5 Crucial Milestones In Baby’s First Year: A Developmental Checklist

Skills of emotional intelligence need to be imparted in babies right from the start.

While developing IQ in babies is definitely an important aspect of raising children for academic and career success, what really makes a difference in real life are the social and emotional skills.

Parents who are just beginning are often seen to focus on the brain development and motor skills in their babies. It is highly advisable to take care of skills of emotional intelligence just the same to ensure holistic development.

Here is a guide to keep a check at every stage in the initial months. Please remember that every child takes her/his own time to grow.

A 2-month old baby will

• Begin to smile and look straight at you

• Use crying to get what he/she wants

• Stay silent when you hold, show your face, or speak in calming and affectionate voice

• Take it easy by sucking fingers

This stage is about body contact. Babies love touch – kisses, hugging, snuggles, massages. During the bathing time, make sure to look your baby in the eye. This helps build trust. And don’t forget to use a comforting response when your baby starts crying. Be dependable and quick. The first six months will be just fine.

A 4-month old baby will

• Interact playfully with other people and smile at every chance he/she gets

• Tear up if you stop playing

• Modify their replies to diverse people

• Laugh loudly without inhibitions

• Use facial imitation as a way of connecting with you

Since you’ve got his/her attention, ensure that you begin to describe the day and your world. Routines, objects, parks, and stores can all be part of the fun! Word-picture associations are great at this point. Find ways to make sounds and gestures when the baby moves around. He/she may just pick that up.

A 6-month old baby will

• Increasingly become conscious of the difference between the familiar and unfamiliar.

• Enjoy playing with different humans

• Express laughter, smile, crying to respond to feelings

• Love the mirror with his/her faces on it

• Feel delighted while observing other babies

At this stage, you’ve got to find the right balance of stimulation and peace with your child. Be observant towards the way he/she behaves; there may be some personality growth happening. Always encourage when you see them enjoying in a social setting.

A 9-month old baby will

• Become anxious when strangers come around

• Begin to cry when familiar humans are no longer around

• Start to prefer certain toys over others

• Initiate the journey of comprehending various emotions

• Show a response when you begin talking or make other gestures

• Resist any type of restriction

Be close to your baby when new people come around. Try to observe his/her liking to others and follow that. Give your baby the space to become relaxed around unfamiliar people because babies tend to feel strongly about them.

A 12-month old baby will

• Be favourable with known people

• Cry when either of the parents leaves

• Go on making repetitive sounds or put a book in your hand to initiate an interaction

• Be enthusiastic about simple games like peek-a-boo

• Spread limbs while getting dressed

• Get absorbed in parallel play.

During this stage, it’s important that your baby sees your hint of recognizing their feelings, responding back in words and also giving an indication of what’s coming. Be a storyteller and engage in simple daily activities with your baby.

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