Developmental Milestones and Play!!!

"For infants and toddlers learning and living are the same thing. If they feel secure, treasured, loved, their own energy and curiosity will bring them new understanding and new skills." 

 -Amy Laura Dombro, US Early Childhood Author and Writer

If you first time moms are anything like me, you are always asking yourself if your baby is on track?  Is he rolling, sitting up, crawling, talking, walking with the rest of the kids his age?  Is this a good pace?  What can I do to help his development along?

What I have learned so far is.....relax!  People tell us all the time, kids develop at their own pace!  They will get it, and once they do, look out!  My son was a bit of a late crawler, and even now, in the dawn of his eleven month birthday, he army crawls while dragging his right leg, seemingly useless, behind him :)  But, he is chatty as all get out!  He will chat and shriek your ear off day and night.  One of my best friend's sons, about 10 months, pulls himself up, stands on his own, and cruises around tables and chairs like nobody's business.  But, he is more the strong and silent type, and chooses his words carefully.  They are just two great examples of babies doing things on their own time, when they are ready.

Of course, there are certain milestones your pediatrician wants your child to hit by a certain age, and they can make recommendations to you if they see a need.

I started thinking about developmental milestones, big and small.  And decided to take a look into some of the most familiar, and ways that we can engage and encourage our wee ones.

Since every baby develops at his or her own pace, there are a series of guidelines used as a guide to what you might expect from your baby as they develop.  Because there is so much to cover and so much happening in those amazing brains and bodies, we will focus on birth through twelve months.

When you first bring baby home, you can expect a flurry of activity on your end:  feeding, diapers, laundry, lack of sleep, and the simple unadulterated joy of getting to know your baby.  After just a few short weeks, they will come to learn and know your face, voice and touch as well.  Some milestones for month one include:

• Fully developed hearing, and will often turn to the sound of your voice
• Lifting their head briefly during tummy time (they will still need support when upright)
• Letting you know they have had enough interaction by turning away from you or a short cry

While all babies develop at their own pace, it is recommended to call your pediatrician if you notice these red flags:

• Baby does not respond to loud sounds
• Baby does not respond to bright lights
• Baby seems especially stiff or floppy

You can encourage your baby by giving them lots of tummy time, taking walks outside, singing to them, and providing them plenty of love and attention.  Babies this young crave and need constant care!

Once a few quick months have passed, you will get into the swing of things, and enjoy your daily routine with your baby.  Of course, I use the word routine loosely, as they can always keep you guessing!  By month three, we are all amazed at how much our babies have changed and grown.  Key developments to look for in month three include:

• Baby's interaction during playtime; including smiling and cooing at you and his toys
• Social smiles
• Can hold head up for longer periods of time while on tummy, and even uses arms to push himself up
• Begins to track things with eyes, including pets, parents and siblings

Red flags at three months include:

• Baby does not smile
• Baby does not coo or make sounds
• Baby does not watch things as they move

Reading books together, pointing out familiar objects, and narrating your day are all great ways to encourage baby to understand the world around him, as well as encourage his verbal skills. Babies love repetitive games, including peek a boo.

By six months, baby is on the move!  Most babies at this age can roll over, sit up unsupported and engage with parents in play.  As baby learns new skills, keep them engaged with simple toys and books; picture books, wooden spoons and cardboard boxes are amazing to developing minds!

Other key developments around the six month mark include:

• Roll from tummy to back
• Put weight on their legs when you hold them in a standing position
• Begins to pass things from one hand to the other

Red flags at six months include:

• Baby is not affectionate with those around them
• Baby does not reach for things
• Baby cannot sit on own
• Baby seems very stiff or floppy

By nine months, your baby has a personality and mind of their own!  They are exploring, learning, and every day is a new adventure!  Some huge changes are on the horizon, if not already happening.  Remember, every baby is different, and the guidelines are just that.  Babies by nine months can be chatty chatty chatty, or totally on the move!  Some have started scooting or crawling, some have even ventured into walking! By nine months, some babies say simple sounds, mamama, or bababa.  Some are trying out words and repeating what they hear.  Some important things to look for:

• May be clingy with parents and caretakers, and may experience social anxiety
• Copies sounds and gestures of others
• Points at things with fingers
• Puts things in mouth-----Seriously....EVERY.  SINGLE.  THING.
• Stands while holding on to something
• Can get into sitting position on their own

While every baby is different, pay attention to these red flags:

• Does not sit without help
• Does not respond to own name
• Does not bear weight on legs with support
• Does not play any back and forth games

ONE YEAR OLD!!!  Way to go mamas and babies!  What a crazy, amazing, sleep deprived, awesome, jaw dropping year it's been!  You've survived countless diapers, middle of the night feedings, comforts and sicknesses.  You've enjoyed laughter, smiles, adoration, affection and love.  And of course, crying, late nights, food flung in every corner of the house, and one or eighteen blow outs!  I look back at the last year and cannot believe that such a short time ago, this little boy could not do anything but poop without me....and he sometimes needed help with that too!

By one year, things have gotten exciting!  Some milestones your baby might have hit include:

• Cries when mom or dad leaves
• Has favorite things and people
• Uses simple gestures, like shaking head or waving bye bye
• Tries to say words you say
• Looks at the right picture or thing when it's named
• Follows simple directions, such as, find the ball
• Pulls up to stand
• May take a few steps while cruising

Red flags by year one include:

• Does not crawl
• Does not say single words like mama or dada
• Does not point to things
• Loses skills he once had

There are a variety of websites to choose from, and certainly everyone has their favorites.  Information for this article was gleaned from two that I find most easily accessible, straightforward, and comprehensive.

http://www.babycenter.com/baby-milestones

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/index.html

I am also a huge fan of the book, The Wonder Weeks, http://www.thewonderweeks.com/, where discussion centers on baby's mental leaps forward, and is a great insight into baby's first 2 years!

What developmental milestones surprised you the most?  Was baby ahead of the game?  Or did they take their time to master their skill?  Were you ever nervous, excited, anxious?   Please share your experience with us, as we all learn from each other.  We love to hear from other mamas, because we know we are all in this together!

Lori Pratt
Mom of one Chatty as all get out 11 month old