How do babies grow and develop in the first year?
The first 12 months may be the most dynamic period of life. Dramatic
changes are taking place in all areas of growth and development, which
include:
- Physical development.
Most babies double their birth weight by gaining an average of
0.5 oz (14.2 g) to
1 oz (28.4 g) every day for the
first 6 months of life. Birth weight usually triples sometime between 9 and 12
months of age. By 12 months of age, most babies have grown in length a total of
about 10 in. (25.4 cm) since
birth. Head circumference usually increases about
0.25 in. (0.6 cm) to
0.5 in. (1.3 cm) a month.
- Cognitive development. This is the process
by which babies develop the abilities to learn and remember. Babies begin to
recognize and interact with loved ones and start to understand that people and
objects still exist even when they are out of sight (object
permanence).
- Emotional and social development. In a loving environment, babies easily bond with their
parents. In the first month, newborns express emotion mainly by crying and
grimacing or displaying an alert and bright face. By about 4 months, they learn
to smile, coo, and move their arms around when excited. By 5 months, babies
show a clear preference for a loved one. In the following months, "separation
protest" and "stranger anxiety" are two of the ways babies show this growing
attachment. A close bond provides a foundation for future relationships: babies
learn from their parents how to love and how to trust.
- Language development. Babies' brains are very open to
learning, and they quickly absorb the language around them. By about 3 to 6
weeks, babies develop a different crying sound to show a specific need (such as
hunger or discomfort). By around 2 months of age, they begin to interact with
caregivers by cooing and smiling, which proceeds to babbling and chuckling
within about 6 months. Also by 6 months, most babies have learned all of the
basic and distinct sounds of their native language. By the first year most
babies can say a few words, like "mama" or "dada," and can understand many
more.
- Sensory and motor development. A
baby's movements become more controlled and deliberate as the newborn
reflexes fade. Although seemingly stiff at times, a
baby will be limber and coordinated enough in 6 months to suck his or her toes
and strong enough to sit with light support. By 10 months, many babies can
stand, although they may need support.
When are routine medical visits needed?
Routine
checkups, or well-baby visits, should occur after the first month at 2, 4, 6,
9, and 12 months of age. During these visits, your doctor examines your baby
for signs of normal growth and development. You will be asked about whether
your baby is reaching expected developmental milestones.
Immunizations are also given according to the standard
schedule.
When should I be concerned about my baby's growth and development?
Talk to your doctor if your baby is not reaching
anticipated growth and development milestones. But keep in mind that every
child develops at a different pace. A child who is slow to reach milestones in
one area, such as interactive babbling with caregivers, may be ahead in another
area, such as crawling or walking. Usually it is of more concern when a child
reaches developmental milestones but then loses those abilities.
Also, call your doctor if your child shows signs of hearing problems,
such as not responding to your voice or to loud noises.
Do not
hesitate to talk to your doctor any time you have concerns about your child,
even if you aren't sure exactly what it is that worries you.
How can I help my baby during the first year?
You
can help promote healthy development by interacting with your child and
providing a loving and stimulating environment. Also, learn about normal
behavior and development patterns. This information helps you to understand
your baby's changes and healthy ways of responding to them.
Allow
your baby to explore safely. Offer guidance and limits, but respect your baby's
curiosity and growing abilities. This can help your child develop the
confidence needed to try new skills and to grow and develop into a healthy
child.
Frequently Asked Questions
Learning about growth and development: | |
Developmental milestones: | |
Seeing a doctor: | |
Ongoing concerns: | |