Child Development - Baby Growth and Development

Every parent worries about his baby’s growth and development, with the overriding question being, “Is my baby’s development normal?” The dangers of being overly concerned or too rigid in adhering to norms are well known, as the “normal” range for most infants has broad parameters. Nevertheless, a description of the landmarks of an average baby’s growth and development is extremely useful for the devoted parent.

Below is a list of developmental landmarks of an average baby, beginning with the second month of life after his first month as a newborn.

Second Month—The baby is awake more than in the first month and begins to perceive the world through sight and sound. He looks at objects and may follow them with his eyes. He begins to acknowledge the presence of human beings by ceasing to cry when his mother comes near or when others caress him; he may also respond to a human presence with a smile. Unlike the newborn, when he cries there are tears. Although his legs are more active, he is still immobile, with his legs in a flexed position. He eats frequently and requires two or more night feedings.

Third Month—The baby can now follow moving objects by turning his head, but loses awareness of them the moment they are out of sight. He will focus with both eyes as objects approach his face. He is beginning to become social minded and seems to enjoy physical contact. His vocalizations have become gurgles and coos which he utters both spontaneously and in response to people.

Fourth Month—The baby enjoys peek-a-boo and being tickled, and occasionally laughs when being played with. He is able to look around to see where a voice is coming from, and recognizes and shows pleasure in seeing his mother. He enjoys his bath and can be propped up for several minutes. He may begin to eat properly prepared “solid” foods.

Fifth Month—The baby now eats generous quantities of both milk and solids, going four to five hours between feedings. He sleeps the whole night through, or wakes up only once to be fed. He may take one or two well-defined naps a day, and may be able to entertain himself for a while when he wakes up. He may grasp objects, but has difficulty in letting them go. At this time he may make crowing sounds, and his ankles are beginning to straighten so that the soles of his feet are no longer facing each other.

Sixth Month—The baby can now release objects as well as grasp them, and can use both arms together to manipulate them. He chews on things rather than merely mouthing them, and is able to grasp his feet and examine them. When held upright just above the ground he begins to show a walking reflex; he also can react to threatening presences such as strangers. His vocalizations are now babblings and primitive speech sounds.

Seventh Month—The first teeth (lower center) now make their appearance and the mother thinks of weaning her baby from the breast. The baby can sit without support, but must still be raised to that position. He enjoys playing with objects and banging them together. When on his stomach he will attempt crawling motions. He may play peek-a-boo, but will be unable to stand the suspense more than a few seconds.

Eighth Month—The baby is now able to crawl and to raise himself into a sitting position. He will enjoy trying to feed himself, despite making a splendid mess. New teeth begin to appear and he will be fascinated by his image in a mirror.

Ninth Month—The baby can now grasp objects with his thumb working in opposition to his fingers. He will enjoy and laugh over give-and-take games, and will resent having objects taken away from him. He may be able to raise himself and crawl on hands and knees. His attention span in games has increased noticeably in intensity and duration.

Tenth Month—The baby will now make attempts to get on his feet. He has become very sociable and enjoys advanced games like pat-a-cake. The first signs of communicable speech appear (“dada” and “mama”) and he understands simple commands like “Give me!”

Eleventh Month—The baby can now stand up by himself and may be able to take a few steps supported by his parent. He can walk unsupported by holding on to the edge of furniture. He begins to play with his own body and is able to place one block on top of another. He understands many words and can say goodbye by opening and closing his fist.

Twelve to Fifteen Months—In this final phase of infancy there is great deal of perfecting and consolidation of the simple skills that the baby acquired earlier. He can walk now and begins to show independence and pride in his growth, for example, by wanting to push his stroller rather than ride in it. He will try to feed himself, clumsily, with a spoon. He not only enjoys receiving affection but also giving it in the form of hugs and kisses. He tries to sing and enjoys simple rhymes, songs, and verses. He now also knows his own name.