1. What is the normal development of a baby?

2. Introduction
Babies grow in unique ways but they still all follow a series of developmental guides.
The guides allow for variations in stage developments.
This presentation will break the stages into different age categories, giving information on what the child should be doing or showing, what you could do to help and what to look out for.

3. 1 month old What baby does?
Within the first few weeks, baby will start to take more notice of your voice, face and touch.
Black and white patterns will draw baby’s attention.
Hearing is fully developed and they will start to turn towards familiar sounds.
They are unable to focus farther than 8 to 12 inches away.
Baby can lift head briefly and turn it to the side when on stomach.
Baby can get their arms close to their mouth.

4. 1 month old Your role: Cuddle and talk to baby
Learn how baby signals when hungry or sleepy.
Be attentive and responsive
Give baby plenty of tummy time
Give baby plenty of time outside.
Get close to baby and make eye contact when talking or singing.
Play simple games e.g. peek-a-boo

5. 1 month old Red flags: Talk to your doctor if:
Baby feeds slowly or doesn’t suckles well.
Baby doesn’t seem to open eyes or focus well.
Baby doesn’t react to bright lights or loud sounds
Baby seems too stiff or too floppy

6. 3 month old What baby does? Baby will actively enjoy playtime
Baby will imitate facial expressions and try to mimic sounds you make.
You will no longer need to support baby’s head.
When baby is on stomach they can lift head and chest
Baby can open and close hands, shake toys, and swat at dangling objects
Baby can push down with legs if held in standing position.
Hand - eye coordination starts to improve.
Baby can start to focus intently on faces

7. 3 month old Your role: Respond to baby promptly
You can help baby learn to soothe themselves by guiding thumb to mouth or offering a dummy.
Continue to give baby tummy time
Give baby lots of loving attention - talk throughout the day, read books and play games together.

8. 3 month old Red flags: Talk to your doctor if:
Baby cannot support own head well
Baby cannot grasp objects
Baby cannot focus on moving objects
Baby doesn’t smile or react to loud sounds
Baby ignores new faces
Baby seems upset by unfamiliar people or surrondings.

9. 4 to 7 month old What baby does?
Baby will smile, laugh and having babbling conversations
Baby will start to roll to tummy and back again, sit without help and support own weight with legs in order to bounce when held.
Uses raking grasp to pull objects closer
Baby is more sensitive to your tone of voice
Baby knows their name and will turn when called
Peek-a-boo is a favourite game and baby will find enjoyment in finding hidden objects
Baby can view the world in full colour and can see further
Baby will watch self in mirror
Baby will follow a moving object with eyes

10. 4 to 7 month old
Your role:
Integrate play into everything you do with baby
Shower baby with cuddles, kisses and reply when they baby babble
Read together
Help baby sit and position baby to play on stomach and back
Childproof your home to keep baby safe before they crawl
Provide a variety of age appropriate toys and household objects.
Work on establishing a routine for sleep, feeding and playtime.
By 6 months, baby may be ready to start solid food

11. 4 to 7 month old: Red flags: Talk to your doctor if:
Baby seems too stiff or too floppy
Baby can’t hold head steady
Baby can’t sit on their own
Baby doesn’t respond to noises or smiles
Baby isn’t affectionate with those closest to them
Baby doesn’t reach for objects

12. 8 to 12 month old What baby does?
Baby can quickly crawl or scoot around.
Baby can sit on own and will pull self up to standing (may take some solo steps before baby turns 1)
Baby’s babbling will be more conversation like and baby will say their first word and then begin simple phrases.
Baby will use gestures to indicate what they want
Baby will pay close attention to your words.
Baby will amuse self by putting things in and out of containers
Baby will use thumb and finger in pincer grasp to eat finger food.
Baby will pretend to be like you: comb hair, pretend to talk on phone and drink from a cup
Baby will be reserved around strangers.

13. 8 to 12 month old: Your role:
Keep talking to baby - this age category is a critical time for language development
Describe your routine and how you think the baby is feeling
Provide a safe place for baby to explore
Pay attention to what baby enjoys and give them freedom to use sense (offer crayons, paper, stacking blocks, empty food containers and pots and pans.)
Praise and reward good behaviour
Be respectful of separation anxiety

14. 8 to 12 month old: Red flags: Talk to your doctor if:
Baby doesn’t crawl
Baby seems to drag to one side while crawling
Baby can’t stand with support
Baby doesn’t try to find objects you've hidden
Baby doesn’t say any words
Baby doesn’t use gestures (such as shaking head ‘ no’ and pointing)