MAIN Health Pregnancy Baby's First Year

There is nothing like holding an infant in your arms and knowing the world of promise contained in that new little bundle of joy.

The 12 months that lie ahead are probably the most wonderful experience of discovery that parent and child can share.

Below are very general guidelines for baby's first year development, along with more detailed tips & advice on the subject from expert Web guides.

Note, however, that all babies will grow and develop at their own pace, so no need to worry about your infant "hitting the mark" in reaching common developmental milestones if they are otherwise alert, healthy and happy:

Infancy - 3 months

In only a few short weeks, gone are the uncoordinated movements as infants begin to grow and develop. By three months, babies are smiling as they recognize familiar faces, are raising and turning their heads with control, and reaching for objects dangling above them. Teething pain may become a problem now or in the months ahead.

6 months

At six months, baby is usually sleeping through the night, but during the day it's non-stop playtime accompanied by grins and giggles as they begin to interact with everyone around them. They also usually learn the art of grasping toys, and occasionally attempt to feed themselves.

9 months

By nine months, babies' natural curiosity is the motivation for crawling, and discovering the world on their own. Playing peek-a-boo, and waving hello and goodbye, is also a favorite activity at this age.

12 months

By their first birthday, babies are beginning to know and speak at least a few words, are "cruising" the household furniture to walk by themselves, and maybe even taking their first steps unassisted as they graduate into full toddlerhood.

All about baby's first year around the Web

Elsewhere on the Web, learn more about common developmental milestones, along with expert tips & advice on baby's crying & sleeping habits, the do's and don'ts of feeding and related choking hazards, suggested testing and vaccinations, and other guides to watching your infant grow into a healthy, bouncing baby in the first 12 months ...

First Year of Development - American Pregnancy Association - Good overview of small and large motor skill development, language development, plus a month-by-month guide to growth & behavior.

Caring for Your Baby : Baby's First Year - Expert tips from the March of Dimes with an interactive guide to newborn behavior, advice on newborn medical testing, vaccinations, early childhood illnesses, developmental milestones.

How I Grow : Newborn through Month Two - Helpful guide for new parents with information on comforting baby, related safety tips, developmental milestones, plus advice for relieving stress related to caring for your newborn.

NNCC Infant Development - Clear fact sheet on physical, social and emotional growth from birth to 12 months plus suggested activities with baby to assist in their development, related safety tips.

Learn the Signs, Act Early - Extensive guide from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control with detailed FAQ's on assessing & testing infants for signs of autism, hearing or vision loss, cerebral palsy, mental retardation.

Your Baby's First Year Week by Week - POPUP WARNING. Detailed information on typical milestones from week 1 through 52, with hints & tips on everything from baby's sleeping, crying and eating habits to walking and social development.

This information is intended as reference and not as medical advice.
All treatment decisions should be made by medical professionals.

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