I'm subscribed to an e-mail list that sends me updates on what milestones my baby should be hitting as he develops, as well as health tips and other interesting and useful tidbits. What drives me crazy, or makes me paranoid, is that it's designed for full term babies so I'm always thinking that he's so far behind where he should be (though of course I know chronologically he's really 4 weeks behind because of his premature birth).
He ISn't rolling over yet (and doesn't seem to be even close to it). He ISn't doing baby push ups yet. He just barely started reaching for (more like batting at) dangling toys. He ISn't sleeping through the night (or more than 4 hours at a time). He still eats every 2 hours during the day. But he's just about the size of a full term 3 month old.
I don't focus on what he SHOULD be doing according to "the experts", but rather, I am in awe of what he DOES do. Though it still throws me off when I get an e-mail saying something like "At 4 months your baby should be running his own publishing business and learning the fine art of French Indonesian cooking," (or something like that) when Elliot can't even read yet and doesn't know where Indonesia is on the map.
Um, I don't know any babies who slept through the night at 3 or 4 months. Actually I know one, and he stopped at six months and only now, at 17 months is doing it again.
ReplyDeleteI used to get those emails too. I deleted them without reading, then discontinued them. They will just make you crazy. Oh, and if they are from Baby Center, they are just plain wrong. All of their babies are ginormous and super advanced, and not realistic.
You are right on! Think of the difference between how he was in August when we visited and now. It IS awesome! "Normal" varies hugely. From photos you've posted, he's right on target! He centers his head when on his back and front. I recall that in August he was a bit of an "extender". It doesn't surprise me then that arm swiping isn't precocious. It will come soon enough! With tummy-time he's beginning to bear weight through each arm in "low puppy" position (I saw right elbow and left forearm). I can't tell if his prone head control is sufficient for head turning to look at something to the side, but I would expect that soon: a 4-5 month skill that's fun to watch emerge. At Christmas, I'll bring you a copy of the AIMS (Alberta Infant Motor Scale) scoresheet with images and ranges of normal motor development.
ReplyDelete~Elaine
What, he's not preparing some four-course meal based on breast milk that meets Michelin standards? What is wrong with Elliot???
ReplyDeleteJUST KIDDING!!
I totally agree with you and Keren about ignoring those annoying messages about what baby "should" be doing. Elliot is healthy and happy. That is what matters. He WILL roll over and do all those baby things WHEN HE IS READY.
Just ignore it, know that you are doing a great job giving Elliot exactly what he needs, he's just fine and you will be too.
Some of those so-called advice centers are full of their ideas of what is necessary and what isn't (like do we really need to buy so much crap? No! And, it is just fine to cuddle and fall asleep with your baby so long as the area is safe AND it is what you both want to do). Follow your intuition. YOU are THE MOMMY and Elliot is your baby, you know his better than anyone!!!!