Developmental Milestones For Babies And toddlers

 During the first year of life, babies develop at an amazing pace. Here are some things you can expect to see during this time.

During the first few weeks, babies will:

• Be born with reflexes that help them survive and thrive

• Begin to gain control over their bodies

• Start to develop a sleep/wake cycle

• Have their first bowel movements and urinate on their own

• Begin to vocalize with coos and cries

At around 2 months old, babies will: 

  • Smile and laugh spontaneously

  • Follow objects with their eyes  

  • Hold their head up for short periods of time 

  • Grasp objects with their hands  

  • Try to bring objects to their mouths  

Between 4-6 months, babies will: 

  • Be more responsive to sounds and begin babbling   “Mama” or “Dada” may be heard around this time!    Roll from their back to front, and then from front to back     Sit without support for short periods of time Start teething (drooling and chewing on everything!)     Reach for and grasp toys     Show separation anxiety when away from caregivers

Most babies and toddlers reach the developmental milestones within a range that is considered "normal." However, it's important to keep in mind that every child is unique and will develop at his or her own pace.

The following are some general milestones that most babies and toddlers reach:

By 3 months old, most babies can:

* hold their head up for short periods of time

* support their chest and head when lying on their stomachs

* follow objects with their eyes as they move across their field of vision 

* reach for and grasp objects 

* bring objects to their mouths 

* make cooing sounds 

At 6 months old, most babies can: 

* sit up without support 

* roll over from stomach to back and back to stomach 

* support themselves on their forearms while lying on their stomachs 

* transfer objects from one hand to the other 

* begin to babble (make repetitive sound combinations such as "ba-ba" or "da-da")  

At 9 months old, most babies can: 

* pull themselves up to a standing position and cruise (take steps while holding onto furniture) 

* eat small pieces of soft food (such as mashed potatoes or cooked carrots)