Hudson Valley Parent

A baby's growth month by month is a miraculous thing. Their first year is filled with so many remarkable changes that you will want to really pay attention. Here's a month by month guide to the milestones the average baby will achieve during that first year. Remember, parents, it's just a guide; babies reach each milestone at their own speed, so don't panic if baby hasn't reached a milestone according to this schedule. Month One Focus on your face, crib toys and mobiles Startle or cry in response to sudden or loud noises Turn toward your voice Responds to mother's voice Recognizes and prefers the sound and touch of their primary caregivers During this time: show them the world is a warm, safe place. Cuddle, soothe and respond quickly to their needs. Your face and gentle voice are their most fascinating playthings now. Their best focusing distance is eight to ten inches from the bridge of their nose. Month Two Smiles in response to your smile Begins to track objects with their eyes Discovers their hands and finds pleasure in sucking their fingers Makes cooing and vowel sounds to express feelings When placed on abdomen, is able to lift their head up for a few seconds During this time: Acknowledge their sociable moods with enthusiasm. Smile and talk to them frequently. Show them musical toys, help them track objects and play with rattles. Expose them to large crib pictures in bright colors and bold simple pictures with simple patterns like a checkerboard. Month Three Able to lift head better when on their stomach Able to roll from stomach to back Able to bat objects with increasing accuracy Starts to develop eye-hand coordination Able to grasp toys and shake small hand toys Explores objects through mouthing 8 Hudson Valley Parent Q 2013 Baby Guide Month by month milestones By DAWN MARIE BARHYTE HOW YOUR BABY GROWS IN THE FIRST YEAR

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