° Baby and Toddler Developmental Milestones

Baby development is very important, and many parents like to know what they should be keeping an eye on. Watching your baby growing up, and developing is a fantastic experience that you should cherish. There are particular milestones in every child's life, and understanding them can help to check that your baby is developing at the pace they should be.

All babies are unique, and many will develop at a different speed to others. However, knowing where they should be in relation to other children can be useful. The first stage that is very important in your baby's life is the period from 4-8 months. At 4 months old, there will be many things that they should be doing with ease, and these include laughing, and smiling, holding their heads up un-aided, and placing their full weight on their legs. Some babies develop faster than others, and other babies may be able to roll over, grasp a toy or rattle, and reach out for objects. By 6 months, your baby should be able to sit unsupported for a brief second, imitate sounds, and facial expressions, and feed themselves a biscuit. You will notice that your baby will begin to develop fast, and by 8 months, they should be able to crawl for short periods of time, pass an object from one hand to another, and say the words mama, or papa. During the period of 8-12 months, your baby will begin to get around, and their sense of independence will be present. Around 10 months you will see your child developing from a small dependant baby into an independent toddler. They will be able to walk whilst holding onto the furniture, wave hello, and goodbye, and drink from a cup un-aided. Slowly they will begin to understand commands, and the use of their own name, and as they approach their first birthday they will be able to babble different words, stand on their own, and scribble with pens, and crayons. The period between 12 to 24 months is very important, and you will see your child learning new things every day. They will begin to walk on their own, and eat finger foods. Your child will also be able to match colors, and shapes in educational toys, and begins to take an interest in books. Over the next year, your child will develop all of the skills they have learnt in the previous year, and by the time they are 24 months old they will have a long list of development skills.

As your child approaches their second birthday, they will be able to walk, talk, draw, and dress themselves. You will be able to have a conversation with your child that you understand, and they will be developing their own likes and dislikes. Although there are several milestones throughout your child's life that you should be aware of many children develop at their own rate. However, if you are concerned about the speed that your child is developing you should consult a professional. They will be able to assess whether your child is simply a slow developer, or if there are other factors to consider.

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