Infant Development

Every child is unique, but there is a set of milestones that each should meet within a reasonable amount of time.  Remember that no two babies are alike, and so some may be faster at reaching these milestones than others.  Always ask your baby's doctor if you think he or she is not meeting these milestones, or if you have other concerns. 

By 1 month old:

• Begin to recognize parent's voice
• Focus on objects
• Prefer black and white instead of color
• Hear very well
• Move their head from side to side  

  By 2 months old:

  • Smiles responsively & spontaneously
  • Raise their head and chest when on their tummy
  • Follow moving objects (they love to watch ceiling fans turn)
  • Begin to babble and make sounds

     

  By 4 months old:

  • Babbles and coos
  • Smiles, laughs, & squeals
  • Reaches for & bats at objects
  • Recognizes parent's voice & touch
  • Able to control head well
  • Rolls over from tummy to back
  • Raises head and body on hands when on tummy

     

  By 6 months old:

  • Roll over
  • Sits with support
  • Grabs for objects
  • Develops ability to see colors
  • Enjoys playing peek-a-boo
  • Pass objects from one hand to the other
  • Grasps objects and puts them in mouth
  • Babbles when spoken to

     

  By 9 months old:

  • Crawling, walking or scooting
  • Sits without support
  • Pulls to standing
  • Can say "mama" & "dada"
  • Respond to their name
  • Understands "no-no" and "bye-bye"
  • Finger feeds
  • Begins to drink from a cup
  • Throws & drops objects
  • Sleeps through the night

     

  By 1 year old:

  • Walks and begins to do steps
  • Able to pick up small objects
  • Bangs blocks or pots & pans together
  • Able to say 1 to 3 words
  • Imitates sounds and works
  • Drinks from a cup
  • Feeds self
  • Waves "bye-bye"

     

  What if my baby is not doing the things for his/her age?

  If you think your child is behind with some of the milestones, talk with your baby's doctor.

  Where can I get more information on this?

  • March Of Dimes: www.marchofdimes.com
  • Center for Disease Control & Prevention: www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/child/development.htm

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