My mother-in-law gifted me the "Baby Development Encyclopedia" which covers growth and development from ages 0-5 at home, complete with developmental play and tests. It's authored by Kim Soo-Yeon. It's the book she recently bought for me, saying I should give it a read. While I'm not someone who usually reads books, the sheer thickness of this one took me by surprise - approximately 400 pages including the appendix! 😱
Despite the daunting size, I'm diligently making my way through it, trusting that it will benefit me in some way. I've managed to read about a quarter or maybe a third of it. (Please save me, mother-in-law...😅). Thankfully, the chapters are divided by the baby's age in months, which helps me focus on the essentials before our baby arrives.
The chapters include:
1. Birth to 3 months of baby development.
2. 4 to 6 months.
3. 7 to 10 months.
4. 11 to 16 months.
5. 17 to 24 months.
6. 25 to 36 months.
7. 37 to 60 months.
Thinking of my baby, I've cleared the first chapter! 😆
The detailed categories include:
- Vision Development: It's mentioned that babies focus better on contrasting colors. Thus, clothes, baby room curtains, etc., should preferably have colors rather than just white. This explains why the mobile I once saw in red should actually be made with black and white patterns.
- Hearing Development: A baby's eyes and head will turn towards a sound made about 20cm away from their ears. By the first month, it's recommended to test if the baby can hear well.
I was told by my mother-in-law that I shouldn't lay the baby down too often, but the book suggests otherwise for certain exercises. I'm following the book's advice for now. 😅
Now, I won't go into too much detail, lest this post becomes too long. But I've learned so much already, from understanding the baby's physical and sensory development to creating DIY toys like the rabbit rattle my wife made (which she excitedly shared both photos and videos of).
In any case, before our baby arrives, I aim to familiarize myself with all the toys we have at home, hoping it might make parenting a tad easier (or so I dream 😅).
On a final note, this book recommended by my mother-in-law is incredibly insightful. It guides you on what physical activities are suitable for the baby at different stages, and how to identify and address potential issues. If you're preparing for parenthood, Kim Soo-Yeon's "Baby Development Encyclopedia" is a must-read.
Entry dated March 17, 2023.