As your watch your child start to grow, you will notice several changes begin to occur. It’s important to understand these are small milestones in a healthy baby’s growth process.
This time between birth to six months old is such a wonderful time for you and your baby. You’ll watch as your baby changes dramatically from one week to the next. Remember, all children develop at their own individual rates. Some of the typical developmental changes include:
Birth to three months:
- Smiles, coos and gurgles
- When the baby is lying on his stomach, he lifts his head
- Follows movement and sounds with eyes or by turning the head
- Cries to tell you when hungry, sick, or wet
- Kicks legs and moves arms easily
Three to six months:
- Rolls from side to side
- Begins to reach for things
- Begins to sit without support
- Stands with support
- Laughs out loud
- Rolls from stomach to back
Special Needs
Sometimes babies need further evaluation or even special services to help their development. If there is a problem, the sooner it can be addressed, the better! Not all children develop at the same rate. If you have any concerns or questions, be sure to contact your pediatrician.
Some signs that your baby may need help…
- Doesn’t coo or smile
- Doesn’t react to loud noises
- Has difficulty holding his head up by three months
- Doesn’t turn her head to follow sounds or voices
- Has difficulty following objects or people with his eyes
- Arms or legs are stiff or the posture is floppy or limp
- Arches back away from you when you try to pick her up
—- from First5 Advice for New Parents
