Your Baby’s Development throughout the First Year

Every new parent watches their baby closely to make sure that they are doing the things that they should be doing throughout their first year. When should they be trying to roll over, or talk, or walk? Are they advanced or are they behind schedule? Your friends and family will be looking for progress reports on your baby, so be prepared.

It’s important to remember that each baby is different, and progresses at their own speed. However most babies do develop 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. It is always best to look at your baby’s development over time, rather than get worried if your baby doesn’t do everything a baby ‘should do’ at a given point in time. But here are some general guidelines you can go by:

Newborns: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics babies should be responding to sounds by startling, blinking crying or being called, by 1 week. They should be about to fix on your face, and begin to follow movement with their eyes. This is when you begin to help their development by playing, talking, cuddling, and singing to them.

Month 1: Your baby may seem a little fussier at this stage; they are probably staying awake for more than one hour at a time, and sleeping longer (3-5hours at a time). They will probably begin to lift their heads as well. You can help by holding and cuddling them when they are upset.

Month 2-3: This is when you may experience their first smile (that is not associated with gas). This is a cognitive developmental milestone, when they can see from the world, and influence it by their actions. Your baby will start to respond to your stimuli, by cooing back to you.  Your baby will begin to try lifting their heads and upper body. Give your baby praise, sing and laugh with them.

Month 4-5: This is when your baby may start to coo more, reach for objects and roll from their tummy to their back. If you are going to establish a bedtime routine for your baby, this is the time to start

Month 6:  Most babies can sit up without help at this point. They are beginning to develop their motor skills by grabbing things, and putting them in the mouth, or transferring them from hand to hand. Your baby may want to try drinking out of a cup at this stage.

Month 7-9:  OK, now things will be moving along. Your baby will be much more vocal at this point, and may be trying to form words. They will begin to crawl and pull themselves up to a standing position. Your baby is continuing to develop his fine motor skills. They may also have their ‘first’ tooth around months 8-9. Reading and playing games with your baby is great for helping their development at this stage.

Month 10-12: Your baby may be walking by this time, but don’t worry if this doesn’t happen until about month 15. They will be speaking a few other words (in addition to mama, and da da), searching for hidden items, wave good bye, and feed themselves with their hands.

Remember to enjoy your baby during this first year. Use these guidelines but keep in mind that no two babies are alike. Your baby will learn all of the skills, and develop at their own rate with your help and encouragement. If you are concerned, always consult with your pediatrician.