The "baby" stage encompasses the first year of a child's life. During this short time, babies transition from newborns to toddlers. Although it is a good idea to familiarize yourself with typical developmental milestones to watch for during your baby's first 12 months, be aware that developmental markers only serve as a general guide. If your baby is slightly ahead or behind the average milestone curve, this is not typically a cause for concern. Check with your child's pediatrician if you're worried about your baby's rate of development.
First Quarter
During the first month, most babies begin to respond to sound and bright light. A baby this age can probably lift his head for short periods when placed on his stomach, follow objects with his eyes, make cooing sounds and smile or laugh, according to the New Parents Guide.
A two-month-old can likely repeat simple sounds, hold her head steady when held upright, hold her head at a 45-degree angle when placed on her stomach, and respond to your smiles and laughs in kind, the New Parents Guide indicates.
At three months of age, your baby might be able to roll up on his side, reach for objects, clasp his hands together, and open and close his hands in a grasping motion.
Second Quarter
At four months, babies will typically try to talk to you by responding to your voice with "oohs" and "ahs." At this age, your baby reaches for toys and objects and can probably grasp rattles or small toys.
A baby at five months can roll from tummy to back and smile at his reflection or at other babies. A baby this age might also recognize his name when called and be able to sit with help, according to Fisher-Price.com.
Babies at six months can usually roll from tummy to back, and from back to tummy, sit on their own and transfer a toy from hand to hand, according to the Utah Department of Health.
Third Quarter
At seven months, a baby can feed herself a cracker or other safe finger food, crawl or thrust herself forward to get to a toy or person, and play peek-a-boo, according to the New Parents Guide.
An eight-month-old baby can crawl forward or backward, mimic and articulate some sounds, and pick up small items using his thumb and forefinger.
At around nine months of age, babies begin to hold two objects at once, and they enjoy looking at books with an adult and making noise by hitting toys together.
Fourth Quarter
Developmental markers for a 10-month-old include pulling up to a standing position, waving, and saying "mama" and "dada,"
according to the New Parents Guide.
At 11 months, babies clap, drink from a cup without help, and enjoy playing with a ball and emptying and refilling a container of toys, according to the New Parents Guide.
By 12 months of age, babies can typically stand on their own and might be walking a little. A baby at this age usually has a vocabulary of three to four words, enjoys scribbling with a crayon and can point to his eyes or nose, according to the Utah Department of Health.
Preemies
Babies who are born prematurely will most likely not follow the typical developmental track. It takes time for preemies to catch up to full-term babies developmentally. The development of babies born early should be evaluated according to their corrected age, rather than actual age, according to Keepkidshealthy.com. For example, if your child was born eight weeks early, subtract eight weeks from her actual age, and consider developmental markers for this corrected age. "For most premature babies, you can stop using a corrected age at around age 2-3 years," according to Keepkidshealthy.com.
