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Child Development

photo of mom playing peek-a-boo with baby

Babies grow and develop quickly during their first year of life. As a parent, you are the most important person in your child’s life. You notice when your baby smiles for the first time, rolls over, sits, walks and begins to talk. These moments mean that your child is learning!

Below you can read about the developmental stages your baby will go through in their first year. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk with your health care provider.

To find out who to contact to get a free developmental screening for your child call the Family Health Hotline at 1-800-322-2588.

Birth to 12 Months

Your baby is growing fast and learning new things every day. Here is a list of some things babies can do by 12 months of age. Remember that every child is different. Your child will develop at a rate that is right for her.

Birth – 3 Months 3 – 6 Months 6 – 12 Months
  • Look at you, watch your face
  • Startle or cry at sudden loud noises
  • Smile in response to your smile or voice
  • Lift his head and chest when on his stomach
  • Easily take a bottle or breast and suck well
  • Play with feet while on her back
  • Hold his head steady and upright without support
  • Reach for a toy
  • Roll over
  • Try to show likes and dislikes
  • Pull herself to standing with some help
  • Transfer objects from one hand to another
  • Copy speech sounds
  • Feed himself finger food
  • Let you know she understands a simple question (“Do you want more?”)

Development of Vision and Hearing

Some developmental signs are easy for you to notice. Others are not. Your baby’s vision and hearing are important.

Read more about what to look for as your baby develops vision and hearing.

Help your baby to learn and develop!

  • Encourage your baby to reach and grasp objects by playing with brightly colored, easy-to-grasp toys. Play with toys that can be squeezed or that have different textures!
  • Babies who are just learning to roll over will keep trying if mom or dad provides motivation. To encourage her, wave a favorite toy just out of your baby’s reach.
  • Your baby needs a safe, comfortable place to play! Provide at least a 5 by 7 foot blanket for him to play and roll on. Later, provide a safe area to explore while he’s crawling.
  • Take a walk! Exercise is good for you, and your baby will enjoy seeing and hearing new things. Sing to your baby while breastfeeding, putting her to sleep, or in the bath.
  • Play games that involve dumping and pouring. Help your baby put toys in a bucket and then dump them out. In the bath, play with toys that your baby can fill with water.
  • Use your public library as a resource to learn more about the stages of your child’s development. Visit your local library to find out about programs they offer to support early learning.

Read more about child development for children 12 months and older