7 Common Baby Behaviors during the First Months of Life

7 Common Baby Behaviors during the First Months of Life

Last update: 13 April, 2018

During the first months of your little one’s life, you’ll see common baby behaviors that will produce unique and unforgettable feelings.

Welcoming your newborn baby into your home after giving birth is one of the most special and beautiful moments for every mother.

A baby’s evolution

In the first few months, the baby’s evolution is truly remarkable.

Since birth, babies experience a period of continuous growth and development. This is a time of many discoveries both for the parents and for the newborn.

The first few months are a time when the baby goes through physical, social, emotional and intellectual development.

During this process, the baby’s behavior can leave us with a few concerns and questions.

That’s why we’ll share with you 7 common baby behaviors that you’ll surely identify with.

7 common baby behaviors during the first months of life

1. Deep sleep

During the first days after birth, they’ll go through periods of deep sleep, both in the morning and at night.

In fact, during the first few days they can sleep for up to 20 hours a day. They wake up only when they’re hungry and need to eat.

“Sleep represents a source of essential growth for newborns”

Sleeping is one of the most important routines for their health. It allows them to properly develop the rest of their abilities.

2. Smiling while sleeping

While sleeping the baby might express an unintentional smile.

Keep in mind that the little one isn’t conscious of the act. This smile is popularly known as the smile of angels.

7 Common Baby Behaviors during the First Months of Life

3. Shouts or vocalizations (0 to 3 months)

During the first weeks, the baby may express anger, frustration, hunger, pain and pleasure through shouts and tears.

Trying to understand what the baby’s crying means during the first few months is not an easy task. However, their requests are never made in vain.

During the first few months they’ll start to respond to the sound of your voice with vocalizations and gurgles.

4. The crying baby

The baby cries frequently during the first few months. Crying is their only form of communication.

Their tears can be translated as hunger or discomfort. But as we previously stated, it’s not very easy to interpret.

Many parents feel helpless when confronted with this type of crying. That’s why it’s important to remember not to panic.

Try to reassure the baby by taking them up in your arms and don’t systematically associate their crying with suffering.

5. They put things in their mouths

The baby will try to explore the world though putting objects that they grasp into their mouth. They have an appetite for exploration that can be dangerous at times.

That’s why you should make sure you keep your baby away from any small objects they could accidentally swallow.

7 Common Baby Behaviors during the First Months of Life

6. The baby’s anger

Sometimes the baby can show their discomfort or fatigue through anger. There is no need to worry when they have tantrums every now and then.

Their irritability can be a sign of physical discomfort that has to be treated. If you notice a sudden change in their behavior, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor.

7. The use of body language (4 to 7 months)

As the baby reaches the age of 4 months, they start to exhibit greater control of their body.

Their vision improves and they show great interest for toys. Toys can be a gold mine for motor and intellectual stimulation.

During their sixth month of life, their hands and arms are a bit more mobile and the baby starts to use signs to communicate.

They may even try to sit or turn around on their own. This indicates the development of strength, balance and coordination.

During the first months after birth, touching and looking are their main forms of communication.

As they grow older they’ll exhibit different behaviors that will also be signs of their development.


This text is provided for informational purposes only and does not replace consultation with a professional. If in doubt, consult your specialist.