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By DAWN MARIE BARHYTE A baby's first year is filled with remarkable changes. 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 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 socialable 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 checker- board. 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 grasps toys and shake small hand toys Explores objects through mouthing During this time: Offer them a few playthings at a time so they won't be overwhelmed. Choose a variety of shapes and colors for manipulating. They especially like toys that make sounds as they wave them about. Month Four Roll from stomach to back and back to stomach Hold their head steady when held in sitting position Grasp and shake a rattle independently Increases their sound repertoire by blowing raspberries, shrieking and chuckling Fascinated by and enjoys exploring their own hands During this time: Introduce simple games like "this little piggy," "pat-a-cake" and "counting toes." 28 Hudson Valley Baby Guide Great expectations First year milestones During the first weeks of life, baby will turn toward your voice, and recognizes sounds of primary caregivers.