The first year in life is one of the most important stages in your child's development. From the moment they open their eyes they undergo dramatic physical and mental changes.
Take your child to the doctor for regular check ups to make sure he or she is growing strong and healthy. Early treatment of any problems is their best defense. The following chart shows you what your and your doctor should be watching for during your baby's first year.
|
Vision |
Speech and Hearing |
Physical |
Emotional and Societal |
| By 3 Months |
Tends to see objects about 1 foot away
Follows moving objects and reaches for things |
Sucks and swallows
Quiets and smiles in response to sound or voice |
Pushes up on arms
Lifts and holds head up |
Needs to be cradled and comforted
Begins to develop trust in parents or caregivers |
| By 6 Months |
Eye movement and eye-body coordination skills develop
Both eyes should focus equally |
Uses consonant sounds in babbling
Uses babbling to get attention |
Uses hands to support self in sitting
Rolls from tummy to back |
Smiles broadly and laughs when pleased
Develops self-calming skills to quiet down after being upset |
| By 9 Months |
Eye-body coordination skills develop further
Eye contact begins to replace physical contact |
Increases variety of sounds and syllables
Looks at familiar objects and people when named |
Sits and reaches for toys without falling
Moves from tummy or back into sitting position |
Gets angry and frustrated when their needs are not met
Begins to fear strangers |
| By 12 Months |
Uses both eyes to judge distances |
Says "mama" and "dada" |
Pulls self up to stand
Stands alone and takes independent steps |
Expresses a variety of emotions such as fear, anger, dislike and happiness |
Sources: American Academy of Pediatrics; American Optometrist Association; Invest in Kids
