With the baby’s first year development, they will experience more changes – all for the first time – than ever in their life combined. The excitement of bringing the baby home will be the beginning of many exciting happenings and occurrences as the baby goes from a tiny newborn to a full-fledged toddler. Purchase a good “Baby’s First Year Calendar” and record these firsts.
The first thing that will be noted is rapid weight gain. Babies differ greatly at what point the pounds will be put on – but you can almost guarantee that by one year – baby will weigh right around 20 pounds. That’s roughly a 13 pound gain and will probably gain approximately 10 inches in height.
Sometime within the first 3 weeks, the cord will fall off. This will lead to a baby’s first bath – a photographic occasion! Within the first month to month and a half, the baby will follow objects with his eyes and will turn toward sounds. Sometimes by the 2nd-month baby will beam his first smile, usually resulting in a meltdown of the parent’s heart.
The 2nd month may bring laughter out of her mouth! The discovery of the first and/or thumb will be interesting to behold. Some babies may start holding up their heads and even raising up on their arms. Again – this can vary – so don’t despair if your baby does some of these things later on. The first little coos will escape, the beginning of their attempt to communicate verbally.
Month 3: The baby may begin to show an interest in toys and may start to try to roll over. The first laugh may be heard at this point. By month 4, the baby will start grasping at objects and may even hold toys. A lot of babies can sit up if propped. By month 5, the baby can hold her own bottle and maybe even wave bye-bye. Some babies will start teething, though this can occur earlier or much later.
A baby may begin to roll over in their 5th month, as well as saying their first word – da da. Pediatricians recommend that babies start on solids by the sixth month – though some will start sooner and some later. Always record what you give your baby and allow at least 3 days before introducing a new food.
The 6th month sometimes brings on increased activity such as crawling. Sitting becomes easier with help by the 7th month. Some babies may even sit up alone at this point. At 8 months babies like to hold their own spoons and clap their hands. Bathtime really gets fun when the baby splashes his hands in the water. Some babies may start pulling themselves to an upright position. And sometimes, surprise, they may stand all by themselves for a few seconds. Relax – walking usually takes a few more months to attain!
“Singing” may become a specialty at 9 months. Expect to hear one or two more “clear” words by the 10th month, especially if you are working with your baby on speech. Some babies – early learners – will start walking in the 10th month, though at the very least most can walk with help. By the 11th month, the baby can feed herself and hold her own cup.
The firsts listed here can vary by months – these are simply a composite of what my children did. What a year for the baby – that first year!!
