What milestones can you expect?
During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. Not only are they physically growing but they’re also constantly learning and will go through several major milestones in the first year of their life. This can be both an exciting and daunting experience for new parents, so what can you expect?
Nelsons® Teetha® has collated a rough guide as to what you can look out for. Don’t worry if your baby falls behind or races ahead in some areas, this is totally normal.
Teeth
The average age for the first tooth to appear is around 6 months, and most babies range between 4 and 8 months. There are always exceptions though, some babies have even been born with teeth and some hit their first birthday with no teeth! Check if there are any actual teeth emerging through the gums by running a clean finger along the gum lines to feel for any small ridges. The most common signs of teething can include dribbling, red cheeks, swollen or sensitive gums and lots of biting and chewing. If your baby is over 3 months old, why not try relieving your baby’s teething symptoms with Nelsons Teetha Teething Granules. It is a homeopathic medicinal product used within the homeopathic tradition for the symptomatic relief of teething pain and the symptoms associated with teething which are sore and tender gums, flushed cheeks and dribbling. It contains a 6c homeopathic potency of natural Chamomilla and is suitable from 3 months old.
Rolling over
This can start as early as 3 months but the average is much more like 5 to 6 months. This is an exciting milestone as it will then lead into sitting up independently, crawling, moving around and then walking.
Sitting
Your baby needs to have control of their head and neck, sufficiently developed back muscles, flexibility in their legs and hips and the ability to use their arms for support to be able to sit up. Most babies can sit without cushion props somewhere between five and seven months and by 9 months could start to sit up by themselves.
Crawling
Most babies start it between 6 and 9 months, but others are closer to 12 months. Some don’t crawl at all and go straight from sitting to cruising then walking.
Walking
The average age to start walking is 12-13 months, but there are plenty who don’t take their first steps until 16-18 months. There’s a huge variation in the age your little one will start to walk so don’t worry if it’s not in those parameters.
Talking
Some babies can start talking around 9 months, and the average age for a first word is 10-11 months. Lots of babies don’t take much of an interest in talking until after their first birthday and some nearer to 18 months. If you’re talking to them lots and they seem to understand you, don’t worry – talking will come.
Remember! All babies are unique and develop at different paces but if you have any worries do talk to your health visitor or GP.