Should a healthy baby gain steadily in weight during the first year?  He usually does, but not regularly in every week during the year.  There are periods when most infants do not gain any weight.  This is most often seen from the seventh to the tenth month and frequently occurs when the child is teething and sometimes in the very hot weather.

Is gaining regularly in weight a sure sign that the child is thriving normally?  Not always, some infants’ foods produce weight, but not strength nor development in other respects.

Can the regular gaining in weight guide us as much in the second year?  The gain after the first year is not so continuous; interruptions occur during change of seasons, sometimes without any apparent cause.

How soon should a child hold its head up?  During the fourth, and sometimes in the third month, as a rule.  If the body is supported the head can be held erect.

How early does a baby notice things?  During the second month he shows pleasure by smiling and will turn his head in the direction of a sound.  They should be kept quiet, or their sleep will be broken.

What will it do at three months?  It will recognize its nurse or mother, and will smile and “coo” when she approaches, and now for the first time the tear glands become active and the baby cries with tears.  At this age when taken out he should lie out straight in a heavy folded blanket, or hair pillow, having a small thin pillow under his head; a hot water bag should be near his feet; a light woolen blanket or afghan should be put into the carriage and the baby placed upon it, then it should be carefully wrapped around him and the outer carriage robe tucked in.  These wraps should be modified according to the weather.  Babies should not perspire much for they will take cold readily; so the covering should not be too heavy.

[560 Mothers’ remedies]

When does the baby laugh aloud?  From the third to the fifth month.

When does it first notice toys, etc.?  From the fifth to the seventh month.  At four months he is able to hold his head without support.  He begins to use his hands better.  He will often grasp an attractive object; he will throw it on the floor and expect it to be picked up for him.  And also frequently shows signs of fear at the end of the fourth month, and strangers will scare him.  He can now be played with for a little time every day, but never before bedtime.  The best time is after the morning nap.  Do not toss him about, but be gentle with him or you will make him nervous and sleepless at night.