By seven months, your baby should be able to sit up without help.
If you've just welcomed a baby into the world, or are anticipating a new bundle of joy soon, chances are you're concerned about your child's development, particularly in the first year, during his transition from infancy to toddlerhood. Knowing what to expect in terms of your child's physical strength and emotional responses, will help you to monitor your baby's health, and give you the sense of comfort you need, as you foster your little one's growth.
Baby's First Month
During the first month of a baby's life, she can't see very well; according to the Parents.com website, a newborn's vision is about 20/400, so it's important to make lots of face-to-face contact. However, your infant's senses of smell and hearing are already keen; she prefers he mother's scent, and loves to be talked to. It's common for babies to turn their head toward the direction of a voice, and to stare at you intently to make out your likeness as you talk to her or make silly faces. Your baby should also be able to lift her head by herself while lying on her stomach at one month.
2 to 6 Months
Between the ages of two and six months, your baby should be able to gurgle and coo, follow objects across the room and play with his hands and feet. Your infant should also hold his head up by himself for long periods of time. This is also the time when your baby starts gaining weight; according to Parents.com. Your baby should gain about half a pound a week, starting at two months. At three months, your baby is also starting to notice when you change your normal routine by taking him to a different environment, such as visiting friends or going on vacation, and may be fussy until you comfort him. A 6-month-old should be able to turn his head in both directions, recognize your voice and the voices of loved ones he hears often, and roll over in both directions independently.
7 to 11 Months
Your 7-month-old baby is likely starting to crawl, or can at least balance on her knees and hands. At seven or eight months, your little one is also dropping items like her rattle or bottle to see if they will fall, which strengthens her understanding of cause and effect. This is also the time your little one becomes increasingly interested in items like your cell phone and keys, and enjoys constant games of peek-a-boo. During the ninth and tenth months of development, look for your baby to pull herself up on furniture. She may even want to start feeding herself, so giving her cereal or pieces of fruit that can fit in her hand will help improve hand-eye coordination. At 11 months, expect to hear your baby say "mama" and "dada" to the appropriate parent, and even stand up for a few seconds on her own.
12 Months
Your baby is likely to imitate your gestures at the 12 month mark, like dancing or eating. They will also want to play musical instruments like toy drums or tambourines to hear the sound. Your infant should know wave bye-bye, and can take a few steps. Some babies can keep their balance long enough to walk for a few minutes. Her sense of smell is heightened at 12 months as well, and she may be interested in smelling flowers or certain fragrant foods.
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