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Newborn lifting head at 45 degree angle for short duration of time. 

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From Birth to 1 month old you will see these skills start to emerge in your child.

Fine Motor Skills-

Squeezing hand into fist and then uncurling fingers

Attempting to hold onto their toys.

Palmar Grasp- which is where the baby will hold onto your finger(s).

Gross Motor Skills-

Lifting of their heads at a 45 degree angle shortly while placed on their stomachs.

Relaxing of arms and legs from fetal position.

Able to swallow, breathe and suck while nursing or feeding from bottle.

Language Skills-

Starts to recognize familiar voices (mom, dads, close family.)

Primary way of communication is through crying.

Cognitive Skills-

Start to respond to sounds or startle.

Cries if needs are not met.

The start of trust building with caregiver begins.

Sleeping Routines-

Needs to sleep for 4 to 6 periods per 24 hours, lasting 5 - hours in length.

Babies need to be placed on back with no blankets or toys in crib.

Eating Routines-

Requires 6- 10 feedings per 24 hours roughly 18-22 ounces per 24 hours.

Drinks 2-4 ounces per feedings.

Can only express need to eat by crying.

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Baby lifting head higher than back at 4 months old. Babies in this age range typically seem content for the time spent awake. 

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Language skills

Makes a variety of sounds.

Coos, squeals, and gurgles

Cries differently depending on need (babies at this age will have a different sounding cry for different needs, ex. The cry for when baby is hungry will be different from when the baby needs a diaper change)

Social Skills-

Starts to show emotion such as smiling, and making a frown face when upset.

Reacts to sounds and will. Later on begin to look for where sound came from.

Beginning to laugh out loud.

Starts to maintain eye contact with adults and other children.

Blows raspberries.

Fine Motor Skills-

Will start to begin playing with heir own hands in front of face.

Can now hold onto toys.

Grabs hair or readily available items on clothing, including peoples faces.

Gross Motor Skills-

Can now roll from tummy to sides.

Lifts head higher than back when placed on their stomach.

Can bear weight on feet when lifted and placed on.

Sleeping Routines-

Requires 14- 17 hours of sleep per day, but often wakes up for to or three times during day time.

Falls asleep quicker after feedings.

May begin to sleep through the night, or for 6 hour periods.

Eating Routines-

Typically starts to eat 5- 8 times per day roughly 5-6 oz of milk per feeding.

Will start to become impatient with caregiver if hunger is filled and still offered more.

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Language skills

Responds to their name and simple statements such as “eat” and “wave by- bye”

Establishes full attachment to mother and seeks her out over anyone else.

Will start to put everything in mouth.

Social Skills-

Begins to watch people around them and observe surroundings.

Is now much more outgoing and social; starts to reach out to people and coo’s seeking attention.

Will become upset if something is taken from them.

Establishes trust with family members when physical and emotional needs are being met by them.

Fine Motor Skills-

Can now transfer objects from one hand to the other.

Holds onto objects and reaches for them.

Has begun to pick things up with finger and thumb (known as pincer grip)

Shakes, slams and puts objects into their mouths.

Gross Motor Skills-

Can now roll over from front to back - back to front.

Sits up unassisted, with back straight and arms propped forward for support.

Enjoys being placed in standing position.

Sleeping Routines-

Wakes up earlier in the mornings and usually falls asleep early soon after nighttime feeding.

Sleeps 11-13 hours through the night.

Takes 2-3 naps per day.

Eating Routines-

Typically starts to eat 3- 4 feedings per day about 6-8 ounces per feeding.

Begins to show interest in feeding; such as reaching for cups, spoons or food items.

Will start to eat small amounts of semi solid foods, like cereal puréed veggies, fruits and meats.

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Language skills

Babbles intentionally to start social interaction.

Nods head for “yes” and “no”

Responds by looking for the voice they hear calls their name.

Is able to now say things such as “da-da” and “ma-ma” followed by jargon.

Social Skills-

Exhibits fear of strangers.

May begin to resist being away from familiar adults.

Offers toys and objects to others.

Jabbers continuously.

Enjoys being nearby and included in activities with family members.

Fine Motor Skills-

Puts everything into mouth from hands.

Will drop items in hands, when offered something else.

Imitates activities shown, such as hitting 2 blocks together.

Starts to put blocks on top of each other or stacking them.

Gross Motor Skills-

Begins pulling self to standing positions.

Walks with adult support, but may begin to walk unassisted.

Can now stand alone, leaning on items for supports; moving around by side stepping.

Sleeping Routines-

Plays alone quietly after waking up, for 15- 20 minutes; and then when ready start to make noises to signal they are ready to get up.

Goes to sleep willingly, but may not go to sleep immediately.

Typically takes one nap per day.

Eating Routines-

Eats 3 meals per day, plus mid morning and afternoon snacks.

Will start to refuse bottle for solid foods.

Develops certain likes and dislikes in taste of foods.

Will begin to learn to drink from a cup.

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Growth and Physical Characteristics of Children’s First Year of Life 

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Growth and Physical Characteristics of Children’s First Year of Life 

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New Born to 1 Month-

Weighs approximately 6.5–9 pounds at birth females weigh approximately 7 pounds and males weigh approximately 7.5 pounds.

Loses between 5 and 7 percent of birth weight in the days immediately following delivery.

Gains an average of 5–6 ounces per week during the first month.

Is approximately 18–21 inches in length at birth.

Soft spots (called fontanels) are located on the top and back of the head

1- 4 MONTHS-

Averages 20–27 inches in length; grows roughly 1 inch per month.

Weighs an average of 8–16 pounds, females weigh slightly less than males.

Gains approximately 1/4–1/2 pound per week.

Head circumference increases approximately 3/4 inch during the first and second months and 5/8 inch during months three and four. Increases are an important indication of continued brain growth.

The back fontanel closes by the second month; the anterior fontanel closes to approximately 1/2 inch.

The arms and legs are of equal length, size, and shape, and are easily flexed and extended.

Legs may appear slightly bowed, feet are flat, with no arch.

4- 8 MONTHS-

Gains approximately 1 pound per month in weight, doubles original birth weight by eight months.

Increases length by approximately 1/2 inch per month; average length is 27.5–29 inches.

Head circumference increases by an average of 3/8 inch per month until six to seven months of age; growth then slows to approximately 3/16 inch per month.

Begins to develop teeth, with upper and lower incisors erupting first.

True eye color is established.

Gums may appear swollen and red, with drooling, chewing and biting.

8- 12 MONTHS-

Grows at a slower rate than the previous months; averages an increase of 1/2 inch in length per month. Length is approximately 1 1/2 times the birth length by the first birthday.

Weight increases by approximately 1 pound per month; birth weight nearly triples by one year of age.

The circumferences of the head and chest remain equal.

The front fontanel begins to close.

Approximately four upper and four lower incisors and two lower molars break through infants gums.

The arms and hands are more developed than the feet and legs, hands appear large to other body parts.

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Check with your healthcare provider or specialist if your infant is not doing the following according to age group:

Birth - 1 month

Show alarm or startle to loud noises

Suck and swallow with ease.

Grasp with equal strength on both hands.

Make eye contact while being held.

Express needs or emotion.

Stop crying or inconsolable when picked up and held.

1- 4 months

Continue steady weight gain and head circumference.

Smile in response to the smile of others.

Turn head to locate sounds.

Begin to raise head and body when placed on stomach.

Coo or make babbling noises.

Reach for objects of familiar people.

4- 8 months

Show an even steady increase in weight gain, height or head circumference.

Hold and shake rattle/ toys.

Explore objects in hands and objects placed in mouth.

Smile, babble or laugh out loud.

Search from hidden objects.

begin to pick up objects via pincer grip.

Show interest or response to new or unusual sounds.

Sit alone.

Begin to eat some solid (puréed) foods offered.

8- 12 months

Blink fast when objects approach near their eyes.

Start to cut teeth.

Imitate simple sounds.

Follow simple verbal requests such as “Come here”, “wave bye- bye” or “bye bye”

Pull self into standing position.

Does not show anxiety or fear of strangers by crying or refusing to be held.

Does not interact playfully with parents, caregivers or siblings.

Does not feed self: hold a bottle or cup, pick up and eat finger foods.

Does not creep or crawl on hands or knees.

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Safety Concerns for Parents of Children from Birth to 12 Months

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Safety Concerns for Parents of Children from Birth to 12 Months

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Before your precious baby arrives home from the hospital it is always suggested to take parenting classes, and learn the correct way to fasten your baby into their car seats, and have it correctly placed in the car. Always be aware of new safety issues as your child begins to grow and develop through all stages of life. Here are some of the following most common safety concerns for newborns - 1 year of age and what you can do to minimize these events from occurring.

BIRTH TO 1 MONTH

Burns-

Never heat your child’s bottle in the microwave or in microwave oven; hot spots can form in the milk and burn the inside of your child’s mouth and throat.

Ensure your hot water heater is no higher than 120 degrees.

ALWAYS check water temperature before placing infant in bath tub, infants skin burns easier as they have thinner skin that will burn in a matter of seconds.

Choking-

Learn infant - child CPR.

Always hold your infant in an upright position when feeding, never rest bottle on objects to prop it up.

Suffocation-

Provide a firm mattress that fits around the crib snugly to prevent infants and small children from becoming stuck in open cracks resulting in suffocation.

Always place infants on their backs this will reduce the risk of SIDS. Tuck the bottom of the edges of light blankets under the bottom of the mattress, remove all items from crib, no stuffed animals, toys, fluffy blankets, bumper pads or pillows inside crib.

Do not use infant sleep position ears or sling carriers.

Install smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in and near children’s rooms.

Transportation-

Always use an approved rear facing car seat installed in the vehicles backseat whenever transporting infant/ small child. Check on the Consumer Product Safety Commissions website for safety features and recalls. Always install car seats according to manufacturer’s guidelines.

1 TO 4 MONTHS

Burns-

Do not bring hot beverages or appliances near infant.

Check temperature of liquid before offering bottles to infant after warming.

Choking-

Check toys and stuffed animals/ toys for small parts that can come off.

Purchase only toys larger than 1.5 inches in size and without small parts (eyes and buttons) that could come loose and pull off.

Keep all small items such as strings, and cords out of the baby’s reach.

Falls-

Avoid placing infant on elevated surfaces unattended. When infant is on elevated surfaces have your hand on them at all times, (such as changing table, sofa, counter, or bed) the baby may turn over or roll unexpectedly.

Always set the infant car seats on the floor (not on the table or countertop) and securely fasten safety straps.

Avoid placing car seats in shopping carts.

Sharp Objects-

Check furniture for sharp or hard edges sticking out, purchase only furniture and toys that comply with federal safety standards.

4- 8 MONTHS

Burns-

Keep electrical cords out of reach, electrical outlets covered.

Take precautions to protect infants from accidentally touching hot objects (ex. oven or fireplace doors, space heaters, candles, curling irons etc.)

Falls-

Use safety gates approved, to protect infants/ small children from falling down stairs.

Always fasten infants in when they are placed in higher areas such as high chair, stroller, cart, car seat etc.

Always have crib sides raised to maximum height and locked when infant is in the bed.

Poisons-

Use safety latches on doors and cabinets to keep infants out; and from potentially getting into poisonous substances, cleaners, poisons, garden chemicals and medications.

If at all possible put toxic/ poisonous/ cleaning substances in high places out of infants and small children’s reach.

Strangulation-

Never fasten teethers or pacifiers around the infant’s neck with strings or cords, avoid clothing with drawstrings.

Remove crib gyms and mobiles after the baby reaches five months or begins pushing up on hands and knees.

Use a wireless baby monitor, if not possible, make sure that all cords and strings, electrical cords are out of babies reach.

8 - 12 MONTHS

Choking-

Cut up finger foods into small pieces. Avoid sticky foods (raisins, caramels, or peanut butter) and hard foods (raw vegetables, hard candies, or nuts).

Keep small objects such as buttons, coins, pen tops, and small batteries out of reach.

Drowning-

Do not have any pools or water sources around children unsupervised, including bath water, outdoor fountains, pet dishes, and wading pools.

If you have a pool enclose it with fences and latched gates.

Never leave children unattended in bath tub, shower, infant tub, or wading pools, not even for a brief second.

Falls-

Place safety gates in front of stairs.

Always have infants strapped into high placed objects, such as high chairs, strollers or changing tables.

Strangulation-

Buy clothing with elastic instead of drawstrings.

Do not put teething necklaces or neck jewelry on infants/ small children.

Ensure all cords on blinds and curtains are up high and out of their reach.

Suffocation-

Keep plastic bags and wrappings out of the baby’s reach.

Remove lids from airtight containers such as plastic storage tubs and toy chests.