Source: bing.comTable of Contents
Introduction
Congratulations on your new bundle of joy! You must be curious about what’s going on in your baby’s head, what their first words will be, and how they will grow and develop over time. It’s important to understand what to expect in terms of your baby’s development so that you can support them as they grow. This guide will help you understand what develops first in your baby, from their first breath to their first steps.
First Breath
Your baby’s first breath is a miraculous moment. As soon as they are born, they will take their first breath and start breathing on their own. This is a sign that their respiratory system is working properly, and it’s a crucial step in their development. In the first few hours of life, your baby’s lungs will fill with air and they will begin to regulate their own breathing patterns.
Senses
Your baby’s senses are developing from the moment they are born. They can hear, see, smell, taste, and touch, but their senses are not fully developed yet. At birth, their eyesight is blurry, and they can only see objects that are close to their face. They can recognize their mother’s voice and smell, and they can taste sweet and bitter flavors. As they grow, their senses will become more refined, and they will be able to see farther, hear more clearly, and differentiate between different tastes and smells.
Motor Skills
Motor skills are another important aspect of your baby’s development. They will start moving their arms and legs almost immediately after birth. In the first few weeks, they will be able to lift their head briefly while lying on their stomach. By 3-4 months old, they will start to roll over, sit up with support, and grasp objects. By 6-7 months old, they will be able to sit up on their own, crawl, and pull themselves up to stand.
Language
Language development is an ongoing process that starts from birth. Your baby will start making sounds almost immediately, and they will learn to recognize the sound of your voice. By 3 months old, they will start babbling and making cooing sounds. These sounds will develop into more complex sounds, and by 6 months old, they will start to understand simple words like “mama” and “dada.” By 12 months old, they will be able to say a few words, and by 18 months old, they will start to combine words into simple sentences.
Cognitive Development
Cognitive development refers to your baby’s ability to learn, think, and reason. This process starts from birth, and it’s influenced by their surroundings and experiences. At birth, your baby’s brain has billions of neurons, but they are not yet connected. As they grow and experience the world around them, these neurons will start to make connections, and their brain will develop rapidly. By 6-7 months old, they will start to understand cause and effect, and by 9-10 months old, they will start to develop object permanence, which means they understand that objects still exist even if they can’t see them.
Social and Emotional Development
Social and emotional development is also an important aspect of your baby’s growth. They will start to develop relationships with their caregivers and other people around them. By 2-3 months old, they will start to smile and respond to social cues, and by 6-7 months old, they will start to show stranger anxiety, which means they are wary of unfamiliar people. By 12 months old, they will start to develop a sense of self, and they will become more independent.
Conclusion
Your baby’s growth and development is a complex and amazing process. Knowing what to expect in terms of their development can help you support them as they grow. Remember that every baby is different, and they will develop at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When do babies start to crawl?
A: Most babies start to crawl between 6-10 months old.
Q: When do babies start to walk?
A: Most babies start to walk between 9-15 months old.
Q: When do babies start to talk?
A: Babies start to make sounds almost immediately, but they start to say their first words around 12 months old.
Q: How can I support my baby’s development?
A: You can support your baby’s development by providing a safe and stimulating environment, responding to their cues and needs, and engaging in activities that promote their development, such as reading to them, playing with them, and singing to them.
Q: What should I do if I have concerns about my baby’s development?
A: If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s development and provide guidance on how to support their growth and development.