Baby & You Timeline

Your baby might have been born with blue eyes but that can change in the first 6 months of life

Some babies have a mild reaction to the vaccines. This can include a raised temperature for a short while and swelling or redness around the injection area. Don't worry too much but if it persists, do call your doctor.

Your baby's brain will reach 50% of its mature size by 6 months of age

Your baby's first immunisations are due shortly and it's only natural that you may be a little apprehensive. But remember that they are vital in order to protect your baby as their system moves from passive to active immunity.

Your baby can differentiate familiar voices from other sounds and is becoming a better listener

By now your baby should be sleeping longer at night than during the day. Infants respond well to familiar patterns of behaviour and following a bedtime routine will encourage your baby's sleeping habits to coincide more with yours.

Your baby's hands will soon be fascinating to them!

Sleep is vital for the health and wellbeing of both you and your baby. It's important that you prevent yourself from becoming exhausted, so the sooner you can establish a sleeping routine and get your baby sleeping through the night, the better.

A newborn's vision is usually 20/400 improving to 20/20 by the age of 2

If you haven’t already, now is a great time to introduce a bedtime routine. A consistent bedtime routine will help your baby become more settled in the evenings. The more relaxed your little one is the more likely they will go to bed without fuss and fall asleep.

Baby's muscles are strengthening and soon they will be able to grab firmly

Knowing that your babysitter is well equipped to deal with whatever happens will help you relax and enjoy your evening out. Ensure that you leave a checklist with your baby's carer to give them quick and easy access to all the information they may need; details of where you'll be at all times and contact numbers.

Get ready for laughter! Baby will soon laugh and giggle regularly

Don’t be too hard on yourself, take as much help as is offered and sleep when the baby sleeps. You have probably heard these words of wisdom before but they are worth listening to, especially if this is your first baby. Make the most of this precious time getting to know each other – it all goes too quickly.

Stronger arms, upper body and neck muscles mean baby may soon sit up, wriggle or roll around

Desperate for sleep? Try and work out a routine where you put your baby down for a nap at regular times during the day and get the chance to rest yourself, this will be a big hurdle crossed. Take it in turns with your partner to look after your baby on weekend mornings so one of you can get a lie in.

Look out for your baby's first tooth from about 4-6 months of age

Many mums find their iron stores run low when they have young babies so make sure you eat plenty of iron rich foods, such as red meat or dark, leafy green vegetables. Eating healthily will give you and your baby the energy you both need. And of course you can still have the odd treat!

Your baby's brain will treble in weight by their first birthday

You should aim to eat small but frequent meals or snacks every 2 to 3 hours. Do bear in mind that keeping meals healthy does not have to mean you need to spend hours in the kitchen preparing in advance.