Milestones of Your Child: Most new parents spend a lot of time looking at their baby and wondering what they are thinking and feeling.
Many ask themselves if their baby is developing normally. While every baby is unique and will reach milestones at their own pace, there are some general milestones that most babies will reach by a certain age.
By four months, most babies can hold their head up well, turn their heads to follow someone or something around the room, and may even be able to roll from their back to their front.
By six months, many babies can sit up with little or no support and may even be able to get into a sitting position from lying down.
They will also begin to play with their hands and feet and may try to put everything they can find into their mouths.
As parents watch their babies reach these and other milestones, they should feel proud of their baby’s achievements and excited about all the new things their baby will learn in the coming months.
1. Baby’s First Milestone: Holding Their Head Up
The first milestone to watch for is when your baby can hold his or her head up.
This generally happens around two or three months old. You’ll know your baby is getting close to this milestone when he or she starts to be able to keep their head level when you hold them upright.
When they can finally hold their head up on their own, it’s a big accomplishment! If you haven’t already started tummy time, this is the time to do it.
Tummy time helps babies develop strong neck and shoulder muscles, which are necessary for holding up their head.
Put your baby on their tummy on a mat or blanket a few times a week. Start with just a few minutes at a time and work up to longer periods.
The next milestone to watch for is when your baby can sit up on his or her own. This generally happens around six months old.
You’ll know your baby is getting close to this milestone when he or she starts to be able to sit up with support, such as pillows or your hands.
When they can finally sit up on their own, it’s a big accomplishment! Once your baby can sit up, he or she will want to start moving around.
The next milestone to watch for is when your baby can crawl. This generally happens around eight months old.
You’ll know your baby is getting close to this milestone when he or she starts to be able to move their arms and legs and rock back and forth.
When they can finally crawl, it’s a big accomplishment! After your baby learns to crawl, the next milestone to watch for is when your baby can stand up.
This generally happens around nine months old. You’ll know your baby is getting close to this milestone when he or she starts to be able to pull up to a standing position.
When they can finally stand up on their own, it’s a big accomplishment! The last milestone to watch for is when your baby can walk.
This generally happens around twelve months old. You’ll know your baby is getting close to this milestone when he or she starts to be able to take steps when you hold their hand.
When they can finally walk on their own, it’s a big accomplishment! All of these milestones are important to watch for in your baby’s development.
They are each a big accomplishment for your baby and a sign of things to come.
2. Baby’s Second Milestone: Sitting Up Unassisted
The second milestone you’ll want to watch for is when your baby can sit up unassisted.
This usually happens sometime between 4-6 months, but every baby is different.
You’ll know your baby is getting close to sitting up unassisted when they start to try and prop themselves up with their hands.
They may also start to rock back and forth while sitting. Once they get their balance, they’ll be able to sit up unassisted.
Sitting up is a big milestone for babies because it means they can now start to explore their surroundings.
They can also start to reach for toys and other objects. This milestone also marks the beginning of their ability to communicate with you.
They’ll be able to unilate and make sounds that are different from crying. There are a few things you can do to help your baby reach this milestone.
First, make sure they have plenty of tummy time. This will help them build the muscles they need to sit up.
You can also prop them up with pillows or a Boppy pillow. Finally, don’t worry if your baby doesn’t sit up unassisted right away.
Some babies take a little longer than others. Just keep encouraging them and they’ll get there in no time.
3. Third Milestone: Baby Can Stand Up
When your baby can stand up on their own, it’s a big milestone! For a while they’ve been relying on you or someone else to help them upright, but now they can do it all by themselves.
This means they are developing their gross motor skills and gaining strength in their legs.
When your baby can stand, they can also start to take steps. This milestone usually comes later, but some babies may be able to start takingsteps as early as six months old.
If your baby isn’t quite ready to start walking, that’s okay! Every baby develops at their own pace. Just keep encouraging them to stand up and practice their balance.
4. Fourth Milestone: Walking Unassisted
As your baby grows, they will learn new skills and reach major milestones. One of the most exciting milestones is when your baby can walk unassisted.
This usually occurs between 9 and 18 months old, but can vary depending on the child.
You may notice that your baby starts to pull up to standing, cruise around furniture, or take a few wobbly steps.
Once they gain confidence in their ability to walk, they will start walking more and more.
There are a few things you can do to encourage your baby to walk, such as: Place toys just out of reach so they have to take a few steps to get them.
Put them in a walking toy or baby carrier to help them practice their balance and motor skills.
Encourage them to walk to you when you call them. Walking is a big milestone for babies and parents alike.
It’s a major accomplishment and usually means that baby is well on their way to becoming a toddler.
5. Fifth Milestone: Talking
The fifth milestone to watch for is your baby’s ability to talk. This usually happens around 12 to 18 months, but some babies might start a little earlier or later.
You might first notice your baby saying “mama” or “dada”, but they will eventually start saying other words as well.
At first, your baby’s words might not be very clear, but they will gradually start to sound more like actual words.
It is important to encourage your baby to talk, by talking to them often and responded to their babble.
You can also help them by pointing out things and naming them. By the time they are two years old, most babies will have a vocabulary of around 50 words.
By three years old, they will have a vocabulary of around 300 words. However, every child is different and will learn to talk at their own pace.
If you are ever concerned about your child’s development, please don’t hesitate to speak to your doctor or another professional.
They will be able to give you advice and support.
See More: Baby Care
