Developmental milestones are behaviours or skills that infants and children should possess as they grow and develop. It is important to realize that every child is different, and so is every parent's experience.
Babies grow in unique ways, some babies might sit and crawl faster than their peers while others are busy teething or working on their social skills. In Nigeria, we tend to compare our babies a lot and many times end up putting these innocent babies under pressure.
Understanding the concept of developmental milestones may help relieve us of some guilt, knowing the fault is not from us but that the baby is either taking his time developing in a particular area while excelling at some other skills. The table below lists briefly some things to expect from a month old to a 3-month-old baby.
S/N |
AGE |
DEVELOPMENTAL MILESTONE |
BE ALERT FOR |
1 month |
|
Sucks poorly and feeds slowly Doesn’t blink when shown a bright light Appears stiff |
|
2 months |
Smiles at the sound of your voice and follows you with their eyes as you move around a room Begins to smile at people and can briefly calm himself (may bring hands to mouth and suck on hand) Coos, makes gurgling sounds and Turns head toward sounds Begins to act bored (cries, fussy) if activity doesn’t change |
Doesn’t seem to respond to loud sounds Doesn’t smile at the sound of your voice by two months Doesn’t follow moving objects |
|
3 months |
Raises head and chest when lying on stomach Supports upper body with arms when lying on stomach Stretches legs out and kicks when lying on stomach Begins to babble and imitate sounds Copies some movements and facial expressions, like smiling or frowning May be able to roll over from tummy to back and can hold a toy |
Doesn’t grasp and hold objects Doesn’t smile at people Cannot support her head well Doesn’t babble Doesn’t reach for and grasp toys |
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