Comedian Steven Wright once commented, "My friend has a baby. I'm recording all the noises he makes so later I can ask him what he meant." From birth until the age of 2, babies go through several different stages of development and reach many milestones. The immobile infant who communicates through crying becomes a problem-solving toddler who walks independently, understands what others say and communicates through simple words and phrases.
Birth to 6 Months
Babies develop at a rapid pace during the first six months of life. Although there is a generally accepted set of milestones, external factors like experiences and environment may affect the timing or method of their achievement. Early on, babies begin to track things with their eyes, particularly people and objects that have bright colors with a great deal of contrast, such as a black picture frame on a white wall. They try to copy expressions and begin to smile occasionally. Their main method of communication is through their cries, but they should start to make other sounds as well. Their fine motor skills are lacking during this period, although they will reach out for objects, turn their heads in response to sounds and may even manage to get their feet to their mouths.
As they near the 6 months, they generally show a marked preference for family members and those familiar to them and will respond to their voices. They may understand the word "no" and will always respond to a change in the tone of your voice. Most babies during this stage will grasp objects and put them in their mouth, be able to sit with some assistance and propping and roll over. Many will begin scooting around, using their hands and arms to drag themselves. You may see them watch your face intently when you talk as if lip-reading, and they may try to imitate the sounds you are making. Babies begin to remember things at this stage.
6 Months to 1 Year
Mental, emotional and physical skills progress quickly during this stage of development. Babies become much more in tune with their environment, the people around them and the things that they experience. They may understand their names and simple words. They may even say their first words. Favorite activities include peek-a-boo and shaking, banging or tossing objects. They may be able to place objects deliberately in large containers and will seek out hidden objects.
Babies start to make simple gestures during this stage, like covering their eyes or waving. Most babies can sit without assistance and creep or crawl using hands and feet; they may even be able to pull themselves to a standing position. Some babies will take their first steps during this stage. Depending on the baby's demeanor, they may be wary of strangers and may even get upset when they see a new face.
1 to 2 Years
Vocalization and mobility are the hallmarks of the development stage between 1 and 2 years of age. By this time, babies are saying their first words, whether they are legitimate words or ones that they have made up. They are adept at understanding what others around them say and enjoy being read to and having stories told to them. They are walking independently, earning themselves the name "toddlers." Some may even climb stairs.
Toddlers are much more aware of their environment and the people around them. They understand that some objects belong to them and some to others, they like to problem solve and are capable of developing friendships. Pretend-play may begin during this stage, and the toddlers will take great pride in their accomplishments. They will begin to test their limits as they get ready to enter the next stage, called the "terrible 2s."
