The First Year: Developmental Milestones
Developmental milestones are key skills and behaviors that most children exhibit at certain ages. Here's a general overview of milestones typically observed in babies during their first year:
1. Physical Development
0-3 months: Lifts head while on tummy, moves arms and legs, begins to push down on legs when feet are placed on a hard surface.
4-6 months: Rolls over, begins to sit with support, rocks back and forth, may crawl.
7-9 months: Sits without support, begins to crawl, pulls up to stand, can get into sitting position.
10-12 months: Stands without support, walks holding on to furniture, may take first steps independently.
2. Cognitive Development
0-3 months: Follows moving things with eyes, recognizes familiar faces, responds to loud sounds.
4-6 months: Looks around at things nearby, explores with hands and mouth, can watch something as it moves.
7-9 months: Looks for things he/she sees you hide, plays peek-a-boo, begins to understand cause and effect.
10-12 months: Explores things in different ways, like shaking, banging, throwing, and starting to use objects correctly (e.g., drinking from a cup).
3. Social and Emotional Development
0-3 months: Smiles at people, can briefly calm himself/herself (may suck on hand).
4-6 months: Knows familiar faces and begins to know if someone is a stranger, likes to play with others.
7-9 months: Has favorite things and people, shows fear of strangers, has separation anxiety.
10-12 months: Shows fear in some situations, has favorite things and people, shows a range of emotions.
4. Communication Development
0-3 months: Makes sounds like cooing, cries differently for different needs.
4-6 months: Babbling begins (e.g., "ba-ba" or "da-da"), responds to own name.
7-9 months: Understands "no," makes a lot of different sounds like "mamama" and "bababa."
10-12 months: Says "mama" and "dada" and exclamations like "uh-oh," tries to imitate words.
Important Notes:
Variability: Every child develops at their own pace; some may reach these milestones earlier or later.
Monitoring Development: Regular check-ups with a pediatrician are essential to track development and address any concerns.
Looking for more milestones? Download these images below!
