Discover: A Guide to Your Baby’s First-Year Milestones – Their Remarkable Growth and Development
Parenting offers one of life’s most beautiful experiences. From hearing your baby’s first cry to holding their tiny little hands, you realize that a transformational journey has begun.
However, despite its beauty, parenting can also be mentally exhausting and emotionally overwhelming, especially for first-time parents. Sadly, there is no manual for parenting. All you have to go on are the opinions of others based on their experiences and information from your healthcare provider.
Just like life, the journey isn’t always smooth sailing. But, the true beauty lies in witnessing your baby’s progress as they journey from one milestone to the next. Remember, every child is unique. Therefore, it is crucial to understand that there is no need to compare your baby’s first-year milestones to others.
In This Article
What’s a baby’s first-year milestone?
A baby’s first-year milestones are the visible activities that are expected in a baby’s first year. It can also be seen as the physical or behavioral signs of development of a baby in its first year.
These milestones run across your baby’s cognitive, motor first-year, social interaction, and adaptive behavior (according to the CDC).
Why tracking your baby’s first-year milestones is essential
Here are some reasons why it’s important to note your baby’s first-year milestones ;
- It allows you to keep track of their growth and easily detect abnormalities: Documenting your baby’s first-year milestone is instrumental in tracking their growth. When complemented by regular pediatrician visits, It becomes a comprehensive measure of your baby’s development. Achieving milestones within the projected timeframe assures your baby is progressing as anticipated. Surpassing milestones earlier might suggest an advanced product compared to peers in the same category. Conversely, if your baby achieves milestones significantly later than expected, it could point to developmental delays that necessitate extra care and support.
- It teaches first-time parents more about parenting: Often, first-time parents know nothing about parenting and child care. Over time, it’s been proven that taking notes and paying attention to their first child`s developmental and growth changes improves their parenting knowledge. It helps them know what to expect when they have another baby.
- It helps bond and keep memories: Tracking your baby’s first-year developmental milestones helps create a solid emotional bond between parents and baby.
milestones to expect in your baby’s first year
There are 5 distinct categories into which milestones are classified. They are as follows:
- Fine motor skills: These skills involve specific movements of hands and fingers, such as raising hands to the face, painting a picture, unclenching their fists, reaching for objects, etc.
- Gross motor skills: These skills require movement of the body’s muscles (legs, arms, and neck). Examples of gross motor skills include sitting, standing, walking, running, etc.
- Language skills: Early language skills encompass communication using facial expressions and body gestures, along with cooing, laughter, and crying.
- Social and Emotional skills: These skills are crucial for interacting and playing with others. They include giving, sharing, taking turns, and involving others in play, among other elements.
- Cognitive skills: These involve adaptation to situations, identifying right from wrong, and solving problems.
Here is a guideline on milestones to look for in a Baby`s first year
1. FINE MOTOR SKILLS
- At zero to two months old, babies begin to reach out to touch things with their hands. They also hold hands in tight fists and begin to uncurl their fingers.
- By two to four months, they unclench their fists and reach for objects. Also, they play with their hands in front of their face.
- At four to six months, they predetermine the hand position needed to hold specific objects and point to objects.
- A six to eight-month-old should start to feed themselves and drink from a cup with help. They may also hold items like food in each hand and swap hands.
- By the eighth to tenth month, they should be able to feed themselves without help (although messy). They should also be able to drink from a cup.
- A ten to twelve-month-old should be able to stack blocks and point with index fingers.
2. GROSS MOTOR SKILLS
- At the end of the second month, babies lift their heads momentarily at about 45 degrees when lying on their stomachs. They also turn their heads when their cheek is touched.
- By the fourth month, they lift their head and chest when lying on their stomach. Also, they lift their heads higher than the bottom.
- At four to six months, babies sit when assisted or propped with a pillow (supervision required). They also control their head when held.
- A baby can sit unprotected from six to eight months old. He/she uses furniture to pull themselves up to stand.
- By the eighth to tenth month, they crawl on hands and knees. They can also find things hidden under clothes.
- A ten to twelve-month-old should be able to sit for a long time and take their first solo step.
3. LANGUAGE SKILLS
- Towards the end of the second month, babies are alert to sounds. They also recognize familiar voices (parents, caregivers, and siblings)
- A two-month-old will start to coo, squeal, and gurgle. And by the fourth month, he/she will start to make a variety of sounds- single vowel sounds and screeches.
- The sound increases over four to six months, and they use different sounds for different needs and get attention by babbling.
- Babies, at six to eight months, can use their tongue to change sound. They can also say “Dada” (though nonspecifically).
- By the eighth month, they turn towards the sound “ma”. They know and respond to their names.
- A ten to twelve-month-old tries to imitate animal sounds and also understands “NO”
4. SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL SKILLS
- Babies at zero to two months old follow their parents with their eyes. They also have short periods of wakefulness.
- By two to four months, they begin to laugh and blow bubbles. They may also self-calm by sucking on your hands.
- Babies from four to six months old will begin to make “raspberry” sounds. They will also smile and vocalize to the mirror.
- From the end of the sixth month, babies will respond to their names. They make noise to gain attention.
- Babies between eight and ten months will show separation anxiety. Also, they begin to learn speech by focusing on another’s mouth.
- A ten to twelve-month-old should be able to wave bye-bye. He/she will show stranger anxiety.
5. COGNITIVE SKILLS
- At zero to two months old, babies begin to develop trust. They fuss if needs are not met quickly.
- By the fourth month, they begin to smile. Their cries will start to mean different things.
- Babies between four and six months, follow objects with their eyes. They learn which sound and action are most likely to get the desired response.
- Partially hidden objects can be located by a six to eight-month-old. They also look to the floor if toys are dropped.
- By the tenth month, they recognize spatial relationships. Also, they can put mental images and labels together.
- Depth perception develops from the tenth month. They can also respond to simple interests.
For detailed information, see here.
How to support the development of your baby’s First-year milestones
As a parent, it’s crucial to support your baby through their developmental and growth stages. Beyond their physical growth, serve as their constant support and encouragement. The goal is attainable, beginning now.
Here are a few tips on how to support your baby’s first-year milestones:
- Smile, talk, sing, read, and play together.
- Give them a variety of things to look at, touch, and play with.
- Listen to your baby’s cues and respond immediately to them.
- Introduce healthy and nutritious solid foods at around 6 months.
- Make your home baby safe when they become mobile, by keeping poisonous plants out of reach or discarding them, etc..
- Provide reassurance to your baby when they interact with new people.
- Seek medical assistance to manage health conditions.
- Keep in mind that babies grow at their own unique pace. Don`t rush the process and remember that the milestones you read are only guidelines.
- Develop a routine around sleeping, feeding, and playing.
- Encourage “tummy” time.
- Give your baby opportunities to move, play, and also meet their peers for playtime.
- Give a gentle baby massage to build a connection.
- Never leave your baby alone in a place where they can fall.
- Never leave your baby alone with siblings or pets.
- Avoid drinking or using hot liquids while holding your baby.
- Keep sharp objects away and eliminate home hazards like dangling wires, unlocked safes, etc.
- Keep a flashlight in the room in case of a power outage.
Monitoring your baby’s growth through their first-year milestones is vital, though remember these are simply guidelines for reference.
Keep in mind that babies develop at their own speed. The information provided mostly serves as helpful indicators to track your baby’s progress during their initial year. Moreover, it is important to stress that these benchmarks may not apply to premature babies. Consult a pediatrician for monitoring milestones in premature infants. If you notice any deviations from the norm, seek guidance from your healthcare provider.
For more information check out these resources:
https://www.webmd.com/parenting/baby/ss/slideshow-baby-milestones-first-year
https://www.parents.com/baby/development/growth/baby-development-week-by-week/
https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-1yr.html
https://www.babycentre.co.uk/a6476/baby-milestones-one-to-six-months
https://parentline.com.au/issues/developmental-milestones-first-year
https://www.healthline.com/health/baby/baby-development-stages
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