Infants grow at their own pace through a series of developmental stages.
Babies seem to grow and change every day. The first year of life is a whirlwind of growing and learning, and parents often worry if their child is developing normally. Although each child is different and develops at his own pace, there are general developmental milestones that babies reach in the first year.
Birth to Three Months
Babies are born with little head control, but during the first few months, they learn to hold up and turn their heads. They practice using their legs by kicking, and may grasp an object briefly. Babies this age should respond to noises and the sound of their mother's and father's voices. During this stage, babies will begin to communicate by smiling and reaching out when they want comfort or attention. By three months, babies typically enjoy playing with people.
Four to Six Months
Babies this age begin moving purposefully by starting to sit alone, creeping and rolling over. They can also support their weight on their legs, as when sitting in a stationary stander or jumper. They often grasp objects and move them to their mouths, and will visually explore objects. Four-to-six-month-old babies verbalize through babbling, laughing and squealing.
Seven to Nine Months
During this stage of development, babies can typically roll over both ways and may sit unsupported. Some babies will begin cruising, or walking while holding onto furniture. They can pick up objects with just their thumb and forefinger, which allows them to use finger foods. Communication remains babbling, but with more of an adult-like cadence, and they will respond to their name. Stranger anxiety often appears during this stage, and babies may cry when left with babysitters or at day care.
Nine to 12 Months
Most babies during this stage will sit independently, pull themselves to standing and cruise. Some babies will take independent steps. They can feed themselves and stack blocks. First words may appear, but most communication is adult-like babbling. Babies this age enjoy imitating what they see and attempting to use objects correctly. For example, they may "talk" on the phone or bang on a computer keyboard.
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