Child Development
Do you want to know if your baby is developing well? Do you keep comparing your little one’s development with her cousins? Read on to know “what is normal?” And, what is not.
Gross motor:
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Age
(in months)
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Milestones
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3
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Babies usually have a good head control by this age
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5
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Baby can sit with support of cushions etc
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6-7
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Can sit with the support of his/her hands , might sit
independently for a moment
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8
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Baby should be able to sit independently by this age
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9
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Crawls
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10
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Stands holding onto furniture , might walk holding on to
furniture too (cruising around)
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12
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Can walk one hand held (Image 4)
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Usually, babies learn to walk independently by 13 months of age. However, some might reach there by 15months. Both are fine. Any delay beyond 15months is definitely a matter of concern .
Fine motor:
5 months: At this age, the baby is able to reach out for objects when sitting supported in the lap and holds them in one hand. Anything you give her, goes straight into the mouth. However, when you hand him another toy, he will drop the first one to grasp the second.
6-7 months: This baby now knows how to transfer toys from one hand to another. So, if he is holding one toy in right hand and you offer him another, he will shift first toy to the left hand and hold the second one in right hand.
9 months: By now,, baby’s control over his hand movements is improved and she can hold tiny things between thumb and index finger. Some enthusiastic ones try to catch ants or a small peanut this way (“pincer grasp”)
1year: By her first birthday, baby stops taking things to her mouth, rather throws them on floor (casting).
Social and language:
2 months: “Smiles” and “coos” when talked to. This baby will be able to focus on object held in front of the eyes and can follow them to side. By 3 months, she learns to turn her head towards sound.
5 months: Now, she can smile at herself in the mirror. She starts saying “aa-goo”
6 months: Now the baby becomes increasingly vocal with monosyllables like ba, da, ma. This baby is no longer “social”, he is scared when a stranger handles him (stranger anxiety). He loves to play “peek-a- boo”. He will turn his head towards you, if you call out his name.
9months: By now, the babies start speaking “baba”, “dada”. They love to play “pat-a-cake”, wave “bye bye” and “clap”. They understand the meaning of “No”.
1 year: By first birthday, your little one can speak one word with meaning. This could be anything like “mum”, “dad” or “mum” for water. They show great interest in picture books. They get anxious on separation from their parents (separation anxiety).
Also, a baby learns a skill only if she gets an opportunity. If we don’t play with a six-month old, she will not suddenly show interest in a peek-a boo game when a friend is playing with her.
RED ALERTS
A baby who is quiet, “doesn’t trouble much” or feels like a log is actually worrisome. Here are a few “red alerts” which should prompt you to consult a doctor:
No social smile by 3 months
Not controlling head by 4months
Not babbling by 5 months
Not interested in grasping anything by 7 months
Not sitting by himself by 8 months.
Not walking by 15months