Babies gain physical control over their bodies from head to toe and the centre outwards. In other words, the first area of physical developement is usually gaining stranght and control over their extremely heavy heads! They then begin to gain control over the muscles from the head down - shoulders, stomach, legs, etc. At the same time, babies are gaining control of their bodies from the core outwards. Initially they will move their limbs rather stifly, moving from the shoulder or hip joint. As they develope, they learn how to move their elbows/knee joints, wrists/ankles and finally fingers and toes.
Within the first six weeks of a babiesw life they usually produce a smile and will begin to laugh soon after. Their sight is developing all the time.
By three months most babies will turn towards light but close their eyes against a bright light.
They will also begin to smile without being touched or spoken to.
Tummy time is vital to a baby's overall developement. It gives them the opportunity to use and strengthen the muscles necessary for rolling over, sitting up and eventually crawling.
By the third or fourth month they should be able to hold their head up whilst lying on their tummy on the floor and briefly searching the room with their eyes. Very soon they will use the control they have developed in their heads and limbs to roll from their back to their tummy's. Initially, this may be accidental but will soon become a purposeful movement.
By the third or fourth months their fists are also beginning to relax into open hands and their legs are straightening out.
by six months baby will begin to reach out for toys and objects, hold them firmly and look closely at them. Between this age and one year most babies learn to drink from a cup and hold a spoon. They are also developing thier pincer grip (using their thumb and pointer finger to pick up small objects eg;raisins).
90% of infants will begin to sit independently at some time between six and eleven months old. A baby will initially sit propped forward on their hands. As their core muscles strengthen they will be able to hold themselves more upright and not rely on their hands to keep them balanced.
At some stage between six and twelve months of age most babies will decide to crawl. This teaches baby to use the opposite leg, opposite arm movement.
The first progression towards crawlingis the ability to balance on their hands and knees. Babies work out how to move forwards and backwards from this position by pushing off with their nees. As baby gets better at this he/she will go from a crawling position back to a sitting position.
Once baby has found their preferred way of moving around the room, their next stage is moving upright in readiness for walking. Most babies begin this stage by pulling themselves up on furniture and 'cruising' from one piece to the next - others learn how to stand unassisted. Once they have mastered the skill of balance they are ready to take their first steps. While some children start walking before they are a year old, others don't until 18 months or older.
Teething usually starts at around 6 months old,which is when they get their first tooth, but as with every other stage of developement it is different with every child.
The ideal time to introduce food is around 6 months, when baby is showing signs of being ready for and needing extra food.
Some of the physical signs that a baby is ready for food include:
-Can hold their head up well.
-Are interested in watching you eat (reaching out, opening their mouth when you are eating and putting their hands/toys in their mouth).
-Show signs of chewing movement.
-Easily open their mouth when a spoon touches their lip or food approaches, and their tongue does not protrude.
-Move food to the back of their mouth and swallow.
A baby's first solid food should be finely pureed (smooth) food. As they develop the ability to chew, the transition can be made from pureed to mashed, finger foods and eventually, at around one year od age, a 'mini adults meal'.
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