Developmental Milestones of Your Baby in Her First Year

The arrival of a newborn is a time of great joy and excitement. The nine month waiting period is drawing to a close and the whole family is waiting to welcome the new member. It is indeed a delight to watch the newborn grow, especially during the first year as every passing month brings with it new developments and changes. It is important for the parents to remember that every child is unique and they would be best advised not to compare their child with her contemporaries. One child may start walking by 9 months while another may not do so up to 18 months. Both the cases are normal and there is no cause for concern. The timeframe for a baby reaching a milestone is quite wide and variations within that timeframe are normal.

Here are a few guidelines on what to expect during your child’s first year:

One to Three Months

Your baby’s first contact with the outside world; her body as well as her brain is adjusting to the change. During this stage the following milestones can be expected:

• Your baby smiles, initially to herself, but with the passage of time starts responding to your smiles.
• She grasps objects in her hands and attempts to bring her hands to her mouth.
• She also tries to reach for suspended objects but without much success. You might observe this when your baby makes swiping movements towards the colourful objects in a baby mobile hung over her crib.
• When placed on her tummy, your baby attempts to raise her head and chest.

Four to Six Months

It is a period of revelation for your child as she discovers the use of her hands. It is a good idea to keep your hair out of her way to avoid experiencing painful tugs! You can also enjoy her cute babble during this time. The changes during this period include:

• Rolling over from back to stomach
• Laughing
• Sitting up when provided with support
• Improved head control

Seven to Nine Months

A very exciting and busy time for the parents as the baby possibly starts to crawl! Time to move all breakable objects out of her reach and keep a careful watch near staircases, cupboards and drawers as well! During this time the possible milestones include:

• Sitting unsupported
• Standing with support
• Responding when addressed by name
• Enjoying the universally played game of peek-a-boo
• Attempting single words

Ten to Twelve Months

Your baby is now a vastly entertaining toddler! As she possibly walks with support and attempts to feed herself, it is indeed a lovely time for the parents. The other milestones during this period include:

• Saying a few simple words
• Holding objects in a pincer grip (in between the thumb and pointer)
• Pointing out to things she desires

Your child could possibly walk without support during this period but the normal timeframe for this is quite large.

As already mentioned, parents should remember that every child is unique and grows at his/her own pace. The milestones given above are not absolute; there is no cut off time for the child to achieve them. However, if you are worried about your child’s development, it is best to consult a paediatrician and clear your doubts so that you can enjoy this beautiful phase of your child’s life.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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