1St Year Of Your Baby's Development

Are you watching your child closely to make sure that they are developing as they should during the first year? Are they rolling over, trying to walk or talk when they should be? Is your baby ahead of schedule or late?  Your acquaintances and family will be looking for progress reports on your baby, so be ready.

It's important to keep in mind that each child is unique, and develops at their own speed. However most babies do progress within time frames enough of the time, to give us an idea of when they should be doing what. It is always best to check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby's development. The safest rule is to follow how your baby is progressing over time, instead of becoming concerned if they don't follow a month by month graph. But here are some common guidelines you can go by:

Newborns: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics babies should be reacting to sounds by startling, blinking, crying or being calmed, by one week. They should be able to fix on your face, and begin to follow movement with their eyes. You will help them develop by talking, cuddling, playing and cooing with them.

Month 1:  Your baby will begin staying awake longer, and sleeping longer (three-5 hours per time). They might be a bit fussier at this stage. They will probably start to lift their heads as well. If they seem unhappy, you can help by cuddling and holding them.

Month 2-3: They may thrill you with a smile at this stage, and not one that is the result of gas! Now they can comprehend the world, and how they affect it by their behaviors. This is a cognitive growth related milestone. Your child will start to react to your stimuli, by cooing back to you.  Your child will begin to attempt lifting their heads and upper body. Give your child praise, sing and laugh with them.

Month 4-5: This is when your child may begin to coo more, reach for things and roll from their stomach to their back. This is when you should establish a bedtime routine for your baby.

Month 6:  By this time many babies are sitting up without assistance. They are beginning to increase their motor skills by grabbing things, and placing them in the mouth, or moving them from hand to hand. Your child may want to attempt drinking out of a cup at this point.

Month 7-9:  Things get going now. Your baby may attempt to form words (such as mama or dada), and will become much more verbal now. They will start to crawl and pull themselves up to an upright position. Your baby is continuing to develop| his fine motor skills. They may also have their ‘first' tooth about months 8-nine. Reading and playing games with your baby is wonderful for helping their development at this stage.

Month 10-12: Your child may be walking by this stage, but do not worry if this doesn't happen until about month fifteen. They will be trying to feed themselves with their hands, wave bye-bye, search for items, and begin speaking some words other than mama, and dada.

Have an awesome time with your baby during the 1st year. Use these guidelines, but keep in mind that no two babies are the same. With your help and encouragement, your baby will develop and learn skills at their own rate. If you are concerned, always consult with your pediatrician.