Congratulations on the arrival of your little warrior, parents, even if it is sooner than expected!
Always remember that there is a whole team of professionals behind you every step of the way. Here is some information regarding your baby’s neurodevelopment to help you with the transition from the NICU into your home:
- Signs of over-stimulation
When he/she gets over-stimulated or ‘stressed’, they warn us by showing specific ‘stress signals’. These are:
- Irritability / fussiness
- Gaze-aversion or gaze-looking (avoiding eye contact, staring into distance)
- Finger-splaying
- Squirming, appearing to ‘sit on air’
- Back and neck arching
- Tongue thrusting
- Grimacing, frowning, grunting
- Yawning, sneezing , hiccups (without other cause)
2. How to support your little warrior’s development
Tummy time refers to the time that your baby spends on his/her tummy. Most babies do not like this position as it requires them to work hard and exercise muscles that are not yet strong. Tummy time leads to the practice of new motor skills like lifting his/her head, use arms and back muscles for postural support.
This is a vital part of development and to assist your little one with tummy time, implement a variety of positions and make it a special bonding experience for both of you.
3. Milestones
These are guidelines to track your little warrior’s development. Always remember to adjust for prematurity. For more milestone information follow the link below to Pathways.org
Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
We are here to support you and your little warrior!
All the best at Home!