How To: Baby Milestones

It's fun to watch children grow and change as they get older. As babies, it seems they learn something new nearly every day. Whether we realize it or not, these new tricks they try are actually developmental milestones - important to their physical and mental progression. Parents play a key role in helping their children reach their full developmental potential.

Fawn Galvan, a physical therapist at Le Bonheur Children's Hospital, offers parents some helpful information regarding important developmental stages.

"It's important to keep in mind, that each child has his or her own developmental path," said Galvan. "Not every child will reach these milestones at the exact same time. If they're falling within the range, it's normal." Your child's pediatrician will help determine if your child is falling within an age-appropriate developmental range.

0-3 months
At this age, babies are usually following you with their eyes. They turn their head to sounds they hear and can hold things, like a rattle, in their hands.

"Make sure their eyes and ears are working because that's what they use to explore their new environment," says Galvan. She suggests using objects like rattles, mirrors and mobiles to stimulate their senses.

"If you don't have these things, you don't have to buy them," says Galvan. "Sing, talk and dance with your baby often, and make lots of eye contact."

3-6 months
"Tummy time" is essential at this age, as babies start to strengthen their neck and back muscles.

"In the womb, babies are in the ?fetal position,' which tightens their front - or flexor - muscles and stretches out their back - or extensor - muscles. A part of early normal development is strengthening the back muscles," says Galvan.

To implement "tummy time" in your home, parents can place babies of this age on their stomachs on a firm surface, recline and hold them on the parent's chest or hold them on their stomach on a therapy ball. They will naturally try to use their arms to push up, strengthening their back and neck muscles.

At this age, babies will start gaining head/core control, exploring with their tongue and mouth and reaching out for objects.

6-9 months
Babies can usually sit up by this age, and most start to crawl or push up on their hands and knees. They also use their hands more and gain eye-hand coordination. At this stage, it's good to use manipulative toys, like blocks, balls and cause-and-effect toys to progress their development.

9-12 months +
As they near age 1, babies will start to pull up on nearby furniture and try to walk.

"Many parents try to push their child to start walking, but it's not necessary," says Galvan. "Actually, the longer they stay crawling on their hands and knees, the better because it helps develop their hip muscles and the arches in their hands. This contributes to better fine motor skills - like writing - and more stability with walking later on."

Should you worry if your child isn't reaching one of these milestones?
Galvan says no. Consult your child's pediatrician if your child is not meeting these milestones on time. He or she will know your child's development history and might be able to identify possible contributing factors - like chronic ear infections - for the delay.