Infant development

Baby's Health
Infant development: What happens from birth to 3 months?

Babies change dramatically in the first few months. Consider major infant development milestones in the first three months — and what to do when something's not right.A lot happens during your baby's first three months. Most babies reach certain milestones at similar ages, but infant development isn't an exact science. Expect your baby to grow and develop at his or her own unique pace. As you get to know your baby, consider these general infant development milestones.

What to expect
At first, caring for your baby may feel like an endless cycle of feeding, diapering and soothing. But soon, signs of your baby's growth and development will emerge.
Motor skills. Your newborn's head will be wobbly at first. But within the first few months, most babies can face straight ahead while lying on their backs and lift their heads while lying on their tummies. Although newborns aren't likely to roll over, your baby may soon turn from side to back. Your baby's stretching and kicking is likely to get more vigorous. If you offer a toy, your baby may grasp it and hold on tight for a few moments.

Hearing. Within a few weeks, your baby may respond to loud noises by blinking, startling, frowning or waking from light sleep. Even everyday household sounds — footsteps on the floor, water running — may elicit subtle responses, such as increased limb movement or slowed sucking rhythm. Expect your baby to respond to the sound of your voice.

Vision. Most newborns focus best on objects about 12 inches away, or the distance to your face during a feeding. Soon your baby may begin to examine more complex designs, along with various colors, sizes and shapes. You may notice your baby studying his or her hands and feet. By age 3 months, your baby may be easily distracted by an interesting sight or sound.

Communication. Newborns are sensitive to the way you hold, rock and feed them. By age 2 months, your baby may smile on purpose, blow bubbles and coo when you talk or gently play together. Your baby may even mimic your facial expressions. Soon your baby may reach for you when he or she needs attention, security or comfort.

Promoting your baby's development
Your relationship with your child is the foundation of his or her healthy development. Trust your ability to meet your baby's needs.

Hold your baby. Gentle caresses and tender kisses can help your newborn feel safe, secure and loved. Hold and rock your baby. Allow him or her to study your face. Let your baby grasp your little finger and touch your face.

Speak freely. Simple conversation lays the groundwork for language development, even before your baby can understand a word. Ask questions and respond to your baby's coos and gurgles. Describe what you see, hear and smell around the house, outdoors, and when you're out and about. Use simple words that apply to your baby's everyday life. Remember that your tone of voice communicates ideas and emotions as well.

Change positions. Hold your baby facing outward. With close supervision, place your baby on his or her tummy to play. Hold a colorful toy or make an interesting noise to encourage your baby to pick up his or her head. Many newborns get fussy or frustrated on their tummies, so keep these sessions brief at first — just a few minutes at a time. If drowsiness sets in, place your baby on his or her back to sleep.

Respond quickly to tears. In any given day, the average newborn cries for more than two hours. Whether your baby needs a diaper change, feeding session or simply warm contact, respond quickly. Your attention will help build a strong bond with your baby — and the confidence he or she will need to settle down without your help one day.

When something's not right
Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal. There's typically no cause for concern. It's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs, however.Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any red flags by age 3 months:No improvement in head controlNo attempts to lift the head when lying facedownExtreme floppinessLack of response to sounds or visual cues, such as loud noises or bright lightsInability to focus on a caregiver's eyesPoor weight gainRemember that every baby is unique — but your instincts are important, too. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated.

Infant development: From 4 to 6 months?

Your baby is becoming more alert and mobile. Look for these infant development milestones from ages 4 months to 6 months.The newborn days are behind you. As your baby becomes more alert and mobile, each day will bring exciting new adventures. Every experience — from cuddling before nap time to listening to a sibling's chatter — will help your baby learn more about the world.Expect your baby to grow and develop at his or her own unique pace. Consider these general infant development milestones as your baby's strengths and preferences begin to emerge.

What to expect
Every day, your baby will become more aware of his or her surroundings. Exploration becomes the name of the game.

Motor skills evolve. Your baby's arms and legs probably wiggle and kick more purposefully now. Soon, you may notice your baby rocking on his or her stomach and eventually rolling over. As your baby gains muscle strength, he or she will have better head control. Most babies this age raise their heads when lying facedown. They may even try to push themselves up or bear weight on their legs. By age 6 months, many babies begin sitting alone. Creeping or crawling typically follows.

Hand-eye coordination improves. Your baby will probably grasp your finger, a rattle or a soft object. Anything within reach is likely to end up in your baby's mouth. You may notice your baby pulling objects closer with a raking motion of the hands. Soon, your baby may start bringing his or her hands together, clapping hands, and transferring objects from one hand to the other.

Vision becomes clear. Your baby's vision may be fully developed by age 6 months. He or she will begin to distinguish between strange and familiar faces. You may notice your baby concentrating on a toy, studying fingers and toes, or staring at his or her reflection. Most babies this age turn their heads toward bright colors and lights. If you roll a ball across the floor, your baby will probably turn his or her head to follow the action.

Babbling begins. Babies this age often begin to babble, squeal, gurgle and laugh. Your baby may respond to and imitate your facial expressions and sounds. He or she may babble and then pause, waiting for you to respond. As your baby's memory and attention span increase, he or she will begin to pick out the components of your speech and hear the way words form sentences. Your baby may even recognize his or her name. You may notice changes in inflection or tone as your baby babbles and coos.

Promoting your baby's development
At this age, learning and play are inseparable. But it doesn't take expensive educational toys or intense effort to capture your baby's attention. Consider these simple ideas to promote infant development.

Talk to your baby. Your baby may be too young to understand specific words, but easy conversation can lay the groundwork for language development. Your tone of voice can communicate ideas and emotions as well. Ask questions and respond to your baby's coos and gurgles. Describe what you see, hear and smell around the house, outdoors, and when you're out and about. Use simple words that apply to your baby's everyday life.

Change positions. Lay your baby on his or her tummy for a few minutes, as long as an attentive adult supervises. Hold a colorful toy or make an interesting noise to encourage your baby to pick up his or her head or practice rolling over. Hold your baby's hands while he or she is lying down and say, "Are you ready to stand up? Here we go!" Count to three as you gently pull your baby to a standing position. When your baby's ready, try a sitting position. Hold your baby or use pillows for support.

Offer simple toys. Babies this age often enjoy colorful toys, especially those that make sounds. Try a musical toy, a small rattle with a handle, a soft doll or a sturdy book. Household items such as plastic bowls and measuring cups may be a hit as well. Avoid toys with small detachable parts. To help your baby focus, put out only one or two toys at a time. Place one toy slightly out of reach to encourage your baby to stretch and creep. Shake a rattle behind your baby's head and let him or her turn and grab it.

Read to your baby. Your baby won't grasp the plot, but that's OK. Reading helps babies develop speech and thought. Your baby will soak in your words and may even mimic the sounds you make. Start with books featuring large, brightly colored pictures. Describe what's happening on each page. Point to and name common objects.

Play favorite games. Cover your face with your hands, then remove your hands and say, "Peekaboo, I see you!" Play patty-cake. Ask, "Where are your toes?" Then touch your child's toes and say, "Here are your toes!" Hide one of your baby's toys with the corner of a blanket and encourage him or her to find it.

Head out. Simple activities such as a walk through the neighborhood or a trip to the supermarket can be great adventures for a baby. Even the most routine outings will expose your baby to new sights and sounds.

Take time to cuddle. Balance stimulation with plenty of quiet time. Gentle caresses and tender kisses can help your baby feel safe, secure and loved. When you hold or rock your baby, talk quietly or sing lullabies or other soothing songs.

Turn on the tunes. Music can help soothe, entertain and teach your baby. Try calming lullabies, upbeat children's songs, classical music or your own favorites.

Let your baby set the pace. When your baby turns away, closes his or her eyes, or gets fussy, take a break. Even babies need their space. Responding to your baby's needs will help you continue to build your baby's trust in you.

When something's not right
Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal, and usually no cause for concern. But it's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs.
Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any red flags:
Stiffness or tight muscles
Extreme floppiness
Only using one side of the body or favoring a particular arm or leg
No improvement in head control
Lack of response to sounds or visual cues, such as loud noises or bright lights
Resistance to making eye contact
No interest in reaching for objects or putting objects in his or her mouth
No attempts to roll over or sit
Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Above all, delight in your baby's discoveries and abilities.

Infant development from7- to 9-month-old grows.

Would you be shocked to find your baby climbing up the stairs or standing in the crib? Prepare yourself. You may be facing these surprises sooner than you think. As your baby becomes more mobile and inquisitive, infant development takes off. It may seem that your baby learns something new every day.

What to expect
Your baby will continue to grow and develop at his or her own unique pace. In general, you can expect your baby to reach these infant development milestones between ages 7 months and 9 months.

Motor skills advance. By this age, most babies can roll over in both directions — even in their sleep. Some babies can sit on their own, while others need a little support. You may notice your baby beginning to scoot, rock back and forth, or even crawl across the room. Some babies this age can pull themselves to a standing position. Soon your baby may cruise along the edge of the couch or coffee table.

Hand-eye coordination improves. Most babies this age transfer objects from one hand to another or directly to their mouths. Pulling objects closer with a raking motion of the hands will give way to more refined movements, such as picking up objects with just the thumb and forefinger. This improving dexterity will help your baby handle a spoon and soft finger foods.

Communication evolves. Your baby will communicate with you through sounds, gestures and facial expressions. You'll probably hear plenty of laughing and squealing. Your baby may even respond to his or her own name. Babies this age can distinguish emotions by tone of voice. They may repeat the sounds they hear — or give it their best shot. Your baby's babbling is likely to include chains of sounds, such as "ba-ba-ba." You may even pick out an occasional "mama" or "dada."

Stranger anxiety appears. Many babies this age become wary of strangers. Your baby may resist staying with anyone other than you, shunning even grandparents or familiar baby sitters. If your baby fusses when you leave — or melts down entirely — resist the temptation to sneak away. Say goodbye with a hug and kiss and a reminder that you'll be back soon. Chances are, your baby will stop crying as soon as you're out of sight and something else grabs his or her attention. You might even plan ahead of time how the caregiver will distract your baby.

Teething begins. If your baby still has a toothless grin, you can expect the first tooth — likely one of the middle teeth in the lower jaw (a lower central incisor) — to break through anytime. You may notice your baby drooling more than usual and chewing on just about anything. Offer a cool, wet washcloth or teething ring. If you haven't done so already, get in the habit of cleaning your baby's teeth and gums at least once a day. Use plain water and a soft cloth or baby toothbrush.

Promoting your baby's development
For babies of any age, learning and play are inseparable. Here's what you can do at home to support your budding adventurer.

Create an exploration-safe environment. Keep only safe objects within your baby's reach. Move anything that could be poisonous, pose a choking hazard or break into small pieces. Cover electrical outlets, use stairway gates, place cords from blinds or shades out of reach, and install child locks on doors and cabinets. If you have furniture with sharp edges, remove it from rooms where your baby plays. The same goes for lightweight objects your baby may use to pull himself or herself to a standing position, such as plant stands, decorative tables, potted trees and floor lamps.

Keep chatting. Chances are, you've been talking to your baby all along. Keep it up! Narrate what you're doing, and give your baby time to respond. Say something to your baby and then wait for him or her to repeat the sounds. Ask your baby questions that involve more than a yes or no response. You may not be able to pick words from your baby's babble, but you can encourage a back-and-forth conversation.

Teach cause and effect. Push the button on a musical toy and dance to the tune. Open the door on the toy barn and listen to the cow say "moo." Help your baby do the same. Self-confidence will grow as your baby realizes he or she can make things happen.

Take time to play. By now, you and your baby may be old pros at classics such as peekaboo, patty-cake and itsy-bitsy spider. Get creative as you add to your repertoire. Crouch behind a chair or the dresser, leaving a hand or foot within your baby's view, and prompt your baby to look for you. Or make an obstacle course. Arrange cushions and pillows on a carpeted floor. Encourage your baby to creep or crawl over the mounds.

Pull out the books. Set aside time for reading every day — even if it's only a few minutes. Reading aloud is one of the simplest ways to boost your baby's language development. Make it more interesting with facial expressions, sound effects and voices for various characters. Store books within easy reach so that your baby can explore them whenever the mood strikes.
Turn on the tunes. Music can help soothe, entertain and teach your baby. Try calming lullabies, upbeat children's songs, classical music or your own favorites.

Encourage experimentation. Toy box aside, help your baby's imagination and creativity take shape. If you're up for a mess, smear applesauce, pudding or another pureed food on the highchair tray and let your baby "paint" with the mixture. Give your baby measuring cups for stacking or clapping together. At bath time, provide small containers and plastic utensils for pouring and mixing.

Offer a comfort object. Babies this age often form an attachment to a blanket, stuffed animal or other comfort object. Although holding, rocking and cuddling your baby remain as important as ever, a comfort object can help your baby feel secure when you're not in sight or your baby is tired, frightened or upset.

When something's not right
Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal, and usually no cause for concern. But it's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs.
Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any red flags:
No interest in rolling over, sitting or other types of movementInability to bear weight on his or her legs
No interest in reaching for objects or putting objects in his or her mouth
Lack of response to sounds or visual cues
Resistance to making eye contact
No babbling, cooing or imitation of common sounds
Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Then you can set your sights on the milestones that lie ahead.

Infant development from 10 months and 12 months

Your baby continually scrambles out of sight. Nothing makes him or her happier than dropping a spoon from the highchair over and over again. And if you aren't stifling the urge to say "No!" chances are you've already said it many times in the last few hours. Welcome to life with a 10- to 12-month-old! At this age, infant development may seem to take on a life of its own.

What to expect
Keeping your baby's strengths and personality in mind, look for these infant development milestones for 10- to 12-month-olds.

Motor skills gain speed. Most babies this age can sit without help and pull themselves to a standing position. Your baby may use various forward movements to explore new territory. Creeping and crawling will give way to cruising along the furniture and eventually walking. By 12 months, your baby may take his or her first steps.

Hand-eye coordination improves. Most babies this age can feed themselves finger foods, grasping items between the thumb and forefinger. Your baby may delight in banging blocks together and stacking objects or nesting them inside one another.

Understanding dawns. As your baby's memory matures, he or she will be able to easily find hidden objects. Babies this age often point to the correct picture when you say what it is. Your baby will realize that you still exist even when you leave the room — which may lead to crying spells when you're out of sight. Imitation also reigns supreme. You may find your baby brushing his or her hair, pushing buttons on the remote control, or "talking" on the phone.

Language evolves. Most babies this age respond to simple verbal requests and understand words for familiar people and events. Your baby may become skilled at various gestures, such as shaking his or her head "no," pointing at something out of reach, or waving bye-bye. Your baby's babbling may take on new inflection. You may begin to hear words such as "dada" and "mama" and exclamations such as "uh-oh!"

Promoting your baby's development
Your baby's budding curiosity is bound to keep you on your toes. Keep your baby safe while challenging him or her to learn through play.

Create an exploration-safe environment. Keep only safe objects within your baby's reach. Move anything that could be poisonous, pose a choking hazard or break into small pieces. Cover electrical outlets, use stairway gates, and install child locks on doors and cabinets. If you have furniture with sharp edges, remove it from rooms where your baby plays. The same goes for lightweight objects your baby may use to pull himself or herself to a standing position, such as plant stands, decorative tables, potted trees and floor lamps.

Snuggle up and read. Set aside time for reading every day — even if it's only a few minutes. At this age, your baby may love books with flaps, textures or simple activities. Make your reading more interesting by adding facial expressions, sound effects and voices for various characters. Store books within easy reach so that your baby can explore them whenever the mood strikes.

Keep conversations going. If your baby reaches for a book, ask, "Would you like to read a story?" If he or she points to the cow on the cover, say, "You found the cow! What does a cow say?" Wait for your baby's response and then offer the correct answer. As you're reading the book, get creative. Make up your own stories to fit the pictures. Ask your baby questions about the pictures. Don't limit yourself to "yes" or "no" questions.

Encourage repetition. Doing things repeatedly can build self-confidence — and strengthen the connections in your baby's brain. Play patty-cake one more time. Build a new tower after the first one tumbles down. If your baby returns to a page you've just read, read it again with as much excitement as you did the first time.

Turn on the tunes. Music can help soothe, entertain and teach your baby. Try calming lullabies, upbeat children's songs, classical music or your own favorites.

Help your baby handle his or her feelings. Expect episodes of frustration as your baby struggles to make sense and take control of his or her environment. If your baby throws plastic rings out of frustration, calmly pick up the pieces and say, "I can see you're frustrated. Let's figure it out. The big ring goes here. Now you try." For some babies, learning a few simple words in sign language can be helpful as well. Help your baby make simple motions for common words, such as milk, snack and blanket.

Set limits. Babies don't have a sense of right or wrong. Praise your baby for good choices while steering him or her away from hazardous situations. Use a firm "no" when your baby may be hurt or is hurting others. Explain calmly why the behavior is not OK, and then distract your baby with a favorite toy or other activity.

When something's not right
Your baby may reach some developmental milestones ahead of schedule and lag behind a bit on others. This is perfectly normal, and usually no cause for concern. But it's a good idea to be aware of the warning signs.
Consult your baby's doctor if you're concerned about your baby's development or you notice any red flags:
No interest in crawling, or consistently dragging one side of the body while crawling
Inability to sit or stand, even with help
No use of gestures, such as waving or shaking the head
No spoken words, such as "mama" or "dada"
Lack of interest in his or her surroundings
Resistance to making eye contact
Trust your instincts. The earlier a problem is detected, the earlier it can be treated. Then you can look forward to the delights and challenges that lie ahead.

Infants Growth: What is normal?
Answer
Healthy infants come in a range of sizes. The rate at which your infant grows in the first year depends on several factors, including sex, diet and genetics. For example, boys usually grow faster than girls do, and bottle-fed babies tend to put on weight faster than breast-fed babies do.Many healthy babies go through brief periods when they stop gaining weight or even lose a little weight. However, a doctor would likely be concerned only if an otherwise healthy baby doesn't gain weight for three consecutive well-baby exams during the first year.

Doctors monitor infant growth at well-baby exams using standard growth charts, which compare your baby's weight, height and head circumference with those of other babies who are the same sex and age. Infants who fall below a certain weight range for their age or who are failing to gain weight at the expected rate may require further evaluation.So how much should you expect your infant to grow in the first year?

Weight. Infants generally gain 4 to 7 ounces (118 to 207 milliliters) a week during the first month. After the first month, they gain an average of 1 to 2 pounds (0.5 to 1 kilograms) a month for the first six months. From six months to 1 year, they gain about 1 pound (0.5 kilograms) a month.

Height. Infants generally grow about 1 inch (2.5 centimeters) a month during the first six months, and about 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) a month from six months to one year.If you're concerned about your child's size or rate of growth, consult your child's doctor.

Infant growth: What's normal?
Age of infant
Average growth in height and weight:

0-6 months: 6-7 inches (15-18 centimeters) 7-12 pounds (3-5 kilograms)

6-12 months: 3-4 inches (8-10 centimeters) 5-7 pounds (2-3 kilograms)

12-24 months: 4-5 inches (10-13 centimeters) 5-7 pounds (2-3 kilograms)