The term "developmental milestones" refers to the cognitive and motor skills your baby acquires as he grows. The National Network of Child Care notes that although children develop at different rates, the first year of your baby's life is characterized by important milestones of which you should be mindful. If your infant has not achieved most skills appropriate for his chronological age, talk to his pediatrician about your concerns. Early intervention is best if your child is diagnosed with a developmental delay.
First Month
During the first month of a newborn's life, the American Academy of Pediatrics notes that her existence may be characterized primarily by sleeping and feeding. By the end of the first month, you should notice motor movements such as arm thrusting, moving the head from one side to the other when positioned on the stomach, pronounced reflexes and tightly fisted hands. At this age, your baby's neck still needs to be supported. Vision and hearing milestones are characterized by response to environmental stimuli. The AAP notes that a 1-month-old is more responsive to black-and-white patterns (or those with high contrast), giving preference to the human face over all other visual stimuli. She may localize to familiar voices and sounds, as hearing is fully developed. Certain smells and touch evoke predictable visceral reactions. She prefers sweet tastes over others, and gives deference to soft materials (such as blankets and clothing).
By 3 Months
By 3 months of age, infants display marked acquisition of voluntary movement, according to the AAP. The child is able to raise his chest and head when placed on his tummy, displaying upper body support. His hands flex open and shut, and his legs stretch and kick. He is able to reach for dangling toys, bring his hand to his mouth and grasp objects. The infant's gaze becomes more rapt and focused, and he is able to visually track moving objects, as well as identify familiar people and things at a greater distance. Vocalizations consist of babbling and sound imitation. He's also able to localize the source of sound and smile in response to the voice of familiar caregivers. Social and emotional milestones are also present, according to the AAP. The infant smiles in social situations and communicates using a wider array of expressions. He begins to enjoy playtime with caregivers and cries or frets when interaction ceases.
By 7 Months
The AAP describes the age of 4 to 7 months as a time when some of the more important changes are noted. Perceptive abilities emerge, as well as increased motor functioning. The infant can roll onto her back from her tummy and from her tummy to her back, and sits with and without hand support. At this age, the child recognizes colors, as her vision has fully matured. She can track movement better and has better distance vision. Basic receptive and expressive language skills are present. The infant is responsive to her own name and comprehends use of the word "no." She employs babble strings with consonants, using vocal inflection to express when she is content/discontent. The child responds to her image in a mirror, as well as to the expressions of familiar caregivers.
By 1 Year
During the last 4 months of your child's first year, you'll notice increased physical autonomy, as well as enhanced language skills. By age 1, you'll notice creeping and crawling, as well as your child's ability to pull himself up to standing position--and perhaps even take a few independent steps. Fine motor skills in the hands are more well-developed, and your infant can use a pincer grasp (tips of fingers to thumb), bang objects together, put objects in a container, and pick up and release objects independently.
He can follow simple one-step verbal commands from caregivers and utters simple words and two-part phrases, such as "mama," "dada" and "uh-oh." He explores his environment in numerous different ways, according to the AAP, such as throwing, dropping or banging objects. He is able to visually identify pictures in a book when named and uses common objects--sippy cups, combs and toy phones--appropriately. Certain people become his "favorites," but your child is likely to be most responsive to primary caretakers, becoming apprehensive around strangers or in novel environments. Your child begins to display preferences to certain toys, foods and other stimuli. He can feed himself using his fingers and raises his arms and legs when he is being dressed.
