Must-Know Baby Development Stages: Common Behaviors and Guidance for 0-12 Months!

2020.09.03

Common Behaviors in Baby Development, 0-12 Months

The first 12 months are when babies develop fastest. Every day brings new changes, and baby responds to parents with different movements; smiling and fussing are both responses. Understanding each stage and giving the right stimulation helps strengthen the parent-child bond.

First Few Days After Birth

• Lying on the back, may occasionally lift the head briefly, but must be supervised
• Waves arms and legs
• Eyes focus at a distance of 20-40 cm, especially on faces

Month 1

• Briefly lifts head when lying on stomach on a flat surface
• Gazes steadily at a face
• Reacts to bells, such as startling or crying
• On stomach, lifts head to a 45-degree angle; makes sounds other than crying in response
• On stomach, lifts head to a 90-degree angle; holds head up when picked up; can bring hands together; smiles spontaneously.

Month 2

• Smiles and reacts to the sound of a bell.
• On stomach, pushes chest up with both arms; rolls to one side; grasps a rattle held at the fingertips and reaches out to touch things.
• Squeals with delight; eyes follow an object about 15 cm in front up to a 180-degree movement.

Month 3

• On stomach, lifts head to a 45-degree angle.
• Can hold head up when sitting
• When held upright, legs can bear some weight; when pulled to sit, head and body stay in a straight line; turns head toward mom's voice.

Months 5-6

• Keeps head steady when upright.
• May be able to sit without support.
• Starts trying to crawl, attempting to creep forward by bending and stretching hands and legs while on the stomach, moving the body slowly ahead
• Pulls to stand from a sitting position; protests when a toy is taken away; calls "mama" and "dada" to no one in particular.

Months 11-12

• Moves from lying on stomach to sitting up.
• Picks up small objects with the thumb and other fingers. Remember to put dangerous items away!
• Understands the meaning of "no," but doesn't always obey
• Claps or waves goodbye; walks while holding furniture.
• Stands alone for a short time and says words other than mama and dada.
• Expresses wants in ways other than crying; plays with a ball, babbles, and walks well.

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