Parents are often worried their child is not developing “on schedule”, so here are some tips and first year milestones you can expect in your baby’s first year:

Babies develop at their own pace, so if you are concerned about your child’s development in their first year, it’s best to speak to your child’s pediatrician. These are simply guidelines from the CDC for your child’s first year.

Social and Emotional

• Shows specific preferences for certain people and toys.
• Cries when caregiver leaves.
• Shy or anxious with strangers.
• Repeats sounds or gestures for attention.
• Enjoys imitating people in play.

Cognitive:

• Explores objects in many different ways.
• Imitates gestures.
• Finds hidden objects easily.
• Begins to use objects correctly.

Language:

• Pays increasing attention to speech.
• Responds to simple verbal requests.
• Responds to yes and no.
• Babbles with inflection.
• Tries to imitate words.

Movement:

• Reaches sitting position without assistance.
• Crawls forward on belly.
• Pulls self to stand up.
• Can transition from sitting to crawling or stomach position.
• May walk two or three steps without support.

Hands and Finger Skills:

• Uses pincer grasp.
• Bangs two objects together.
• Puts objects into containers.
• Pokes with index finger.
• Tries to imitate scribbling.

For more information on developmental therapies and other services offered by The Florida Center, visit our developmental therapies page, or call 941-371-8820.