Physical Development During Baby's First Year

Newborn Physical Development from 0 to 3 Months

Those first three months of your baby's life will likely seem like a whirlwind. When you pause to look at how far your baby's physical development has come in that time, you'll likely notice these developmental markers:

• Roughly a 30% increase in body weight and a 20% increase in length.
• Though she cannot reach out and intentionally grasp a toy, she will become aware of her hands.
• Ability to recognize her primary caregiver's scent.
• Though she doesn't have any depth perception to judge how near or far objects are, she can see objects 8 to 15 inches away with clarity.
• Keen responses to touches and textures which she finds soothing.

Always remember to be cautious when comparing your baby's physical development to other children at any age. There is a wide range of "normal."

Physical Development from 3 to 6 Months

During 3 to 6 months of age, your baby will continue to make strides in her physical abilities and skills. Some highlights include:

• Doubling her birthweight.
• Supporting her weight on both arms as she lifts her chest and head from the floor.
• Rolling over back to front.
• Sitting up with support and possibly unsupported.
• Passing toys from one hand to the other and banging them together.
• Following objects with her eyes and judging accurately how near and far away they are.
• Turning her head in the direction of noise.
• Enjoying the sound of her own babbling voice.

Physical Development from 6 to 9 Months

As she or he grows during months 6 through 9, you'll noticed marked gains in her mobility, hearing, and eyesight. Be looking for these benchmarks:

• Reaching for toys in front of her while sitting up completely unsupported.
• Rolling over back to front and front to back.
• Crawling.
• Advancing dexterity in manipulating objects with her hands.
• Exhibiting taste preferences.
• Seeing about as clearly as an adult.
• Recognizing simple words and phrases.

Physical Development from 9 to 12 Months

The final three months of your baby's first year will provide many exciting photo opportunities. As she or he advances through these months you can expect her or his to:

• Triple her or his birthweight and grow in length by about 10 inches.
• Stand up unassisted.
• Cruise furniture and perhaps walk.
• Hear and see as well as an adult.