Ages and Stages

After spending nine months in the fetal position, babies are ready to burst into this world as physical and social beings. During their first year babies will experience great strides in physical, social and cognitive development. Understanding these stages can assist you in recognizing your little one’s needs during their physical and social growth. You can encourage and enjoy these milestones by playing with your baby every day.

1 – 3 months: At first your newborn may not seem physically or socially capable of doing much. But by the end of this stage babies are able to grasp a rattle (displaying fine motor skills), support themselves on their forearms while laying on their tummies (gross motor skills), and hold their heads steady, allowing them a different view of their world. Socially, babies at this age will display their first smile, imitate facial expressions and enjoy playing with other people. Singing and talking to your baby encourages cognitive growth and strengthens the bond between you and your child.

4 – 7 months: Gross motor skills improve during this stage. Exersaucers and jumpers provide a fun way to increase leg strength. Around 7 months, most babies can sit up by themselves. Be nearby and place soft blankets or cushions around your baby to practice sitting. Cognitive development continues as babies delight in repeating cause and effect actions such as dropping a toy or banging a spoon to create a neat noise. Peekaboo games are a favorite now as babies begin to realize that partially hidden objects aren’t gone forever and can be “found” again.

8 – 12 months: Toward the end of your baby’s first year, physical milestones abound. Crawling gives way to “cruising”, which becomes standing briefly, followed by first steps…your baby may even be walking by that first birthday. To encourage crawling, place toys just out of your baby’s reach during “tummy time”. An adept crawler can be challenged by creating a mini obstacle course of pillows and sofa cushions to crawl under and over while under your watchful eye. Fine motor skills improve as your baby begins using the “pincer grasp”, picking small objects up with the forefinger and thumb. Social and cognitive abilities continue to progress at this age as babies begin imitating the world around them by playing with toys “correctly” – that a comb is for hair, cups are for drinking, and toy phones should be talked into.

Child fitness and developmental programs like the ones advertised in this publication offer new ways to play and bond with your baby. They also show you what your child is capable of at any given stage. Look for a reputable program that will teach skills you can do at home to continue your baby’s developmental progress. Whether or not you enroll in such a program, be sure to get on the floor with your baby, play and enjoy this special time together.

By Wendy Toone, an expert in children’s fitness, Owner, My Gym Children’s Fitness Center