Cherish every moment – It truly is amazing how fast the first year passes.

Prior to having children I recall hearing statements like “They’re not babies very long”, “they grow up too quick” and “Holding you in my arms seems like only yesterday”, endless amounts of times. It’s only now though that I realise how true these statements are. As a consequence let superdads re-iterate:

Every moment is one to cherish, these early memories will stay with you for a life time so make ensure you have no regrets. All too often we hear people say “I wish I’d been home more when the kids were little” – don’t let this be you.

So, the first year then?! What is going to happen between the birth and the 1st birthday?

It all begins with your baby entering the world, as naked as nature intended, totally oblivious to the surroundings. In contrast by the time the first birthday arrives your little bundle of joy may be walking, playing with toys, saying several words, and be emotionally tied to you and mum.

It is important to remember here though that not all babies develop at the same rate. So whilst some babies walk at 10 months others will take 16 months to take their first steps.

The guide below will hopefully give you a rough idea of what to expect during the first 12 months:

End of month one:

• Lifts head for short periods of time and can move it from side to side
• Prefers the human face to other shapes
• Brings hands to face
• Can focus on items 20-30cm away
• May turn towards familiar sounds or voices
• Responds to loud sounds and blinks eyes at bright lights

End of month two:

• Smiles
• Follows things with her eyes
• Makes noises other than crying

End of month three:

• Raises head and chest when put on tummy
• Pushes down with legs when placed on a hard surface
• Reaches for objects that are hanging in front of him
• holds and shakes toys
• Recognizes familiar objects and people
• Begins to develop a social smile
• Begins to develop hand-eye coordination
• Brings both hands together
• Kicks legs energetically
• Holds head up with control

End of month four:

• Rolls over (usually stomach to back is first)
• Sits with support
• Will amuses himself with new noises
• Explores objects with his mouth
• Recognizes a bottle or breast
• Responds to a rattle or bell

End of month five:

• Can see across the room
• Begins to use hands in a raking fashion to bring toys nearer
• Typically will begin teething process

End of month six:

• Keeps head level when pulled to sitting position
• Sits by self with minimal support
• Opens mouth for spoon enabling weening
• Reaches for and grabs objects
• Rolls over and back
• Drinks from a cup with help

End of month seven:

• Well hold finger foods
• Turns in the direction of a voice
• Plays peek-a-boo
• Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice

End of month eight:

• Chews on almost anything.
• Reaches for spoon when being fed
• Turns head away when finished eating
• May sleep between 11 and 13 hours a night; taking 2 to 3 naps during the day
• Rolls all the way around
• Sits unsupported
• Gets on arms and knees in crawling position
• Tests gravity by dropping objects over edge of high chair
• Responds to own name
• Has different reactions for different family members

End of month nine:

• Drops objects and then looks for them
• Goes from lying down to sitting by himself
• Begins to identify oneself in a mirror’s reflection to some amusement

End of month ten:

• Gets upset if toy is removed from her grasp
• Transfers object from hand to hand
• Stands holding onto someone
• Pulls to standing

End of month eleven:

• says first words, probably momma or dadda
• Understands “no”
• Claps hands
• Waves good-bye

End of month twelve:

• Will usually have tripled birth weight
• Puts objects into containers and then takes them out
• Shakes head “no”
• Has fun opening and closing cabinet doors
• Crawls well
• Holds onto  and “Cruises” furniture
• Walks with help
• Moves to music – baby dancing.
• May understand some simple commands
• Fearful of strangers
• May form attachment to an item
• Pushes away what he doesn’t want
• Tests parental responses to behavior

Author: SuperDads

We’re here to make a difference. Superdads not only offers advice but we are her e to promote the importance of fatherhood. Many people are oblivious to the fact that Dads really do matter and this is something we’d like to put right.

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