What Are the Stages for a Growing Baby?

An infant will go through several stages of growth in the first year of life, and each is marked by particular physical milestones. Most babies will accomplish these physical activities along the same timeline, although some variation is common. The first year of growth for infants is an exciting and important time, because they will build upon their achievements when they reach the toddler stage at around 12 to 18 months.

  1. Up to Three Months

    • The experts at the website Parents agree: Although infants start out with very little physical coordination, they quickly obtain the ability to respond to stimuli around them. In this time period, infants begin to smile and make noises. As their hand-eye coordination develops, they will begin to reach for objects, although they may not be able to grab them with success. They will, however, be able to grip objects that are placed in their hands.

    Four to Six Months

    • By the age of four months, infants start to lift their heads while lying on their stomachs, and many are able to roll over. The sounds they make become more complex as their mental growth soars. In fact, as infants reach six months, they may be able to make noises that sound like words. At this six-month mark, many infants are sitting unassisted. According to the staff of the Mayo Clinic, it is around this time that an infant's vision grows clearer.

    Seven to Nine Months

    • At seven months, infants' brains have developed enough for them to understand cause and effect and games like peek-a-boo. They may begin to turn away during feeding to signal "not hungry." At this stage, they can sit unsupported, and as they reach nine months, they will begin to get into crawling position. By nine months, many infants can stand up by holding on to objects such as a couch or table. The hand-eye coordination they developed early on will become more refined as they begin to pick up small objects.

    10 to 12 Months

    • When infants reach the 10- to 12-month mark, they are well on their way to being toddlers. Their mobility soars; at first they can crawl very well, then they can walk with assistance. Music has an effect on babies this age, and many will clap their hands and dance to fun sounds. The staff of the Mayo Clinic point out that at around this time, infants will be able to understand simple words like "no" or may speak for themselves, saying words like "mama" and "dada."

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