The Development of Infants

During a baby's first year of life, he undergoes an astonishing transformation from a helpless newborn to an energetic toddler. When parents of a 1-year-old look back on photos of their infant, it's hard to believe she is the same child. Not only do babies experience a lot of physical growth; but their appearance changes and their abilities increase a hundredfold. Here's a brief look at how infants develop during the first year. Keep in mind that all babies are different, and that there are wide ranges for what is considered "normal" for all of these milestones.

Birth to Three Months

• In the first three months of her life, a baby is just getting used to the world around her. Her eyesight is improving slowly, so by three months she should be able to see your face and follow an object with her eyes as it moves in front of her. Her biggest concerns are sleeping and eating. She should sleep about 16 hours a day, and eat every three to four hours (although some eat more often). Her head control is developing, and she should be able to hold her head up by three months. Around two or three months, babies often begin smiling or cooing, but they have poor motor coordination and seem to flail their arms and legs. Many newborns cry a lot; this might be because of stomach pain associated with colic or reflux, or overstimulation. Some babies are able to sleep through the night without a feeding by three months.

Three to Six Months

• Between three and six months, a baby should learn how to push himself up when laying on his stomach, reach for and grasp an object, laugh out loud and roll over (at least one way). Eyesight is still improving so that he can now focus on very small objects. Around four or five months, he should recognize his mother's voice (and probably others) and be able to turn in the direction of a speaker. Once he can hold his head up well, he's ready for solid foods (usually six months). Toys now become more interesting to him as he becomes more able to control his movements. During this period, he will probably begin teething. As he gets older, he won't sleep quite as much as before, but will still need about 14 1/2 hours of sleep a day (with two or three naps). A 6-month-old should be able to sleep through the night without a feeding.

Six to Nine Months

• During this period, a baby is becoming more mobile and her personality is really beginning to blossom. Around seven months, she will probably begin to get more vocal and be able to babble and maybe even make syllables like ma-ma or da-da. As she gets closer to eight months, she should be able to sit up by herself when placed and pass an object from one hand to the other. During this period, she'll learn how to use a sippy cup, feed herself a cracker, stand up with support, pick up very small objects and probably crawl. Sometime around nine months, she should learn how to get into a sitting position on her own. Babies at this age need two naps a day, which will continue until well after their first birthday. Since she doesn't understand the concept of object permanence, she'll love playing peek-a-boo, but might get anxious when you leave the room.

Nine to 12 Months

• Between nine and 12 months, a baby is becoming more independent and curious about the world around him. He is learning so much so rapidly and changing every day. Sometime after learning to crawl, he'll figure out how to pull himself up to standing by holding onto furniture and then how to cruise along on his feet while holding on. As he becomes surer of what he wants, he'll start to object if you take a toy away or move him from an area where he wants to be. During these three months, he'll probably be able to clap his hands and wave bye-bye. He might be able to stand independently for a few seconds, and many babies start to walk before their first birthday (but anytime before 18 months is considered normal). As he grows more teeth, he will be able to eat finger foods. Now is the time when he begins to understand what "no" means, but doesn't have the self control to obey it. As he approaches his first birthday, he might begin to say a word or two, but many babies don't until at least 14 months. Playing with all kinds of toys, books and things around the house helps older babies learn about the world around them as well as develop problem-solving skills and creativity.

Beyond the First Year

• Toddlerhood is really a whole different can of worms than babyhood. Parents of newborns are mostly concerned with their child's health and physical development, whereas parents of toddlers (while still worried about health, of course) are more involved with their child's psychological and social development. As babies enter toddlerhood, they will begin to say words and communicate in other ways such as pointing or gesturing. They will graduate from the breast or bottle to the sippy cup, and learn how to eat with a spoon and fork. It's really a stage of contradictions, as they are not still babies, but not yet big kids either. While growing into their own personality, they still need their caregivers, thus they develop separation anxiety. Their yen for independence will outweigh their abilities, which will result in the dreaded toddler tantrums. Although they will have tons of energy, they still need a nap each day. They'll enjoy playing with and around other kids, but won't understand the concept of sharing until they're about 3. It's a time of new discovery for little ones and parents alike.