Source: bing.comAs a new parent, it can be overwhelming to keep up with your baby’s development. From the first weeks of life, your little one is constantly growing, changing and developing new skills. In this article, we’ll break down the baby development stages by week so that you know what to expect and when.
Table of Contents
Weeks 1-2
During the first two weeks of life, your baby is still adjusting to the world outside of the womb. They will spend most of their time sleeping and feeding, and their cries will be their main form of communication. Your baby’s eyesight is still developing, and they will be most comfortable in dimly lit environments. This is also the time when your baby’s umbilical cord will fall off, leaving behind a small scab that will heal within a few days.
Weeks 3-4
At around three weeks old, your baby will start to develop a more regular sleep pattern. They will begin to stay awake for slightly longer periods of time, and their vision will start to improve. Your baby will be able to focus on objects up to 10 inches away, and they will be more interested in faces and high-contrast patterns. At four weeks old, your baby will begin to smile in response to familiar faces and voices.
Weeks 5-6
During the fifth and sixth weeks of life, your baby will start to become more active. They will begin to kick and wave their arms, and they may even begin to push up on their arms while lying on their stomach. Your baby’s vision will continue to improve, and they will be able to see further away and track moving objects. You may also notice that your baby is starting to develop a more social personality, and they may begin to coo and make other vocalizations.
Weeks 7-8
By seven weeks old, your baby will start to become more aware of their surroundings. They will be able to recognize familiar faces and voices, and they may even begin to reach for objects that they want. At eight weeks old, your baby will be able to hold their head up for short periods of time while lying on their stomach, and they may even start to roll over from their stomach to their back. They will also start to develop more refined motor skills, such as being able to grasp objects and bring them to their mouth.
Weeks 9-10
During the ninth and tenth weeks of life, your baby will continue to become more active and aware of their surroundings. They may start to reach for objects intentionally and even begin to grasp them with both hands. Your baby’s sleep patterns may become more regular, and they may even start to sleep for longer stretches at night. You may also notice that your baby is starting to become more vocal, and they may even start to babble and make other sounds.
Weeks 11-12
By the eleventh and twelfth weeks of life, your baby will be developing rapidly. They will be able to hold their head up steadily while sitting up, and they may even start to reach for objects while sitting. Your baby’s vision will continue to improve, and they will be able to see across the room. This is also the time when your baby may begin to laugh and respond to silly faces and sounds.
As you can see, your baby will go through many developmental milestones in just the first few months of life. By understanding what to expect at each stage, you can help to support your baby’s growth and development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do babies start to sit up on their own?
A: Most babies start to sit up on their own between 4-7 months of age. However, every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your child takes a little longer or reaches this milestone earlier.
Q: When do babies start to crawl?
A: Most babies start to crawl between 6-10 months of age. Some babies may skip crawling altogether and go straight to walking, while others may use other methods (such as bottom scooting) to get around.
Q: When do babies start to walk?
A: Most babies start to take their first steps between 9-12 months of age. However, some babies may start walking earlier, while others may take a little longer.
Q: When do babies start to talk?
A: Most babies start to say their first words between 10-14 months of age. However, every child develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby takes a little longer or reaches this milestone earlier.
Q: How can I support my baby’s development?
A: The best way to support your baby’s development is to provide a loving and stimulating environment. Talk to your baby, read to them, play with them, and provide plenty of opportunities for them to explore and learn. Remember that every baby is unique, so don’t compare your child’s development to others.