimum normal (physiological) limits, and increase during the day depending on the level of physical activity, the presence of stress factors, overwork, etc. If the numbers are within the physiological limits, then everything is in order, but if not, this is a reason to consult a doctor.

－ Tell me, what can cause abnormal blood pressure in children?

If we talk about its decrease, which develops not due to blood loss (for example, with injuries and other acute serious conditions), then it can be observed during or after colds, with physical and mental overload, living in highlands ( is an adaptation to the environment), autonomic vascular disorders.

The reasons leading to high blood pressure in a child are much more numerous. There are whole groups of diseases in which arterial hypertension occurs. These are some pathologies of the cardiovascular, endocrine, nervous system, kidneys and adrenal glands.

The most common causes of hypertension in children are obesity, hormonal dysfunction during adolescence, and autonomic vascular disorders.

－ What are the symptoms of high and low blood pressure in children?

We will not consider signs of hypotension during blood loss. In other cases, among the main manifestations: headache, dizziness, increased fatigue, decreased performance.

Hypertension is no less common in children, especially in adolescence, but its symptoms (headache, dizziness, nausea), compared to adults, are mild. It is all the more important for parents to remember this, especially if there are predisposing factors or diagnosed diseases. Among them, for example, the load during sports, transitional adolescence, overweight, chronic diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, etc. Such children should measure the pressure even in the complete absence of complaints on their part.

－ Please tell me how to measure the pressure of a child?

Optimum conditions must be met for testing. First, the room must be quiet; secondly, it is better if the child sits steadily on a chair, his legs are not crossed. For children under two years of age, the procedure is performed lying down. And finally, the child’s hand should lie quietly on the table or side table, the cuff of the device should be at the level of the heart, the angle between the shoulder and forearm should be 90 degrees.

Children’s tonometer is used for measurement. Its cuff is superimposed on the region of the brachial artery, 2-3 cm above the elbow. The index finger of the hand should pass between the skin of the shoulder and the cuff. A phonendoscope is placed on the area of ​​the cubital fossa. After closing the valve of the device, air is pumped into the cuff until the pulse beats completely disappear in the phonendoscope and after that a little more (about 30 mm Hg). Then, by slightly opening the valve, the air is slowly released and the arrow of the device is monitored. The moment of the appearance of the first beat, the sound in the tonometer reflects the upper (systolic) pressure. Listening is performed until the sounds disappear completely – this moment shows the lower (diastolic) pressure.

Three full measurements are made, from which the measurement with the minimum values ​​is taken. An interval of at least 15 minutes is observed between measurements.

It is also permissible to use semi-automatic digital blood pressure monitors, where the upper and lower digits are fixed automatically by the device. In any case, before measuring the pressure of a child, you must carefully read the instructions for its use.

－ What problems does abnormal blood pressure indicate in children?

Low blood pressure in a child may, first of all, indicate excessive physical and/or mental stress, disruption of the daily routine, overwork.

If the pressure is elevated, this may indicate both some temporary changes (for example, restructuring of the hormonal and autonomic nervous system), and the presence of diseases that we talked about earlier.

Exceeding the normal range is always a reason to see a doctor, especially for hypertension.

－ Is exercise good for children with hypotension and hypertension?

Sports load – the concept is quite extensive and it is impossible to answer this question unambiguously. In general, there are no significant restrictions with hypotension, however, the load must be increased gradually and under the supervision of a specialist.

Hypertension is another matter. In case of diseases of the cardiovascular system, kidneys, sports are limited, however, the physiotherapy doctor, depending on the specific diagnosis, can choose the appropriate set of physical exercises for the child. With excess body weight, vegetative vascular disorders, a wider range of sports activities are allowed in puberty – for example, walking, running, cycling, football, basketball.