Source: bing.comAs a new mom, it can be overwhelming to think about all the things that need to happen for your baby to grow and develop properly. One of the most common questions that moms ask is, “When do babies develop?” In this post, we will cover the major milestones of infant development, from birth to one year, so that you can have a better understanding of what to expect as your baby grows.
Table of Contents
Birth to 3 Months
During the first few months of life, your baby will go through a lot of changes. At birth, your baby’s brain is only about 25% of its adult size, but it will grow rapidly in the first year. During this time, your baby will develop the ability to:
- Suck and swallow
- Lift their head briefly when on their tummy
- Respond to sound
- Recognize faces and voices
- Smile and coo
You can help your baby’s development by providing plenty of opportunities for sensory stimulation. Talk to your baby, sing, and make eye contact often. Provide toys with different textures and sounds for your baby to explore. Tummy time is also important for building neck and shoulder strength.
4 to 6 Months
By four months, your baby’s brain will have doubled in size. During this time, your baby will begin to:
- Roll over
- Sit up with support
- Reach for and grasp toys
- Babble and make consonant sounds
- Show more interest in their surroundings
You can encourage your baby’s development by giving them plenty of tummy time and sitting them up with support. Provide toys that are easy to grasp and encourage your baby to reach for them. Talk to your baby often and respond to their babbling.
7 to 9 Months
During this time, your baby will continue to develop physically and mentally. They will begin to:
- Crawl or scoot on their tummy
- Pull up to stand with support
- Explore objects with their mouth
- Understand simple words like “no”
- Wave goodbye and clap hands
You can help your baby’s development by providing a safe space for them to explore. Encourage crawling and walking by placing toys out of reach. Provide toys that are safe for your baby to put in their mouth. Talk to your baby often and encourage them to mimic your actions.
10 to 12 Months
By this time, your baby will be on the verge of their first birthday and will have made huge strides in their development. They will begin to:
- Cruise or walk with support
- Use simple gestures like pointing
- Feed themselves finger foods
- Say a few words like “mama” and “dada”
- Understand simple instructions
You can help your baby’s development by encouraging them to practice walking and standing on their own. Provide plenty of finger foods for your baby to practice self-feeding. Talk to your baby often and encourage them to use gestures and words to communicate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions that moms have about infant development:
1. When do babies start to crawl?
Most babies begin to crawl between 7 and 10 months of age. However, some babies may crawl earlier or later than this.
2. When do babies start to walk?
Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 12 months of age, but some may start walking earlier or later than this.
3. When do babies start to talk?
Most babies say their first words between 10 and 14 months of age, but some may start talking earlier or later than this.
4. When do babies start to teethe?
Most babies begin to teethe around 6 months of age, but some may start teething earlier or later than this.
5. When should I be concerned about my baby’s development?
If you are concerned about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can help you determine if your baby is on track or if they may need further evaluation.
In conclusion, every baby develops at their own pace, but understanding the major developmental milestones can help you support your baby’s growth and development. Remember to provide plenty of opportunities for sensory stimulation, encourage physical activity, and talk to your baby often. And if you have any concerns about your baby’s development, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician.