Every baby is unique; so is her pace of growth and development. However, doctors have set milestones that help parents keep track of how their baby is developing over the months. The milestones are set after studying babies and their behaviors from the time they are born to 24 months.

The first and second years of their life is crucial. You will find many “firsts” happening during these months.

When a baby is born, she does not recognize anybody. She only knows to feed, poop, and cry.

As she approaches the second and the third month, she “realizes” she has arrived in the big, beautiful world!

As parent, as child?

In the initial years of development, your child imitates you. She has no identity of her own at this time. Whatever you do, she considers it right and normal. She is your copycat! So, parents should make sure they set the right example.

In the first year of a baby’s life, she is affected by sounds and voices and the vibes, of course. So, it is important to maintain positive, energetic vibes in the house. Fights, quarrels, loud annoying noises, and any form of violence is a big NO. Your baby is listening and absorbing the negative energies emitted by these activities. This can affect your baby’s growth and development.

Please keep the atmosphere of house happy, light, and full of positive energy.

In case you are doubtful about how your baby is growing and developing, you must consult a reputable lady gyno in Noida or a pediatrician.

Milestones of a baby

The following are the big milestones set by doctors. Parents can keep track of them and also note the average timeline when these milestones happen.

• From 1.5 to 3 months – catch your baby’s first smile
• From 3 to 4 months – your baby laughs
• From 4 to 7 months – your baby tries to sit
• At 6 months – your baby eats solid food for the first time
• From 7 to 10 months – your baby crawls
• At 9 months – your baby starts making hand gestures
• From 11-14 months – your baby utters her first words
• From 9 to 16 months – your baby takes her first steps

Please note that all babies have their own pace of development. Some might begin to talk in the 11^th month, while some may utter their first word in the 14^th month. So, please do not worry. That’s why doctors have given a range of months.

According to a reputable lady gyno in Noida, parents should not compare their babies to other.

When should you worry?

You should worry when your baby shows a significant delay in achieving a particular milestone.

For example, if she is about to complete 24 months and still not uttered a word or not taken her first step, you must consult your doctor.

Parents should worry when their baby does not smile or blabber or laugh or respond to their communication even after 4-5 months of being born.

Please do not delay in these cases. Consult a doctor. This is because if the Divine has gifted you a ‘special child,’ you need to prepare yourselves for parenting accordingly.