Prenatal Care and Child Development
As your child continues to grow and develop, your baby becomes more alert and mobile, searching out for new adventures. Your child learns more about the world from every experience it has, such as cuddling, nap time, listening to others speak, and more.
Your baby will grow and develop at their own pace, but consider some of these general milestones to monitor your baby’s development.
What to Expect
As your baby develops from newborn into the first several months (i.e. 6 months), your baby will likely develop the following:
1. Evolving Motor Skills
Your baby’s arms and legs wiggle and kick more forcefully and they may be starting to roll over. Your baby’s muscles gain strength, allowing them to better control their head. They may even start trying to push themselves up or stand on their legs.
2. Improving Hand-Eye Coordination
Your baby will likely grasp at your finger, or any other soft objects. Anything within reach may end up in their mouth, as this is how they explore and learn about their world.
3. Clearer Vision
Your baby may be able to start noticing the difference between different shades of reds, blues and yellows. Complex patterns and shapes may be more interesting and they may start to notice their own reflection.
4. Babbling and Making Sounds
Your baby may start babbling or making chains of letter sounds (e.g. ‘ba’ or ‘dee’). Your baby may react to other sounds by making their own sounds. Some babies even start recognizing their own name.
Promoting Their Development
At this age, children learn best through play. Here are some tips to promote your child’s development:
1. Talk to Your Baby
Talk to your baby by asking questions, and reacting to their sounds. Describe what you see, hear and smell around the house, or when you go out. Use simple words, such as ‘baby’ or ‘cat’, or ‘eat’. Keep in mind your tone of voice and facial expressions when communicating.
2. Turn on Music
Music can be helpful, calming entertaining and educational. Sing or play lullabies, children’s songs or your own favourite music.
3. Change Positions
Lay your baby on their tummy for a few minutes so they can practice their skills in rolling over. Hold a colourful toy or encourage your baby to practice rolling over.
4. Offer Simple Toys
Babies at this age enjoy colour toys, especially those that make sounds. To help your baby focus, play with only one or two toys at a time. Place the toys slightly out of reach to help your baby stretch and move towards the toys.
5. Read to Your Baby
Reading to your baby helps with speech and thought development. Most babies will listen to your words and even mirror your sounds. Start with books with large, brightly coloured picture. Describe what’s happening on each page by pointing to and naming objects.
6. Play Favourite Games
Babies love playing games to learn. You can cover your face to play ‘peekaboo’, try touching your toes, playing hide and seek with the toys, and more.
7. Cuddle Time
Balance new events with quiet times to cuddle. Gentle caresses and tender kisses can help your baby feel safe, secure and loved. Try talking quietly or singing soothing songs.
8. Learn Their Personality
Pay attention to when your baby reacts to new toys, people or situations. Learning their behavioural style, or temperament, can help you both feel less stressed.
Ask for Support
Your baby might reach these developmental milestones sooner, or later than other babies. This is normal. But, it’s a good idea to be aware of the signs or symptoms of a problem.
Consult your baby’s health provider, or schedule an appointment with one of our doctors, if you’re concerned that your baby may have the following:
- Stiff or tight muscles
- Floppy or limp muscles
- Reaches with only one hand
- No improvement with head control
- Doesn’t respond to sounds
- Doesn’t reach for objects
- Doesn’t attempt to roll over
- Doesn’t babble or make sounds
- Doesn’t enjoy being around people
No one knows your baby better than you; trust your instincts. The earlier the problem is found, the better it can be treated. Call our team to help support your child’s development.
