Congratulations! You and your baby are embarking down the path of some exciting times! A newborn changes daily, it seems, and there is nothing so rewarding as watching little babies change from a quiet newborn -- to a smiling and giggling infant. Along this progression, they learn to sit up, crawl, walk, run, climb -- all the while giving back to you wonderful and treasured memories. Is it hard at times to parent babies? It sure is! However, there are many blessings too, as well as resources available to help you with your questions. You will discover that most moms have experienced the same feelings that you feel. Be sure to take care of *you* -- take steps to check out some helpful resources, and call your Healthcare Provider if you have any questions. Below you'll find some of the average developmental stages you can expect your baby to go through. Please remember, each child is an individual, and may go through these either a bit early, or a bit late, and will still be within their own normal rate of development.

 

1 - 3 Months

A newborn is totally dependent upon others to care for him/her. This task can seem overwhelming to parents at first. Within weeks, sleep and eating patterns begin to be established. Life with a newborn is full of adjustments. Since babies spend a lot of time sleeping, make sure you have a safe crib with a snug-fitting mattress. Avoid overstuffed quilts, bumper guards or pillows in the bed. Crib or cradle slats should be no farther than 2 3/8 inches apart. Babies should be placed on their backs to sleep to help avoid sudden infant death. Babies can flip over at any time. Never leave them unattended on a sofa, countertop or raised surface. By the second month, baby's first smile may appear. Your pediatrician will recommend the first of a series of childhood shots. Little ones may be settled into a routine. Continue talking to your child. Gentle cuddles, massages, and rocking can be important expressions of love and should be a part of every day. Three-month-old babies enjoy making new sounds. They like to stare at people and objects and notice their hands and feet. These little ones like to hear you talk and sing and respond by vocalizing and smiling.

 

4 - 6 Months

During these months baby changes from being simply a "taker" of your love and energy to a "giver" as well. Your baby finds new ways to investigate and affect what goes on around him/her. Muscle control continues to develop. Head control greatly improves and some little ones progress to lifting their entire chest when placed on their stomachs. Babies love to kick and soon enjoy "standing" in someone's lap. They like flexing their legs and bouncing up and down. Hand control develops dramatically during these months. By age 6 months they love to grab objects, inspect them and put them in their mouths. This stage can be one of the most pleasant times in baby's life. Personality patterns continue to develop and emerge. Little ones recognize favorite people and vocalize and smile a lot. Your child should see the doctor at 4 and 6 months for well baby check-ups and immunizations. Voice any questions or concerns at these visits. Remember there can be a wide variation in the time when babies accomplish various tasks. The health care provider will be noting if your baby is making steady progress. Babies learn so much at this stage through seeing and hearing. They love to listen to human voices so sing or talk to your infant as you care for him/her. Littler ones enjoy looking at new objects and like to see themselves in a mirror.

 

7 - 9 Months

Babies are eager to get moving. By seven months many can push up on hands and knees and rock, creep or crawl. Their ability to control arms and legs enable them to begin moving around. Little ones will want to investigate anything the can get their hands on and explore anywhere they can move to, but they are clueless about risks and dangers. Teach them the difference between safe and unsafe things by using a firm but gentle voice. Continue baby-proofing your home to keep breakable, dangerous or poisonous items out of reach. Fear is a very real feeling for baby and being separated from you can be traumatic. Baby may also begin to show anxiety among unfamiliar people. Give him/her plenty of hugs, kisses, and tender loving care during these times. Some babies cut teeth with little discomfort. Others are irritated with sleeplessness, spitting up, constant chewing, diarrhea or drooling. Check with your doctor if you are concerned. Give baby a firm teething ring to chew on. Your health care provider may tell you to introduce baby foods and cereals by this stage. Infants' needs and preferences vary a lot. Let your baby try each new food for a few days before introducing another. Watch for any signs of reaction such as irritability, diarrhea, a rash, running nose or wheezing.

 

10 - 12 Months