$Unique_ID{PAR00201}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Birth to 6 Months:  Introduction}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{
Editors of Consumer Guide
Mendelson, Robert A
Mendelson, Lottie M
Meyerhoff, Michael K
Ames, Louise Bates}
$Subject{Birth to 6 Months Introduction Introductions}
$Log{}

The New Parents' Question & Answer Book


Birth to 6 Months:  Introduction


     The first six months of life can be described as an "orientation" period
for you and your baby.  After making the transition from womb to outside
world, your baby will gradually discover his various body parts and become
familiar with their basic movements.  He will become adept at using his senses
to absorb information from his immediate surroundings.  And he will get
well-acquainted with the people who care for him.  Meanwhile, you will become
accustomed to his presence, confident in your ability to make him comfortable
and meet his basic needs, and familiar with his characteristics and
idiosyncrasies.  In general, this will be a relatively easy time for you and
your baby.  Of course, you will need to make a number of adjustments in your
lifestyle.  You are likely to experience some anxious moments.  And you will
probably suffer from fatigue occasionally.  Still, as long as your baby is
healthy and you behave in a naturally concerned and caring manner, chances are
he will make optimal progress at this point.  In terms of your baby's
development, there will be relatively little at risk.  With regard to your
nurturing role, it will be extremely difficult for you to make major mistakes.
The most important thing is that your baby fall in love with you and that you
fall in love with him--and that will probably happen with virtually no thought
or effort at all.