Developmental milestones: the first six months

May 18 2010 at 4:08 PM

All babies develop at their own rate but here are some milestones to look forward to, regardless of when they occur!

It is important to realise that baby's developmental progress varies greatly. Some children may miss out on developmental milestones all together - such as crawling.

The following information is not intended to be a checklist, but it provides a general outline of the usual developmental progress for the age of your child.

Babies and infants will develop at differing levels depending on factors including their emotional and physical health. If you have any concerns about your child's development, talk to your GP or early childhood nurse.

At birth

Startles at any loud sound
If you lift your baby's head it will flop forward or backward
Tends to lie on tummy with knees drawn up underneath
Hands are usually closed but not tightly in a fist
Hands will involuntarily grasp as a reflex, such as grasping your finger
When asleep is generally oblivious to any disturbance around
When a face moves across line of vision, your baby may briefly focus and follow
No other social interaction is obvious
May show a walking reflex when held, but this will soon disappear

At six weeks

Lies in a more relaxed, less flexed posture
When held in the prone position your baby may raise his/her head slightly to be on the same level as the rest of their body, but does not have any head control when in a sitting position
The grasp reflex continues
Hands do not voluntarily hold objects
When mother's and baby's eyes meet your baby may give you a smile
Responds to a comforting voice with facial movements and by alteration of breathing
Sleeps most of the time when not being handled or fed

At three months