Brain Development & Physical Milestones In An Infant

The changes you notice in your baby come from an interplay between your child's physical development and his interaction with the environment. Although at least some of your baby's development is directed by his genes, babies need proper stimulation and nurturing to reach developmental milestones. Every baby is different. Don't panic if your child's physical development doesn't match up perfectly with average milestones, but do discuss any concerns with your baby's doctor.

Brain Development

Much more is going on in your infant's brain than you might think. While your baby got most of her brain cells, or neurons, before birth, the number of connections between these neurons is expanding at a rapid rate. Neurons communicate with each other through long extensions called axons and dendrites. As your baby develops, more of her axons get coated in a substance called myelin, which protects neurons and speeds up communication between cells. It's a combination of growth and brain maturation that allows your baby to reach the physical milestones you're waiting to see.

2 to 4 Months

By 2 months, you should notice that some of your baby's newborn reflexes disappear, thanks to maturation of higher brain centers. These reflexes include the stepping reflex, where your infant seems to step when supported upright on a solid surface, and the grasping reflex, where your baby holds tightly to anything within reach. By 4 months, your baby can raise his head 90 degrees when he's placed on his stomach. He'll be able to grasp objects and put them in his mouth to "explore" them further. By 4 months, most infants are double their birth weight.

6 to 9 Months

By 6 months, your baby's muscles are getting stronger and her motor skills are improving. She can pass an object from one hand to another, and lift her chest and head off the floor with her hands while lying on her stomach. She can sit on the floor with lower back support and she knows how to roll over. By 9 months, your child will be using a pincer grip to grasp objects. She'll be shaking and throwing toys to hear the sounds they make and pulling herself to a standing position with the help of your sofa or coffee table. She'll also be crawling, so make sure you offer a safe environment for your baby to explore.

10 to 12 Months

Your baby will continue to crawl and pull himself along, and by the 1-year-old mark -- look out -- your child could be taking his first steps. Some children start walking independently as late as 18 months, but your 1-year-old should be able to take some steps with your support. You should notice further improvement in hand-eye coordination. Instead of just banging objects together, your baby can stack blocks and put smaller toys inside of larger ones. Your child will be able to help you out at lunchtime, picking up her favorite crackers and feeding them to herself.

Brain Development & Physical Milestones in an Infant