The First Year

In the first year your baby progresses from a cute little being to a naughty agile creature. Learn more about the developments that take place in a child during the first year of her development.A lot of developments take place in a child during her first year of development. Children are expected to achieve certain developmental milestones within one year however some children may take more time. Take a quick look the growth milestones that a child may achieve at different time intervals by the completion of one year. In this article0 to 3 months4 to 6 months7 to 9 months10 to 12 monthsBabys First BirthdayEncouraging Speedy Development during the First Year0 to 3 monthsThe babys appearance begins to change as she loses her newborn look. When put on her tummy, she will lift her head briefly. Her legs may still be bent. At about 2 months, the head will stay up at 45 degrees for a longer time. At about 3 months, she will be completely stretched and able to hold her head up.4 to 6 monthsThe baby will be able to roll from side to side and support herself on her forearms. By the time, she is 5 months old, her head and body will be well raised and she will be able to roll from back to side. At 6 months, she should be able to sit unsupported for a few seconds. At this stage, the babys ability to twist and turn begins to develop.7 to 9 monthsAt 7 months, the baby will continue to bend forward to support her sitting position. She will be able to sit up completely unsupported by the time she is 8 months old. When she is 9 months old, she will try to crawl and support herself on her hands and knees.10 to 12 monthsAt 10 months, the baby begins to crawl with extended arms and legs and pulls up to a standing position. In the eleventh month, she will totter around with support. When she is twelve months old, the baby will probably be able to move around while she is supported.Babys First BirthdayThis is an important milestone in the physical development of the child. Beyond the first year mark, the babys body grows in length, loses its plump podgy appearance, becomes firmer, stronger and more muscular with adult proportions. Balance and coordination are mastered and fine movements are learned.Encouraging Speedy Development during the First YearParents can do various activities to aid speedy development in a child during the first year of her development. Listed below are some of the things that parents can do to boost baby’s development.Talk to your baby as much as you can right from the time she is born as this activity will enable her to start talking early.Breastfeed the baby for the period of 6 months after which solids can be introduced to her and breastfeeding can be continued.Breastfeeding is very important for the overall development of the child.Provide right kind of toys that suit each stage of development. For example, toys like rattles, cot mobiles etc are suitable for babies who are 0 to 3 months old and above. To find about age appropriate toys, you can also do a detailed search on internet. Get picture books for your baby. Point towards different pictures and read their names aloud to your baby.Sing songs and tell stories to your baby on regular basis.Take a walk of a park or a garden along with your baby once in a while.The above activities help to stimulate brain development in babies. Some of the activities can also aid in the development of gross and find motor skills. So, it is a must to carry out such activities with babies in order to aid their growth and development and help them achieve developmental milestones faster.