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What to Expect in The First Year of Life? | Baby Milestones

by on 18/05/2020 2538

There’s so much to look forward to in the first year of a baby’s life. Most people may think of the first head lift, step, or word –but there’s a list of other developmental milestones awaiting!

Without much further ado, let’s explore the milestones from birth to 12 months.

1 Month

  • Lifts head while on tummy, for short periods
  • If something touches baby’s palm, his fingers will clench it (grasp reflex)
  • Responds to loud sounds
  • Focuses on human faces
  • Will turn head and eyes towards light

2 Months

  • Smiles
  • Makes cooing and gurgling sounds
  • Follows objects with eyes
  • Sleeps longer (typically 15-16 hours a day, sporadically)
  • Movements are less jerky

3 Months

  • May suck thumbs or fingers (more aware of his hands)
  • Recognizes faces of caregivers and close family members
  • Shows preferences for certain textures or touch
  • Lifts head and chest when on tummy
  • Kicks and straightens legs when lying on back
  • Starts to imitate sounds
  • Pushes legs down when in a “standing” position

4 Months

  • Rolls over (usually from tummy to back)
  • Sits with support
  • Responds with coos when talked to
  • Reaches for things with one hand
  • Cries to express different feelings (such as discomfort, hunger, pain, etc.)
  • Mimics facial expressions (e.g., smiling or frowning)

5 Months

  • Can focus on small objects
  • Explores the concept of cause and effect (baby notices that actions have consequences, such as when he drops things onto the floor)
  • Starts teething
  • Enjoys playing with his own hands and feet

6 Months

  • Rolls over from front to back, and the other way around
  • Sits without support (or minimal support)
  • Attempts crawling
  • Able to try solid foods
  • Drinks from cup, with support
  • Sees across a room (vision is getting closer to that of an adult)
  • Puts together two-syllable sounds

7 Months

  • Reaches for things with a sweeping motion
  • Enjoys looking in a mirror
  • Plays peekaboo
  • Tries to imitate speech sounds
  • Self-feeds some finger foods
  • Recognizes emotion in different tones of voice

8 Months

  • Responds to name
  • May show “separation anxiety” when separated from primary caregiver
  • Will turn head away if finished eating
  • Can get into crawling position (on arms and knees)
  • Moves objects from one hand to another
  • Says “mama” and “baba” (said to both parents; isn’t specific)

9 Months

  • Crawls on floor
  • Pulls himself up (using furniture) to standing position
  • Waves “bye-bye”
  • Points or reaches for things he wants
  • Displays curiosity

10 Months

  • Picks things up with thumb and pointer finger (pincer grasp)
  • Able to stack things (e.g, cups)
  • Crawls well

11 Months

  • Says “mama” and “baba” to the right parent
  • Knows what “no” means
  • Can clap hands

12 Months

  • Can shake head to say “no”
  • Walks with help of adult
  • Bangs two cubes together
  • “Dances” to music

Some babies may take a little longer (or be a bit faster) to reach milestones. If you are concerned about your baby’s development, do speak to a paediatrician.

 

Read this article to find out the early signs that your child may have special educational needs.