Pediatric Physical Therapy

A Guide to Your Baby’s First-Year Developmental Milestones

In Children by Compleo Physical TherapyLeave a Comment

Baby’s First-Year Developmental Milestones

The first year of a baby’s life is a time of rapid growth and development. As a parent, it is essential to monitor your baby’s milestones and ensure that they are reaching them on time. Let’s discuss the milestones for a baby’s first year, and what to look for in each phase.

Birth-3 Months

During the first three months of life, your baby will be developing basic motor skills and becoming more aware of their surroundings. It is essential to monitor for plagiocephaly and torticollis, as well as to provide plenty of tummy time to help your baby develop the muscles necessary for later skills.

At this stage, your baby should be able to lift their head slightly when on their stomach and track objects with their eyes. They will also begin to develop social skills and may smile in response to familiar faces.

3-6 Months

During the second three months of life, your baby will become more mobile and begin to develop more advanced motor skills. They should be able to lift their head to a 45-degree angle and bear weight through their arms when on their stomach. They may also begin to roll over from their back to their stomach and vice versa.

This is a good time to encourage your baby to move around on their tummy, which will help them develop the muscles necessary for crawling and other advanced skills. Your baby may also start to babble and make more sounds at this stage.

6-9 Months

During the third three months of life, your baby will become even more mobile and begin to develop the ability to sit up independently. They may also start crawling on their hands and knees and pulling themselves up to stand using furniture or other objects.

Your baby should explore their environment as much as possible and you can provide plenty of opportunities for them to practice their newly acquired skills. Your baby may also start to develop more complex social skills, such as responding to their name and recognizing familiar faces.

9-12 Months

During the final three months of their first year, your baby will become even more mobile and may start to take their first steps. They should be able to stand independently for brief periods and may begin cruising around furniture.

This is when they are getting more comfortable with their environment and will remember certain movements more easily. Your baby may also begin to say their first words and develop more complex social skills, such as sharing and playing with others.

Make an Appointment for Pediatric Physical Therapy with Compleo Waco Today!

Keeping a close eye on your baby’s milestones is crucial for their healthy growth and development. If you have any doubts or uncertainties about your little one’s progress, seeking the help of a professional can make a significant difference in their future success. At Compleo Waco, we offer expert pediatric physical therapy services to assist parents in navigating their child’s developmental journey. Additionally, we offer free screens and milestone checks if a parent is unsure if their child needs additional support. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment with us today to ensure that your baby is hitting all their milestones and establishing a strong foundation for their future.

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