Jasmine's weight is continuing to increase, moving her up to the 2nd centile. This is particularly pleasing to see, considering her physical activity.
Jasmine is still very interested in her feet and can now suck her big toes, which she likes to do regularly, her little body demonstrating the amazing flexibility of young babies. She goes swimming every week and loves the freedom that the pool gives her to splash and move. Jasmine is now far more active in her baby bath, patting the water hard with her hands and laughing when she is splashed.
Jasmine continues to develop her 'conversations' with family members and can now suck her lips, making a 'lip smacking' sound in response to adult kisses. She seems to find this new achievement very funny.
Questions
1 From what age can babies be taken swimming?
2 Why do babies tend to move backwards in the early stages of mobility?
3 Does hand preference at this age give an accurate indication for the future?
Answers to part six questions: (18 October)
1 Jasmine is eating a range of fruit and vegetables, particularly favouring banana. An example of a main meal would be swede or turnip mixed with potato and lentils, followed by stewed fruit. Banana is a regular lunchtime food.
2 Babies of Jasmine's age are stimulated by all of their senses. She handles objects carefully and takes them to her mouth. She enjoys anything that gives her bright colours, movement or noise.
3 A pseudo squint is not a real squint at all. A baby with a wide bridge to their nose (such as Jasmine) can occasionally appear to have one, and this can be confirmed by observing the baby in a bright light. If a distant object is reflected in both eyes in the same position, there is no squint. If the reflection is in different positions in each eye, a squint is present.
By Sandy Green, an early years consultant and freelance trainer. She is also Jasmine's grandmother