Babies' Development Stages

You have just brought your little bundle of joy home from the hospital and now you are wondering what to expect in the coming months. Your expectations are that your child will attain certain milestones by a specific age. The reality is all babies develop at different rates--some will walk or crawl before others. It is important that parents are aware of the different development stages to make sure their baby is progressing normally. These stages are guidelines and parents should not be overly concerned if their child takes longer than average to develop.

  1. 1 Month

    • In the first two weeks of age, the baby's eye site is developing. She can only see objects or faces that are close by. Your baby will become more alert and can start following movement with his eyes. By four weeks, your baby has completely developed hearing. Most babies begin to smile and coo within the first month.

    2 to 3 Months

    • Physical development is important in a baby's life and the neck muscles, arms and legs are getting increasingly stronger. The baby may try to push himself up, when placed on his stomach; readying himself for crawling in the coming months. The arm and leg movement is becoming more fluid and your baby will be able to reach for toys.

      Babies begin to smile much more in this month and develop new sounds such as gurgling, squealing and regular laughter. Your baby may now begin to recognize familiar voices and faces.

    4 to 6 months

    • Babies begin grasping toys and objects this month. With this accomplishment, your baby may start to put objects in her mouth.

      Now the baby babble is starting to sound more like recognizable sounds such as "gaga." Your baby may even begin to crawl or start rolling over, and now it is important to baby proof the house.

      A baby can start eating solid foods specialized for infants and most babies start by eating rice cereal and vegetables. Consult your pediatrician on a specific diet.
      Most babies sleep through the night at this age, which is a relief for most parents.

    7 to 9 months

    • During seven to nine months, babies begin to string words together.
      You may see your baby begin to crawl more and start to pull himself up into a standing position by using furniture.

      Babies start banging objects together, making a lot of noise. Your little one can now grab objects with the thumb and index finger--the pincer grasp---which allows for self-feeding.

    10 to 12 months

    • Hand gestures become more apparent and most babies can wave bye-bye. With this hand movement increasing, babies can begin drinking from a cup.

      Babies can now understand more words like their own name and "no," and can utter recognizable words.

      Once a baby can stand while holding onto something, she will try to stand alone. After she has mastered this skill, most babies begin walking by 1 year old. Do not worry if your baby has not started walking yet, since all babies develop differently.

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