It seems like yesterday we were holding our little, perfect infant in our arms. The moment you first gaze into their curious little eyes feels like time has stood still.
Then the first month of endless diaper changes, feeding, and lack of sleep whizzes by. It’s vital to be in the moment because each stage of your baby’s life has so much to offer.
Knowing what developmental marker your baby is at helps youenjoy all the phases your child will quickly experience.
Taking gauge of all pivotal milestones keeps you ahead of the game to catch any concerns that may need to be discussed with your child’s pediatrician.
Most importantly, each baby is unique in their experiences of how they grow and learn. The neighbor’s toddler may be walking and talking before your little Einstein, but that does not mean he has a deficit.
According to Parenting, there are “nine major physical baby milestones.” Let’s look at those major milestones, in addition to a few that make for fun “Mommy and me” time.
1 Month
Baby Center reported on 1 month of infancy:
“Your baby can’t focus farther than 8 to 12 inches away – just the right distance for her to gaze at your face. Black-and-white patterns also draw her attention.”
Hearing is, also, fully developed at this point. Watch to ensure your baby is turning toward you when you talk to them, and that they react to loud noises.
2-3 Months
Smiling is one of your baby’s first social skills. At this stage, he is beginning to distinguish happy and sad by reading your emotional cues and trying to imitate them.
This is a good point to begin tummy time. Some babies like tummy time, and you can lie next to your little one.
Encourage them to reach for a toy laid in front of them. If your baby is like most and despises tummy time at first, try singing or rubbing their back for comfort.
3-4 Months
Parenting reported:
“After the first few months, babies begin to gauge where things are in space, and they can plan an action, such as grabbing a pacifier. By simply dropping something and picking it up, your baby’s learning that he can manipulate things with his hands and he’s learning more details about how his toys work.”
If your baby has difficulty reaching for the item they have in sight or seems exceptionally stiff, you may want to check in with the doctor to make sure everything is on the up and up.
5 Months
At this age, babies will begin to show their love for you, and their teddy bear, through hugs and cuddles.
Not all people are affectionate, and same goes for babies. Let your baby give hugs when they feel comfortable to do so. Aunt Marge may be offended, but in the end, a sense of security is more important.
6 Months
This is the age of peekaboo. The coveted phase where we begin the timeless game that works on the concept of object permanence; learning that things exist behind where you can’t see them.
8 Months
Balance is in the works at this phase. Your wobbly little guy is building those crucial stabilizer muscles that allow him to sit up.
Eyesight is improved by 8 months, so things in the distance can be seen and capture the attention of your precious bambino.
6-10 Months
There is a wide range of age for crawling to take place but generally, crawling occurs between 6 and 10 months.
It is fun to watch the process of a baby trying to crawl. They will feel out various positions until they get a steady rocking going, which inevitably leads to the exciting moment of crawling.
At this phase, you will need to start considering baby proofing the house. Put breakable and small objects high on shelves so your baby doesn’t accidentally ingest the memento from your last beach trip.
10 to 18 Months
Parenting reported:
“First steps represent a huge developmental leap. Walking requires muscle strength, coordination, balance—and a certain level of emotional maturity, too.”
Walking is usually the time your little one takes that jump into the toddler years. Your curious little one will want to look, feel, and often taste the world around them.
Try to show and talk with them more about how things work, and use descriptive words. The cute balls of sponge will mimic games such as doctor and paddy cake.
Try not to push your little one into a developmental milestone they are not ready for. Be patient, and support your baby in their learning speed.
Enjoy the ups and downs of each milestone, because it will pass before you know it. It seems as moms, we are always looking toward the next checklist.
Journal the memories you make with your baby, and the humorous mistakes you both make along the way to thoroughly take advantage of all you both have to offer.
Please let us know in the comments section if you have any insight into a developmental phase.