Parenthood is a beautiful yet challenging journey. As new parents, it’s natural to wonder about the best ways to ensure your infant’s health and development. With so much conflicting information out there, it can be overwhelming to navigate this path.
In this condensed blog post, we will explore the four essential developmental tasks that infants aged 4 months and under should master. These tasks serve as the foundation for your baby’s growth and well-being.
Infant Development Demystified
The River City Wellness team understands first few months of a baby’s life are filled with incredible transformations. However, issues like colic, constipation, and reflux can cause sleepless nights and leave you wondering if these struggles are normal. While every baby is unique and develops at their own pace, understanding typical behaviors and milestones can provide parents with the confidence to seek help or stay the course.
The Four Pillars of Infant Development
There are four cornerstones that form the basis of infant development: Eat, Sleep, Poop, and Motor Function. By mastering these pillars, you can make a significant difference in your baby’s well-being. Here’s what each cornerstone should look like:
Eat (Breastfeeding or Bottle Feeding)
- Comfortable and easy latch during feeding.
- Strong suck without biting or excessive air intake.
- Controlled and effortless swallowing.
- Minimal or comfortable spitting up after feeding.
Sleep
- Ability to self-soothe and sleep soundly.
- Comfort in various sleeping positions.
- Development of a sleep-wake cycle.
- Longer stretches of uninterrupted sleep.
Poop
- Efficient food digestion.
- Regular and frequent bowel movements.
- Minimal strain or discomfort.
Motor/Foundation Movements
- Steady head and neck control.
- Tracking objects with visual attention.
- Engaging with hands and bringing them to the mouth.
- Comfort and participation in tummy time and interaction with toys and people.
Signs of Developmental Challenges
If your baby faces challenges in any of these areas, you may notice:
- Stiffening, arching, discomfort, and excessive crying.
- Difficulty maintaining head elevation during tummy time.
- Premature attempts to stand with a stiff posture.
- Persistent sleep, digestion, or immune problems.
- Excessive crying, reduced eye contact, and diminished interaction.
Birth Trauma and its Impact
Birth trauma is often a significant contributor to difficulties in eating, sleeping, pooping, or movement. Factors like the baby’s position during pregnancy, the duration of the birth process, or medical interventions can exert physical tension on delicate brainstem tissues. This can affect the autonomic nervous system, motor function, immune health, and digestion.
The Role of Chiropractic Care
Neurologically-Focused Pediatric Chiropractors specialize in helping infants who have experienced birth trauma and may be struggling with various issues. Signs like colic, reflux, constipation, and difficulty sleeping or eating indicate involvement of the nervous system. By optimizing your baby’s nervous system function, chiropractic adjustments can support healthy development.
Seek Support Now
Don’t wait for your baby to “grow out of it.” Reach out for help. Remember, your infant’s development is a journey, and with the right support, you can navigate it with confidence and clarity.
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