Baby's Vision Development from Birth

Newborns cannot immediately see clearly as adults. In the first weeks of life, babies cannot see clearly at all and cannot distinguish colors. It takes several months for baby's vision to develop so the baby can see.

Impaired vision in the eyes of infants and toddlers can hinder the development of children, so the role of parents to realize visual disturbances as early as possible is very important. By understanding what the development of a baby's eyesight is like, you can recognize the potential for visual impairment in your child.

Development of baby's vision

Babies are born with imperfect vision. Babies need to learn to see along with age growth. Healthy, normal eyes are needed so babies can learn to use their eyes in their daily lives as they grow up. Vision problems in infancy and toddlers can cause delays in the development of a child's vision.

Newborn eyesight

At birth, babies only see black and white as well as variations in gray shadows because nerve cells in the retina that have not fully developed. Newborns do not yet have the ability to focus their vision on an object that is close, so don't worry if your baby is not focusing on you.

Despite these limitations, research shows that within a few days after birth, babies tend to recognize the face of the mother rather than the face of a stranger. This is associated with a striking difference between the hairline and the mother's face. If the mother changes her hairstyle or covers her hair with accessories, the baby cannot recognize her mother.

Development of vision in the first month

In the first month of life, babies are not too sensitive to light so you don't have to worry about turning on the lights when your child is asleep. Generally babies will not be disturbed.

In the first week, babies begin to have the ability to see colors, ranging from red, orange, yellow, and green. Whereas to see blue and purple, babies need longer because blue light has shorter wavelengths and fewer blue receptors in humans.

Vision development in 2-3 months

Baby's vision develops in the second and third months. Baby's vision becomes sharper and both eyes begin to work together to see more clearly. Your baby should be able to follow the movement of an object and try to reach for something he sees. Babies also learn to shift their eyes from one object to another without moving their head.

In addition, the baby becomes more sensitive to light so you don't forget to dim your child's room lights so he can sleep better.

At the age of 1-2 months, coordination of the baby's eyes is not maximal, so that if you sometimes see the eyes of a crossed child (strabismus). That is normal. However, if this happens too often, even consistently or the difference is large enough, it is advisable to immediately bring your child to the doctor.

Vision development in 4-6 months

At this stage, the baby experiences rapid development in the brain that regulates vision, so the baby can see sharper and move the eyeball faster and accurately when following an object. Baby's visual acuity develops from 20/400 at birth to 20/25 in the sixth month. Babies can see colors as adults.

Babies also begin to have better hand and eye coordination in the fourth to sixth month, so the baby can pick up an object or direct the milk bottle towards his mouth properly.

At 5 months of age, babies begin to recognize depth perception, where babies will begin to recognize the distance between an object and other objects. At this age babies begin to see in three dimensions.

Keep in mind, the age of 6 months is the right time to check your child's eyes to the doctor to see if there is a disturbance in eye acuity in children.

Vision development in 7-12 months

Your child can now crawl and start learning to coordinate vision with his body movements. Babies are better at determining distance and more accurate in taking and throwing objects.

At this time, you must pay extra attention to guarding your child from injury because he will begin to explore his environment.

The Importance of the First 1000 Days of Child Life

Have you ever heard of scaling up nutrition? Scaling up nutrition is a movement carried out by 57 countries in the world with the aim of eliminating various types of malnutrition, based on the principle that all people deserve good food and good nutrition. This movement is a joint movement of government, community institutions, United Nations, entrepreneurs, scientists, and various layers of society.

The focus of the scaling up nutrition movement is meeting the needs of the first 1000 days of life in order to reduce the number of malnutrition. At present, one in three children is malnourished. The impact of malnutrition that occurs in children will not only last during childhood but will continue to impact to adulthood. One of the effects of malnutrition that will continue to be carried by the child until the child becomes an adult is stunting or short. Stunting occurs when children are shorter than the average height of their age. Not only has an impact on the physical, stunting children are usually also associated with intelligence that is also lower when compared with their friends.

Why is reducing the number of malnutrition so important?

Reducing malnutrition can have a positive effect in various aspects. Malnourished children will tend to become mothers who are also malnourished and then give birth to malnourished children. This cycle will continue to occur as long as improvements in nutrition and health have not been carried out. Furthermore, malnourished children tend to get sick more easily and experience health problems in the future such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer. Not only is it beneficial in terms of health, some economists take into account the effects that will be caused if malnutrition in children is successfully eliminated, namely:

• Reducing child mortality is more than one third of the number of children who die per year.

• Increase revenue by 5-50%.

• Children who have good nutrition are 33% more likely not to experience poverty when compared to poorly nourished children

Some important aspects that are also the target of scaling up nutrition are driving exclusive breastfeeding and complementary foods that are good and correct, food fortification, supplementation of micronutrients such as iron, vitamins and minerals, and effective care for those who suffer from malnutrition and poor nutrition.

Why do we have to pay attention to the first 1000 days of a child's life?

One of the movements promoted by scaling up nutrition is fulfilling the needs of children during the first 1000 days of life. The first 1000 days of life are also referred to as the window of opportunity. Why does it have to be 1000 days? Because for 1000 days it was believed that children were in their golden age. Fulfillment of good nutrition during the first 1000 days of life will make a child's ability to grow and learn better.

The first 1000 days of life are calculated starting from the first day of conception and then embryos are formed until the child is 2 years old. Nutritional adequacy during pregnancy until the first years of a child's life plays a role in shaping brain function to help strengthen the immune system. It was also said that in the first 1000 days of life, it was determined how the future of the child would be

The results of the examination of the intelligence development score of children at 22 months can be used as an accurate indicator to predict how the child's academic abilities at the age of 26 years. In addition, when the baby is born, only 25% of the brain is developed. However, when he reached the age of 3 years this brain development has increased by 80%. The rapid growth of children during the first 1000 days of life must be supported by the fulfillment of proper nutrition.

What you can do to maximize the first 1000 days of life

During pregnancy

• To prevent child growth disorders, fulfill your nutritional needs since becoming pregnant. For example, during the first trimester of pregnancy, pregnant women need an additional calorie of around 180 kcal, 20 grams of added protein, 6 grams of fat, and 25 grams of carbohydrates. In the second and third trimesters you need an additional 300 kcal of calories, an additional protein of up to 20 grams, 10 grams of fat, and 40 grams of carbohydrates.

• Consuming blood tablets at least 90 tablets during pregnancy. Anemia in pregnant women is more dangerous than ordinary anemia because it can cause premature babies and other complications during childbirth.

• Routine check-up with the obstetrician or midwife so that it can be treated immediately if a pregnancy problem is detected.

When a baby is born until 6 months old

• Mothers are advised to carry out a birthing process in a midwife or a trained doctor who already knows the birth procedure and how to deal with complications that might arise during the birth process.

• Immediately after birth it is recommended to carry out an Early Breastfeeding Initiation.

The Importance of Normal Weight in Newborns

When the baby is born, the thing that is usually asked first is the weight. If the weight is in the normal range, surely the mother and family will be happy. The newborn's weight can be a benchmark for the health of the baby later.

Yes, many studies have proven that low birth weight babies are at risk of developing various diseases later on. In fact, low weight causes 60-80% of the world's newborn deaths, according to WHO data

How much weight is a normal baby?

Birth weight (BBL) is your baby's first weight measured after the baby is born. Birth weight is said to be normal, it can be in the range 2500-4000 grams, in babies born quite old (gestational age 37-40 weeks).

In contrast to premature babies, where the baby is born at a gestational age of less than 37 weeks, which usually has a birth weight of less than 2500 grams. So that premature babies are more at risk of having low birth weight (LBW). Babies born around the date they are supposed to be born tend to have a greater weight than babies born earlier.

What is the risk of a baby who weighs less than or more than normal?

The baby's weight is said to be low if it is less than 2500 grams (LBW), and it is said that the weight of a large baby is more than 4000 grams (large baby).

LBW babies

Newborns who have low body weight can increase the risk of future health problems in their lives. A low-weight baby can experience nutritional problems and development early in life, and if he cannot correct his problem in the early years of his life, it can increase the risk of health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease , because the food intake he consumes is not in accordance with his body's needs.

So, health problems in infants with low birth weight may be avoided by improving nutrition at the beginning of their lives, so that babies can catch up. In addition, the problems faced by infants with LBW also depend on what causes them to become LBW, during the pregnancy stage where the baby experiences limitations to grow in the womb, and how severe the LBW level is. The smaller the baby's birth weight and the faster the baby is born, the greater the risk of the baby experiencing health problems.

Big baby

Large babies can be caused by the size of parents who are also large (genetic) and increased maternal weight during excessive pregnancy. In addition, it can also be caused because the mother has diabetes during pregnancy. Diabetes during pregnancy, also known as gestational diabetes, causes maternal blood glucose to flow to the baby to increase, so the baby's body produces more insulin. Excess blood sugar and insulin production can cause babies to grow bigger and more baby fat reserves, so that the weight of a baby can reach more than 4000 grams.

This large baby can make it difficult for the mother during childbirth, and she may have to take a caesarean section for her birth. In addition, large babies caused by gestational diabetes can cause babies to experience problems with regulating glucose in their bodies, for example babies can experience hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) after the baby is born. Large babies can also experience difficulty breathing, jaundice, and increase the risk of birth defects.

What affects the baby's birth weight?

There are many factors that can affect a baby's birth weight, namely:

• Parent's body size. The large and tall body size of a parent can have a baby with a larger size than the average baby, while a short and small parent may have a baby who is also smaller than an average baby.

• Twins. Twins or more babies are usually born with a smaller size than other babies. This happens because they have to share space to grow in the womb, but also usually twins prematurely born.

• Maternal health during pregnancy. Pregnant women with high blood pressure or heart problems, or mothers who smoke, drink alcohol, and drugs during pregnancy tend to give birth to babies with low weight. While pregnant women who suffer from diabetes or obesity during pregnancy tend to give birth to babies with greater weight. Therefore, you should check your health condition regularly during pregnancy.

• Nutrition during pregnancy. Of course you already know that good nutrition during pregnancy is very influential on the growth and development of babies during the womb. Poor nutrition during pregnancy can affect the baby's birth weight and subsequent baby growth. Meanwhile, if the mother has gained too much weight during pregnancy, the risk of the baby being born with more weight.

Are Pacifiers Good for Babies?

Often we see babies sucking their pacifiers. Somehow some babies love to flip, even though there is no intake of anything they get from the pacifier. But, when tapping, babies can get peace. Most babies do have a strong sucking reflex, so they like to suck their thumbs or also suck on the pacifier. However, is giving baby pacifiers harmless?

What are the benefits of pacifiers for babies?

Some babies like to cheat for various reasons. One of them is because the pacifier can give it satisfaction after breastfeeding. Some babies are still fussy after breastfeeding even though they are full, but they usually calm down after being given a pacifier. So, some mothers choose to give pacifiers to their babies.

In addition to satisfaction, some babies also get calm when tapping. For example, when the baby is fussy or when the baby is afraid of something (when injected or taking blood, for example). The pacifier can be something that can shift the baby's focus, making it calmer.

The pacifier can also help the baby fall asleep. And, one more thing that might be surprising is that pacifiers can help reduce the risk of SIDS (sudden death syndrome in infants). Some studies have shown that babies who are sleeping at night and napping have a lower risk of SIDS. This study does not show that pacifiers can prevent SIDS, but there is a strong relationship between squeezing and a lower risk of SIDS.

However, you should consider carefully when you should be able to give a pacifier to your baby. False, maybe the pacifier can have a bad impact on your baby's habits.

What is the risk of breastfeeding for babies?

Certainly, it can become a habit that is difficult to release. The introduction of pacifiers that are too early in the baby can make her breastfeeding activities disrupted. Research shows that giving pacifiers too early is associated with a decrease in exclusive breastfeeding and the duration of breastfeeding. It is feared, if the baby has received a pacifier before he is accustomed to a good pattern of breastfeeding, the baby will choose a pacifier rather than suckling in the mother's breast.

In addition, tapping can also increase the risk of ear infections in infants. However, for babies up to 6 months of age, the risk of experiencing this infection seems to be the lowest. Therefore, so that the risk of ear infections does not increase, you should try to stop the baby's habit of slowly slowing when he is more than 6 months old. After all, at this age babies can be introduced to solid foods, which may help reduce the baby's eating habits.

If the pacifier is used in the long term, the eating habits can also cause tooth decay. The use of pacifiers during the first few years of life may not cause dental problems. However, if too long this habit is maintained for years, it can cause the teeth to not grow properly. However, said Evelina W. Sterling, PhD, MPH, an assistant author of Your Child's Teeth: A Complete Guide for Parents, "Teething problems can usually be fixed on their own within 6 months of stopping, before the age of 2 years," such as reported by WebMd. So, it can be concluded that it is best to continue the process after the child is 1.5 years old so that the child's teeth are not problematic.

Babies who are already very accustomed to pacifiers, may also be easily fussy if the time is pressed (when the pacifier is released from the baby's mouth or the pacifier falls, for example). If this happens often, maybe the mother will be more troublesome. Instead of a pacifier can give peace to the baby, it can actually make the baby not calm if not mengempeng.

At what age should the baby be given a pacifier?

If you are breastfeeding, you should wait until the baby can suckle well, your milk supply is sufficient, and the milk comes out smoothly before giving the baby a pacifier. Babies can distinguish between the sucking of the pacifier and the mother's breast, so that the pacifier can interfere with the baby's interest in breastfeeding in the mother's breast.

You can start giving pacifiers when the baby is at least 3-4 weeks old. If your baby suckles well, gains weight, and has a regular breastfeeding pattern, maybe you can give the baby a pacifier early. What you should pay attention to is that you should give the baby a pacifier after the baby is full of breast milk, so the baby has all the nutrients he needs.

If your baby has a weight problem, you should not give your baby a pacifier. Also, you should not give your baby a pacifier if the baby has difficulty feeding or if you have a small amount of breast milk (milk is not smooth).

Apparently, Newborns Have Not Have Their Own Immune System

The body is designed not to be susceptible to disease because each individual has an immune system. The immune system aka the immune system is a system that works to protect the body from various things that can cause the body to experience pain. But what about the body system that children have? Why are children more susceptible to disease? Or do they have a weak immune system?

What are the components of the human immune system?

The human immune system is a defense system that is formed to prevent humans from getting sick. The immune system will produce antibodies, white blood cells, and various substances that can destroy foreign substances such as bacteria and viruses. Not only that, the immune system also consists of:

• Tonsils (tonsils) and thymus that function to make antibodies in the body.

• Lymph nodes, which are responsible for the circulation of lymph fluid which consists of white blood cells that function to protect the body from infection.

• Bone marrow, is a soft tissue found in long bones, such as the arms, legs, spine, and pelvic bones. This network functions to produce red blood cells, platelets, yellow marrow, and several types of white blood cells.

• The spleen, which is an organ in the body whose job is to filter and destroy red blood cells and platelets that are old or damaged, and help the immune system to destroy various foreign substances that can cause inflammation in the body.

• White blood cells, which are blood cells formed in soft bone tissue that have the main function to protect the body from infection.

• Newborn antibodies come from their mothers

Actually a newborn cannot directly produce its own immune system. So, all the components of the immune system in the newborn are obtained from the mother.

When pregnancy is old and approaches birth, the mother's immune system will be transferred to the fetus through blood vessels and placenta. The component of the immune system that the mother gives to the fetus is Immunoglobulin G (IgG). Immunoglobulin is a type of antibody formed by the body to fight poisons, bacteria, viruses, and other foreign substances. Whereas among the various types of immunoglobulins, only IgG can cross the placenta and is the smallest antibody formed by the body but the most amount.

At least 75 to 80 percent of IgG from total antibodies is formed. Therefore, babies born prematurely are very susceptible to various diseases because they do not get enough antibodies from the mother.

IgG is considered very important to keep the fetus in the womb from getting infected and various complications that could endanger their health. This condition is called passive immunity, because antibodies are produced from the mother and then given to the child through various processes.

After birth, the baby must get exclusive milk from the mother, because breast milk contains complete antibodies, namely, immunoglobulin A, immunoglobulin D, immunoglobulin E, immunoglobulin G, and immunoglobulin M.

Therefore, breast milk is considered the most perfect food for babies because in addition to being very easily digested, it is also able to protect babies who are vulnerable to various types of infectious diseases. In addition, breast milk which first comes out shortly after the mother gives birth or is often called yellow colostrum contains a lot of antibodies that are enough to protect the baby at birth.

How long can maternal antibodies survive in the baby's body? When does the baby produce its own immune system?

In healthy babies, with increasing age, babies will naturally form their own antibodies. Antibodies that are successfully received by babies from mothers through breast milk over time will decrease. When babies are 2 to 3 months old, babies have begun to build up the immune system and produce their own antibodies. After the baby enters the age of 6 months, the body's immune system can work normally, like the immune system in adults.

Giving immunization to children under five is also very important to do because it can increase and strengthen the immune system of those who have just been formed. Basic immunization is needed by newborns, which consists of bacillus calmette guerin (BCG), diphtheria pertussis tetanus-hepatitis b (DPT-HB) or diphtheria pertussis tetanus-hepatitis b-hemophilus influenza type b (DPT-HB-Hib), hepatitis B in newborns, polio and measles. Then there is continued immunization which is a repeat immunization to prolong protection from disease.

Baby Massage: Benefits and How to Do It

Baby massage is one trend that is quite popular with new parents lately. You can even take your baby to a spa center or baby massage that is now spreading everywhere. However, experts recommend that the baby's father or mother should massage the baby instead of taking him for a massage at the baby spa. New parents are generally hesitant to massage their own babies for fear of massaging or hurting the baby. No need to worry, baby massage techniques are basically very simple and can be done alone at home.

Benefits of baby massage

Baby massage turns out to offer various benefits for both babies and parents. In addition to helping babies to be more relaxed and comfortable, baby massage can also bring you and your baby closer. See the full explanation below.

Sleep better

Has your baby ever been crying, but your baby's crying subsides immediately after being carried? Parental touch can indeed make the baby feel safer and relaxed. So, by massaging your baby, it will be calmer and sleep at night even more soundly. Baby massage will stimulate the baby's central nervous system so that his brain produces serotonin, a substance that can make your baby feel better.

Form stronger inner bonds

A loving touch in the movement that beritme is a form of positive communication between parents and babies. You can also massage while taking your baby to talk slowly in a soothing tone. Babies will also learn to trust your touch and direction. For new parents who are still nervous or anxious about facing a baby, baby massage is a powerful way to restore self-confidence and positive thoughts.

Tips for preparing a baby spa at home

Wait for the baby over 2 weeks before massaging the baby to avoid the risk of irritation or allergies to baby oil. We recommend that baby oil is not directly applied to the baby's body, but first pour it in the palm of the hand and rub it until it feels warm. You can massage your baby when his mood is good and his body is healthy.

Prepare a massage pad in the form of a towel, soft cloth, or baby diaper pad. In order for the baby to relax, you can close the curtains or dim a little room light so that the light is not too dazzling for the baby. Also make sure that the room temperature is warm enough because you have to take off the blankets and baby clothes during the massage. Baby massage will usually not take more than 15 minutes.

Watch your baby's reaction to the massage. Your baby will cry or whine if you feel uncomfortable. You can stop the massage if your baby does not like the sensation. It could be because your hand or baby oil feels cold on his skin or because he doesn't like to lie still for long.

Safe technique for baby massage

When massaging a baby, you can rely on feeling or about the size of the pressure your baby likes. Basically, baby massage does not require pressure because the nerves and muscles are still very sensitive. You only need to stroke or rub the baby with a sure but gentle motion. Please directly check the baby massage technique below.

1. Feet

Start from your baby's feet. Very soft, sequential thighs to your baby's ankles. Repeat on the other leg. After that, lift the soles of the feet and with similar movements, massage the soles of the feet from heel to fingertips. With your thumb, make a circular motion on your baby's heel slowly. Repeat also on the other leg.

2. Hands

Sort the baby's arm from the armpit to the wrist slowly. Then gently, hold the baby's hand as if to shake hands. Turn his wrist clockwise, followed by a counterclockwise rotation. Repeat the two movements in the other hand. Then, with both of your thumbs, make a circular motion on the right and left sides of your baby's palm. Do the same movement in the other palm.

3. Chest

Lay your baby on his back and make sure your palms are warm enough, not too cold or hot on the baby's skin. Place your palms on the baby's chest and make circular motions outward. Alternate by putting your palm back on his chest. Repeat this movement several times.

4. Back

Lay your baby in a prone position. You can lean your head on a thick blanket or a pillow that isn't too high so that the little one feels comfortable. Make sure that your baby's hand is on the side of his head, not on the side of his body. Your position should be next to the baby, not in front or behind it. With the tips of your fingers, trace the back from the point below the neck to the back of the waist. After that, place the palms of your hands on the baby's back and pull them to the ends of his feet.

Get to Know the Baby's Fart and Its Causes

All mothers want their babies to be healthy. Every change that is shown by the baby, surely the mother can find it. However, sometimes these changes actually make the mother worry about the baby's condition. One of them is the baby's fart smell that changes as usual, more foul. Maybe this is influenced by the food that babies eat. However, can this be a sign related to baby's health?

Get to know the baby's fart and its causes

Farting is a sign that the baby's stomach is full of gas, and this is normal. Gas can be caused by food entering the baby's body or when the baby is eating (gas-containing air can enter through the baby's mouth). So, farting babies does not always mean he has a stomach ache or is having a problem with his digestive system.

Some of the causes of baby fart are:

1. The digestive tract is immature

The baby's digestive tract is not fully mature and is still developing. This causes the baby to fart. Fart can be a result of digesting lactose, nutrients, and protein from food. As the baby's digestive system develops better, baby's fart may decrease in frequency.

2. Gas-containing foods

The food that babies eat can also cause babies to fart. Just like adults, eating lots of nuts or vegetables that produce gas can cause farting. Babies who are still breastfed can get this impact from the food you eat. Mothers who eat lots of oranges and dairy products can also cause baby's stomach to bloate and cause farting.

3. Swallow air

When eating or breastfeeding, the baby also swallows air. This gas-containing air then builds up in the baby's body and is released from the body through farting. Babies who suckle using milk bottles can also swallow more air.

4. Just start solid food

Newborns that are first introduced to solid foods may also experience farting more often. The baby's digestive system takes time to get used to digesting solid foods. This might cause digestive problems in the baby and the baby's stomach gums.

5. Frequent crying

Babies who often cry cause more air to enter the baby's body. This causes more gas to accumulate in the baby's digestive tract, causing farting.

Why does the smell of baby fart vary?

Many types of baby farts, you as a parent must recognize whether your baby's fart smell is normal or not. Sometimes when a baby farts, the baby's fart does not produce any smell and sometimes the baby's fart smells very bad. This may be related to food that babies eat.

However, if you don't find a connection between baby food and its fart smell, the baby may have an infection in his stomach. Moreover, if the baby fart more often than usual, this may be a sign that the baby is experiencing digestive problems.

The smell of baby fart is produced by the content of various gases contained in the baby's fart. Most of the gas contained in baby farts is carbon dioxide gas. In addition, baby farts also contain hydrogen, methane, nitrogen and oxygen. Nitrogen and oxygen gas can enter the baby's body when the baby swallows food, when the air is swallowed by the baby. This gas then mixes with hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and methane along the digestive tract. Baby farts also contain small amounts of sulfur gas, but this gas causes fart to smell. The smell of sulfur gas is almost the same as the smell of rotten eggs.

The following are types of baby fart based on the smell and the cause.

Baby fart does not smell

This baby fart is caused by gas that builds up in the baby's stomach because of the air swallowed by the baby (when eating or crying, for example) and the result of breaking down food in the baby's digestive system. Because of this, baby farts usually don't smell and this is normal. You can only hear the sound but can't smell the fart.

Baby farts emit mild odors (like sulfur)

This fart odor is usually caused by foods containing sulfur that babies eat. These foods, such as nuts and vegetables, especially broccoli and cauliflower. This food may not be eaten directly by the baby, but it enters the baby's body through breast milk. So, this also depends on the food you eat (if the baby is still breastmilk). This mild fart smell is also normal and can disappear quickly.

The baby's fart smell is strong, like sulfur

This fart odor is also caused by food that enters the baby's body, from food that the baby directly eats or through breast milk. Vegetables eaten by babies can produce gas after digestion, especially those that contain lots of fiber and starch.