List of What to Expect with Infants

Sleep

• Sleep deprivation is likely to become a part of life with your infant. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, babies do not develop regular sleep cycles until 6 months of age, which means you have at least a few months of living with an infant who wakes up multiple times every night. Adapt to those seemingly sleepless nights by resting when your little one rests. A few night wakings can make less of an impact if you go to bed earlier, perhaps when your infant goes down. After several months, your baby might begin to sleep for longer stretches -- or even through the night -- helping you catch up on lost sleep.

Nutrition

• Your infant eats only breast milk, formula or a combination of the two during her first several months. In fact, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that infants remain on a breast milk or formula diet until they are 6 months old. At that point, you can start to introduce solid foods to your baby, beginning with rice cereal or pureed fruits and vegetables, either store-bought or homemade. By the end of your infant's first year, she will likely consume both breast milk or formula and solid foods, enjoying healthy finger foods and perhaps even a bit of your lunch or dinner.

Physical Development

• Developmental milestones abound during your infant's first year of life. Between 1 and 4 months, your infant is able to wrap his hand around a toy or your finger and open up his hands. From 4 to 8 months, your infant might roll over, both from back to belly and belly to back. His first teeth may erupt, bringing with them some drooling and potential discomfort. As your infant approaches his first birthday, he is probably crawling, pulling up to stand and perhaps even taking his first steps.

Cognitive Development

• You may notice many cognitive development changes in your infant as well. By 4 months of age, your infant should be able to move her head toward light or noise and be attracted to your voice. Between 4 and 8 months, your infant mimics your expressions, so make silly faces and wave to her. She also starts to reach for what she wants -- a favorite toy, a pacifier or perhaps even you. Between 8 and 12 months, your developing baby points to objects and follows simple instructions.