Child Development

Imagine! You have just been born, made to enter this big, frightening and quite chilly world after spending all those months cocooned inside mum’s womb with heat, comfort and food all there on tap.

Confusing? It must be! After all, during this earliest stage of child development baby doesn’t know yet about mum, or feeding or even clothes and beds – and if he appears a little unsettled at first, then possibly it is because he is coming to terms with being on the outside. But, almost from the beginning, he is learning to communicate with you and you can make sure he understands that this is a good place to be by watching him and learning about him and then giving him what he wants, whether it’s food or warmth or comfort.

Child development is influenced by both genetics and environment. Children are not only born with differences they also lead different lives and they’ll learn about different things. A child who plays a lot with toys will be learning to use his or her hands and eyes together, whereas, a child who is often talked to will learn to talk more quickly. Likewise, a child who is given love and praise for learning new things will want to learn more.

When you first bring your baby home things can seem overwhelming but try not to worry about everything. Your baby should come first; housework, guests and other distractions should be put to one side. The first few months with your baby are magical but can also be quite challenging. Sleep when your baby sleeps, make sure you eat enough and tell a partner, mother or friend if you need some time out. You and your baby will benefit if you are happy and relaxed.

Baby will very soon respond to your face and your voice, he will recognise your touch and will enjoy making eye contact with you, this will also help him to feel secure and loved. Remember though that he is very tiny and needs lots of sleep to help him to develop.

To ensure that healthy child development is not compromised in any way it is vital that his social and emotional and later his educational needs are fully met . Basically, this means TIME – your time, as much as he can take and you or your carer can spare. You will then be happy in the knowledge that he knows he is loved; that he is safe and feels safe and you will all enjoy your life as a family, knowing that you have given him a great start on the amazing journey through child development to adulthood.

Things to consider in the first few months of child development:

Feeding
Breastfeeding Your Baby

Sleeping
Sleeping Routine
Natural Sleeping Aids

Child Development Milestones

Babies develop at different rates but as a guide here is the age range at which most children gain certain skills:

Birth to Six Months

Lift head while lying on front 1-3 months

Startled by sudden loud noise 0-1 month

Recognise Parents By 2 weeks

Smile 4-6 weeks

Follow a brightly coloured toy held 20cm away By 6 Weeks

Make cooing noises By 4 months

Reach out for objects 3-5 months

Make repetitive noises By 6 months

Can see across a room By 6 months

Six Months to Two Years

Sit without support 6-8 months

Start trying to crawl 6-9 months

Pull themselves upright and stand 6-10 months

Pass things from hand to hand 6 months

Turn to your voice across a room By 7 months

Learn to let go of things 9-11 months

Respond to their own name By 12 months

Walk Alone 10-18 months

Feed themselves finger foods 11-13 months

Begin to feed themselves solid foods 13-15 months

Build with bricks 15-18 months

Learn to kick or throw a ball 18-24 months

Scribble with a crayon 18-24 months

Put at least two words together By 2 years

For information on child development after six months Click child development