Source: bing.comAs a new parent, it’s natural to be curious about your baby’s development. You want to know what to expect and when to expect it. One of the most common questions new parents ask is, “What’s the first thing to develop in a baby?” The answer may surprise you.
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Brain Development
The first thing to develop in a baby is their brain. In fact, brain development begins before a baby is even born. The brain is the control center for the body, and it’s responsible for everything from breathing to learning.
During the first few weeks of pregnancy, the neural tube forms, which eventually becomes the brain and spinal cord. By the end of the first trimester, the brain has already begun to develop and form the basic structures that will be responsible for things like movement, sensation, and perception.
Sensory Development
As the brain continues to develop, so do a baby’s senses. The first sense to develop is touch. Babies are born with a sense of touch, and it’s one of the ways they begin to explore and learn about the world around them.
As a baby grows, their other senses begin to develop as well. Hearing is one of the next senses to develop, and babies can hear sounds as early as 16 weeks gestation. By the time a baby is born, they can recognize their mother’s voice and are able to distinguish between different sounds.
Vision is the last sense to develop. A baby’s eyes are not fully developed at birth, and it takes a few months for them to be able to see clearly. Initially, babies can only see things that are close up and in black and white. As their eyes develop, they become more sensitive to light and color.
Motor Development
Motor development refers to a baby’s ability to move and control their body. This includes everything from rolling over to crawling to walking.
The first motor skill to develop is the ability to control the head. This usually happens around 2-3 months of age. By 6 months, most babies are able to sit up with support. Around 8-9 months, babies begin to crawl, and by 12 months, most babies are able to walk with support.
Language Development
Language development is another important aspect of a baby’s development. Babies begin to communicate from the moment they are born, through things like crying and cooing.
As a baby grows, their language skills develop as well. Around 6-8 months, babies begin to babble and mimic sounds. By 12 months, most babies are able to say a few words, like “mama” and “dada”.
Social and Emotional Development
Social and emotional development refers to a baby’s ability to interact with others and understand their own emotions. Babies are born with a natural desire to connect with others, and they begin to develop social and emotional skills from the moment they are born.
Initially, a baby’s interactions are limited to their primary caregivers, but as they grow, they begin to interact with a wider range of people. By 6-8 months, babies begin to show anxiety around strangers, which is a sign that they are starting to understand the concept of “stranger danger”.
By 12 months, most babies are able to recognize and respond to the emotions of others, and they begin to form social bonds with people outside of their immediate family.
Conclusion
In summary, the first thing to develop in a baby is their brain. From there, their senses, motor skills, language skills, and social and emotional skills begin to develop. Each baby develops at their own pace, but it’s important to remember that all babies go through the same stages of development.
As a parent, it’s important to support your baby’s development by providing a safe and nurturing environment. By doing so, you can help your baby reach their full potential and thrive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can I do to support my baby’s brain development?
A: There are many things you can do to support your baby’s brain development, including talking and singing to them, reading to them, and providing a safe and stimulating environment.
Q: When should my baby start crawling?
A: Most babies begin to crawl around 8-9 months of age, but some babies may start earlier or later.
Q: When will my baby start talking?
A: Most babies say their first words around 12 months of age, but some babies may start talking earlier or later.
Q: When will my baby start recognizing me?
A: Babies are able to recognize their mother’s voice from birth, but it takes a few months for them to be able to recognize faces.
Q: When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, but if you have concerns about your baby’s development, it’s important to talk to your pediatrician. They can help determine if there is a problem and provide guidance on how to support your baby’s development.