In the first year of life, baby development proceeds at a rapid pace. Each baby goes through development at his own pace, so different infants may reach different milestones at different times. Some babies accomplish the development of physical skills first, while others lag behind physically but are developmentally advanced when it comes to language or social skills.
Types
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, there are five main areas of development that all babies gain skills in Gross motor development involves control over the body. Fine motor development is defined as the ability to manipulate small objects with the hands. Sensory development involves the growth of the five senses. Language development describes a baby's progression through babbling to learning to speak. Social development is when the baby learns to interact with others.
Physical Milestones
Babycenter.com points out that each type of development babies go through has associated milestones that he should reach at about the same time as other babies. In physical development, the first major milestones accomplished include the ability to hold up his head, which usually occurs around the end of the third month, and rolling over, which should happen sometime between months 4 to 7. Other important gross motor milestones of the first year include crawling and standing, both occurring between 6 to 12 months. In fine motor development, hand-eye coordination starts to develop by the third month and by month seven, a baby will be able to transfer objects between hands. By his first birthday, an infant will begin to manipulate simple objects and use them properly, such as a brush or sippy cup.
Sensory Milestones
Newborns have the ability to see about 8 to 12 inches in front of them, but tracking objects with their eyes doesn't develop until month three or four. Hearing is well developed at birth, and babies of three months will respond to a parent's voice by turning towards them and smiling, according to the CDC.
Language and Social Milestones
At three months, a baby will have usually begun to exhibit social skills, smiling at parents and others he has frequent contact with. He may also begin to imitate the facial expressions of others and show enjoyment at playing with others. By month seven, babies start to show an interest in mirrors and social play and by his first birthday, you might notice your baby exhibiting separation anxiety and trying to get your attention frequently. The March of Dimes says that by the end of month three, a baby has often begun to babble. This begins the process of language development, which will lead to his first words at around 12 months of age.
Developmental Assessments
Pediatricians conduct simple developmental assessments during regular well-baby checkups throughout a baby's first year in order to determine whether the infant is on track. These involve simple tests like seeing whether the baby tracks objects with his eyes or can sit up without assistance. It may also involve asking the parents questions about the infant's activity at home, including whether he exhibits social behavior or has begun to babble or talk. If an infant seems to be lagging behind in one or more areas, the doctor may refer him for an in-depth developmental assessment to determine whether there are developmental delays that require treatment, according to the Babycenter article "Developmental Assessments."
