The Quilts Zone Blog

Every new parent observes their child carefully to make sure that they are doing the things that they should be doing throughout their first year. When should they be attempting to roll over, or talk, or walk? Is your baby ahead of schedule or behind?  Be prepared for your family and friends to ask you these questions, they want a report.

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It’s important to remember that every child is unique, and progresses at their own speed.. However most babies do progress within time frames enough of the time, to give us an indication of when they should be doing what. It is always best to check with your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s development. The best rule is to follow how your baby is progressing over time, instead of becoming concerned if they do not follow a month by month graph. But here are some common parameters you can go by:

Newborns: According to the American Academy of Pediatrics babies should be responding to sounds by startling, blinking, crying or being calmed, by 1 week. They will begin to follow movement with their eyes, and fix on your face. You will help them develop by talking, cuddling, playing and cooing with them.

Month 1:  Your child will begin staying awake longer, and sleeping longer (3-5 hours per time). They might be a bit fussier at this phase. They will more than likely start to raise their heads as well. You can help by holding and cuddling them when they are unhappy.

Month 2-3: They may delight you with a smile at this stage, and not one that is the product of gas! This is a cognitive growth related milestone, when they can see the world, and effect it by their actions. If you coo at your baby, they will start to respond to that stimuli.  Your baby will begin to lift their upper body and head. Give your child stimuli at this time, by laughing and singing to them.

 Wouldn’t it be nice to know what your baby is trying to tell you?

Month 4-5: Your baby will attempt to roll from their tummy to their back. They will reach for objects and start to coo more. If you are going to establish a bedtime routine for your child, this is the time to begin.

Month 6:  Many babies can sit up with no assistance at this stage. They are beginning to develop their motor skills by grasping objects, and putting them in the mouth, or moving them from hand to hand. Your child might want to attempt drinking out of a cup at this point.

Month 7-9:  Things get going now. Your child will be much more noisy at this point, and may be attempting to form words. They may attempt to pull themselves up to a standing position, and crawl. Your baby is continuing to develop his fine motor skills. They may also have their ‘first’ tooth about months 8-9. To promote development at this stage, reading and playing games with baby is advised.

Month 10-12: Your child may be walking by this stage, but do not worry if this doesn’t occur until about month 15. They will be saying a few other words (in addition to mama, and da da), hunting for hidden items, wave good bye, and feed themselves with their hands.

Remember to enjoy your child during this 1^st year. No 2 babies are alike, use these tips only as a guideline to assist you. With your help and encouragement, your baby will grow and learn skills at their own pace. If you are worried, always speak with your pediatrician.

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