Developmental Stages – Is Your Baby On Track

When you’re a first time Mother, you’re always worried about your baby’s development. Sometimes, we get downright obsessed with knowing when our child will sit up, crawl, walk and talk. And, if they’re one week later than we think they should be, we’re concerned that something’s wrong. Well, here’s the scoop on approximately when the big milestones take place. Remember, each baby is different. If you think your baby is not progressing as he should, speak with your pediatrician.
· First Smile – The first real smile (meaning in response to your smile or some other external social stimulation) usually happens around four to six weeks. Babies do smile earlier than this, though. They often smile as they are falling asleep, and yes, when they have gas.
· First Tooth- Timing of that first tooth can vary widely. If you can find out when you and your husband first popped a pearly white, you’ll have a better idea as to when to expect your baby’s, as it is largely hereditary. Teeth can show up as early as three months, and as late as after the first birthday, but the average is about seven months.
· Sitting Up – This one can happen as early as four months, though for most babies about six months is average. If your baby has not accomplished this milestone by seven or eight months, you might mention it to your doctor.
· Standing Unsupported. Your baby will be able to bear weight on his legs with you holding his arms by age five or six months, usually. But standing unsupported may not happen until nearly a year old, though some babies accomplish this at around nine months. It takes a while for those legs to get strong, and for the balance to be there.
· Saying Mama or Dada – By this I mean actually using Mama to refer to you or Dada to refer to his father – not just making the sound. This can happen as early as 10 months, but happens most often at around a year old. Get used to it, he’s probably going to say Dada first – it’s just easier for babies to say.
· Crawling – Some babies never crawl, which, by the way, is completely normal. But most babies who crawl do so between seven and nine months, with some starting as early as six months. Time to plug up those electrical outlets!
· Walking – Most babies walk between the ages of 13 and 15 months, though many start as early as nine months. Don’t be in too much of a hurry for this one, as your whole life changes once that baby starts to walk!
Again, all of the times I mentioned above are estimates about when these milestones occur. If your baby is attending regular well baby checkups, your pediatrician will be monitoring his progress, and will alert you if there is any need to be concerned.