The many physical accomplishments that typically take place during the first year and throughout childhood offer vital information about a child's development, explains the University of Maryland Medical Center. Keep in mind that babies develop at varying rates so there's a pretty wide range of what's thought of as "normal."
Size
Expect considerable physical growth and development over the next 12 months. A newborn gains approximately 6 oz. per week during the first six months. A baby normally triples his birth weight and doubles his length or height by age 1, according to Mayo Clinic. Babies on average grow 10 inches from birth to age 1.
Birth to Six Months
Lifting and turning the head while lying on his back is possible anytime during the first 2 months of a baby's life. Neck muscles are usually strong enough by 3 to 4 months for an infant to hold up her head and sit with support for about 30 seconds, explains Medline Plus, a website published by the National Institutes of Health.
Hand and feet control also improves during this period. Attempting to touch objects but still unable to grasp them is common at this age. A 6-month old is generally able to push up with his arms to lift his head and shoulders; he is most likely on the verge of crawling.
Seven - 12 Months
Crawling here, there and everywhere is commonplace at anytime during the second half of the first year of life. Between the sixth and ninth month of life an infant often take steps when holding an adult's hand for support. Standing independently while holding onto a coffee table or other piece of furniture is also quite possible.
Perhaps one of the most exciting possible milestones during the first year is when a baby attempts to take his first steps without assistance. About half of babies are walking by age 1, according to the March of Dimes. Walking any time between 9 and 16 months is considered normal.
Outlook
Your doctor keeps track of your baby's height and weight with a chart that compares her growth and development with other children of the same age. Expect the rapid growth that occurs during the first year to slow during the second year. By age 2 the average growth in height is about 2.5 inches per year until puberty, explains KidsHealth.org, a website published by the Nemours Foundation.
References
- Mayo Clinic; Infant Growth: What's Normal?; Jay L. Hoecker, M.D.; August 2011
- KidsHealth.org: What is Growth?
- MedlinePlus; Infant and Newborn Development; July 2011
- March of Dimes; What is Normal Development?; August 2009
- MedlinePlus; Infant-Newborn Development; January 11, 2011
- American Pregnancy Association; First Year Development: Infant Development; October 2007
