Your Baby's First Year: Important Developmental Milestones

The first year after your little one comes into this world is a very magical time. Day by day, week by week, your baby grows at an incredible pace, learning new things. During this time, as a mother or father, you feel great joy, but sometimes you may feel worried about small things like "Is my baby developing properly?" "Will my baby do things like other children?" It's very normal. The most important thing is that every baby is different. Not everyone's growth rate is the same. However, we are going to talk about the common developmental milestones that babies usually reach in this first year. Let's take a look at this beautiful journey of your baby.

Months 1-3: How the small world grows bigger

In the first month after birth, your baby may have a few jerky movements in his arms and legs. He also doesn't have much neck control yet. He often has his hands clenched into fists. Sometimes his eyes may seem to droop a little, but that's normal. At the same time, he's also starting to learn new things.

Around 3 months, you'll start to notice a lot more new things. Your baby's movements will start to seem more purposeful.

4-6 months: A time full of laughter and play

Your baby is no longer a newborn. His movements, vision, and speech skills are developing rapidly. During this time, your baby is starting to become more social. He loves to play and laugh with you.

7-9 months: When they crawl and explore the world

During this time, the baby's movements become more stable. Many babies are able to sit up on their own, use their hands to grab things, and move around. Some even start walking by 9 months. And by 7 months, the baby begins to see colors completely.

10-12 months: Not long to go until he's a big kid!

As your baby approaches his first birthday, his ability to explore the world is greatly enhanced. He's learning new ways to communicate with you and others. His movements are improving day by day.

How the baby connects with you

At this time, the baby can:

• Bring a toy to play with or a book to read.
• When you're trying to go somewhere, recognize it and be sad.
• Get your attention with noise or movement.
• "Help" by using your hands and feet while getting dressed.
• Say things like "no" (shake head ) and "bye-bye" (wave hand) with gestures.
• Say one or two simple words like "mom" and "dad".
• Mimic the words you say.
• Clap your hands, wave your hands.
• Point your finger at things.
• Drink from a cup.
• Use your thumb and index finger to pick up small objects (this is called a pincer grasp ), especially when picking up pieces of food and putting them in your mouth.

Rehearsal for walking

There is a big range among babies at this age when it comes to sitting, crawling, and standing. It's completely normal for a one-year-old baby not to be walking , but some are. Typically, by the time they are one year old, babies will be doing the following:

• Coming to a sitting position alone.
• Hold on and stand.
• 'Cruising' - that means holding onto furniture like sofas and chairs and walking along them.
• Standing alone without any support.
• There are a few steps alone.

If you have any doubts or concerns about your baby's development, it's best to talk to your doctor without holding it in.