Which parent doesn’t gush over their child’s development? Waiting for the next step in their discovery and growth is a delight. Parents are eager for new milestones and always want to rush things as much as possible, but we all know that a baby’s development happens in their own time, always different from others.

Since the moment we find out we’re expecting, it’s easy to imagine our baby speaking their first words. We picture their first steps and even wonder who will be the lucky one to be called by them first. Even though it can be difficult, we have to be patient—everything will happen in the baby’s own time.

During those first months, as babies start to babble their very first words, it is necessary and important for them to have contact with other babies and children to help with speech development.

That’s why many child development specialists recommend babies attend nursery schools and daycare centers, due to the interaction with other children of the same age group and the benefits this brings. Activities given in these environments—though they may seem like mere play—are highly stimulating for a baby’s development.

Baby’s First Month

At the beginning of our child’s life, it’s normal for moms and dads to wonder: When should we worry about our baby’s development? Is my baby developing as they should? Of all the baby’s senses, vision is the least developed at this stage, as it wasn’t needed during pregnancy.

When a baby is born, their visual range is only 20 to 30 centimeters, which is roughly the distance between the baby’s face and the mother’s during breastfeeding. The baby can’t focus on objects beyond this distance and still sees everything as blurry.

Images are very fuzzy and double, since the two retinas aren’t yet coordinated, giving the baby nearsighted vision. Because of this, they respond very little to visual stimuli. They recognize their parents by scent and especially by voice.

Baby’s Second Month

One of the highlights of the second month is the appearance of the baby’s smile. When a baby can smile, it indicates their emotional and psychological development is going very well. This is a curious phenomenon, as it happens regardless of the parents’ expressions and reactions.

Babies who can’t see or hear also show this kind of smile. Besides that, a 2-month-old baby can already lift their chin, showing that they’re starting to get control over their neck muscles.

At this stage, the baby begins to have the reflex of turning their face from side to side. They also start showing reflexes like trying to roll onto their tummy or arch their body backwards when lifted.

Baby’s Third Month

The mouth is the gateway for a baby to explore the world. Through their mouth, babies discover the feel of different objects, shapes, and textures and even start to discover parts of their own body. At this stage, they haven’t yet put their foot in their mouth, but they do spend a lot of time exploring their hands, as well as some toys that seem especially appealing.

Baby’s reflexes become stronger every day during this stage. They can already raise their head, their torso, and even move toward people, objects, and familiar sounds.

At this phase, the baby’s sleep begins to change, but they may still sleep about 16 hours a day. Compared to an adult’s sleep, that’s still many hours of rest, but babies truly need this much sleep for their development.

In the months that follow, new discoveries happen every day or week. By the fifth month, the baby starts getting stronger and better able to support their body. Their arms and legs become steadier and more agile with every movement. They are gearing up to start crawling soon.

By the 6th month, the baby can already sit up on their own, without support. They’re in control of their body, their pelvis, and chest. At this stage, baby interacts with other children and adults and responds to stimuli when they want something.

During this period, until the end of their first year, the baby strengthens their muscles, learning to crawl and later taking their first steps. Their first words will be spoken and their development will become clear day by day.

When You Notice Something Unusual

It’s important to remember that a baby’s development should not be compared to others. Each child develops at their own pace and may go through different stages and discoveries. During monthly pediatrician visits, talk about any concerns you may have.

If you notice something different in your baby’s development that worries you, bring it up at the doctor’s appointment. It’s always better to clarify questions with someone who understands than to live in worry and fear over things that may be perfectly normal for this stage.

If your baby does not respond to stimuli and, even as time passes, basic developmental steps like smiling, rolling over, crawling are not happening, the pediatrician will monitor the situation and refer you to a qualified specialist to carry out assessments for possible psychomotor delay.

Don’t worry—if any delay is detected, especially early, there are excellent stimulation methods and treatments to help your baby. The earlier an issue is identified, the easier and more effective the treatment will be.

Pediatric Physical Therapy – When Is It Recommended?

For parents to understand, pediatric physical therapy is focused on treating newborns, babies, children, and preteens, with the aim of improving and stimulating movement skills.

Through exercises, specialized techniques, and adapted equipment, it’s possible to stimulate movements and truly help babies and children develop normally.

Usually, conditions treated by pediatric physical therapy are largely congenital (the baby is born with them). But, overall, the service is broad and covers many causes and indications for treatment.

  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down syndrome
  • Spina bifida
  • Head trauma
  • Muscular atrophy
  • Postural deviations like scoliosis and lordosis
  • Respiratory problems like bronchitis and asthma

Pediatric physical therapy is able to treat conditions that may have varied origins: muscular, skeletal, respiratory, neurological, and more. Family involvement and support are extremely important for treatment, especially the presence of the mother and father.

Treatment with pediatric physical therapy provides specialized and appropriate stimulation for each delay and difficulty a child may have, aiming to help them in their own time, according to their needs, and always with an eye toward better quality of life.

See Also: Respiratory Diseases in Children – What They Are and How to Prevent Them
Photo: Canon EOS 60D