The first year with your newborn can be an exciting as well as an equally confusing time. For first-time parents, there can be a lot of unknown factors and unanswered questions. It is understandable to be extra cautious when it comes to your child and be aware of what to expect. It could bring a lot of clarity and ease some of your anxiety. Thus, here we present the developmental milestones you should look for throughout your new baby’s first year.
Month 1: Exploring the World with Senses
Your baby is starting to adjust to this world in the first month after birth. Infants this age mostly spend their time sleeping and feeding. Although they would not respond to you much, they are able to show some facial expressions as well as react to noises and light. They may even be able to elevate their heads for a second or two when placed on their tummies.
Month 2: Developing Social Smiles and Coos
By the time a baby is a couple of months old, they are able to respond better to any stimuli around them. Most babies are able to express themselves with their facial expressions and follow moving objects with their eyes. Your baby may also start to smile or coo and show more interest in faces, especially familiar ones.
Month 3-4: Discovering the World Through Hands and Mouth
Your little one may begin to be more curious by the time they turn four months old. They are likely to explore and test everything with their hands and may put the objects into their mouths to suck. In fact, they may recognize their favorite toys and have their first full laugh. Other babies may also start to babble and imitate the sounds in response.
Month 5-6: Sitting Up and Solid Food
Babies have achieved an incredible amount of development by the time they are around five to six months old. They are able to sleep better and longer with what you can call ‘somewhat’ of a routine. They are likely to be fond of games like peek-a-boo and may also recognize or respond to their names. Many babies are able to sit up with some assistance to experience a change in eating with semi-solid foods like fruit or vegetable purees being introduced. Additionally, on average most babies may start teething after they are six months of age.
Month 7-8: Crawling and Increased Independence
Once babies are around seven to eight months old, they may start crawling a little or move about by rolling over. They may also be successful in sitting without back support. Babies this age love to interact with their parents and may try to communicate in their own ways with a chain of sounds like ‘ma ma.’ They begin to understand emotional cues and may be aware of simple words like ‘no.’
Month 9-10: Standing and Cruising
Babies around nine to ten months of age are beginning to pull themselves into a standing position with support. They may also take their first steps by holding your hand. They have better control over their hands (such as pointing at something and waving) and also make a variety of different sounds to experience their emotions. Babies this age may enjoy eating finger foods and may also hold a spoon in their hands. Fascination with toys and throwing items to make a noise is especially entertaining for them. In terms of speech, they may also try to imitate you and say many new words.
Month 11-12: First Steps and Language Development
Believe it when they say that babies grow up fast. It might seem like your baby is almost a year old in no time. One-year-old babies experience more independence in terms of their own movement and language. Many infants will be able to take their first few steps without any assistance from others. They are able to understand and carry out simple requests or directions and are familiar with the names of everyday objects like glass and shoes. With the help of this improved memory, they also remember where different items are kept or hidden or show greater preferences over people and things like toys and food.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development
To better assist your baby’s development during the first year, here are some practical strategies that you can make use of:
- Provide a variety of sensory stimulation to your children in terms of sounds, textures, and age-appropriate toys.
- Make sure you provide them with enough belly time throughout the day, which will help strengthen their muscles.
- Form a stronger bond and enhance your baby’s speech development by talking to them or singing rhymes to them regularly.
- Let them explore things and have a good time playing in a safe yet fun environment
- Always ensure that you give them a balanced and nutritious diet according to their age.
- Show them lots of love and warmth, along with making them feel secure.
Final Words on Your Baby’s First Year Milestones
Often parents compare and worry if their baby is lagging behind. It is essential to acknowledge that each child is different and may take their own sweet time in reaching milestones. Thus, the focus should be on the overall development of your child instead of the deadlines. However, if you observe a matter that seems serious, it is best to consult your pediatrician sooner rather than later.