Have you ever wondered “when is my baby going to do – that?”
Well, you aren’t the only one. I like to break a baby’s first year down into 3 basic stages. It is important to keep in mind, however, that every baby develops at their own pace, and that the ages listed are not set in stone.
Stage 1 – The Seedling 0-4 Months
A Seedling, huh, what does that mean? Well, in the first few months it may seem like your baby doesn’t do much more than sleep, eat and cry. Just know that the first 4 months is when they are really getting to know you.
Some things you can expect are:
- Improving head control
- First smiles
- Love to cuddle
- Start to wake up
- Can stare at you for long times
So what does this mean for you? Great question!
- Lots of tummy time
- Respond when they are crying – they really notice
- Look and talk to them all the time – you really are the greatest thing to look at
Stage 2 – The Potted Plant (4-7 months)
What – a potted plant, what does that mean? Now your baby has woken up and is getting really interested in the world around.
Here are some of the things to expect:
- Rolling, sitting (get it – they look like a potted plant with all the pillows around them as the pot)
- Putting their feet in their mouth
- Reaching
- Babbling and laughing (the greatest sound on earth if you ask me)
- Following objects with their eyes
So what does this mean for you? Great question!
- Look and talk to your baby all the time
- Get down on the floor and explore and let them show you what they like
Stage 3 – The Mover and Shaker (7 – 12 months +)
Yes, you got it. This is when they start moving.
If you leave them in one part of the room the next second they’ll be somewhere else.
Here is what to expect:
- Standing and walking with support then running
- First words
- Picking tiny objects up and put it in their mouth (picture a cheerio)
- May ‘make strange’ with new people (maybe even Grandma and Grandpa)
So what does this mean for you? Great question!
- Safety proofing
- Patience in the presence of new people
- Lots of bending and hand holding
Want to know more? Check it out
