Your baby's development

Written by Dr Stuart Crisp, paediatric specialist registrar

No two children develop in the same way
Children don't develop in the same way. Even within the same family, the rate of development may differ from one child to another.

Your newborn baby uses all its senses; it can see, hear, feel, taste and smell. Your child also has inborn reactions, like the reflex of being startled by a noise. These reflexes will be examined by the baby's health visitor or doctor during their first visits.

Every child develops in their own way and there may be big differences from child to child. Some will learn certain skills sooner than other children of the same age, whereas other things may take longer.

When is the child able to sit, stand and walk?
A child of three months should be able to lift its head when lying on its tummy. At the age of four months the child is able to roll from its tummy to its back.

Children can sit up for themselves without any support when they are about six months old.

In the following months they will learn how to crawl, preferring to go backwards at first.

At the age of 6 to 10 months, children get more curious. They are able to stand up using furniture and they will grab everything within reach. Parents should take care of dangerous, hot and sharp objects placed on tables.

Most children are able to walk with help at the age of 10 to 12 months, and they are able to walk by themselves when they are 12 to 16 months old.

Who can I ask for advice?
If a parent has any doubts or suspicions that something is wrong, they should talk to their health visitor or doctor. They are able to decide if there is a problem or if the child is developing normally.

The newborn child's sight
Babies are able to see when they are born. In fact, a newborn baby is even able to focus on things for short periods of time. At the age of two weeks, babies can follow movements, recognise faces and show the first signs of a smile. At the age of four to six weeks, babies can follow and focus on their toys, for example. At the age of two to three months, the sight of their own hands becomes interesting and exciting.

If a parent thinks that their child has poor eyesight, they should consult their health visitor or doctor. They can decide if further examinations are needed.

Some children squint. Usually, a slight squint gets better over time. Your doctor will advise you on any measures that may be needed. If the squint persists, a doctor will usually refer the child to an eye specialist, as early treatment may prevent later problems with sight.

When a child reaches the age of three, a doctor is able to examine their eyesight using a special test card designed for children.

It is very important to discover reduced sight in one or both eyes as early as possible, otherwise the child's development may be affected and a permanent sight problem may be the result.

When to expect the first tooth
The age at which children get their first teeth can vary a lot. Very occasionally, children are born with teeth already present but most will start teething at around six months. Some children don't start teething until they are nearly a year old. There is no advantage for children who get their teeth earlier. In fact, the opposite is true.

The first teeth usually become visible in the bottom front part of the mouth. After that, teething is rapid and almost every child has fully developed milk teeth by the age of 30 months.

Why is the child unhappy when their teeth come through?
There are a lot of misconceptions about the time when the child's teeth first come through. It is believed that the child will be upset and won't sleep.

Teeth coming through can make babies' gums sore. They may bite their toys and may dribble more than usual.

Some people think that the teeth coming through may cause a fever and inflammation of the middle ear.

The new teeth themselves do not cause a fever - this is caused by one of the many infections that all children can get. At the same time as the first tooth comes through, there are many other changes happening in the child's world. The weaning period from breastfeeding to other types of foods also happens around this time. There may also be other changes in the baby's routine, such as the mother returning to work after maternity leave, or the child starting daycare for the first time. As they spend more time with other children, this can also increase the risk of the child picking up an infection and running a fever.

Some advice

• It is important not to give your child too many sweet or sour things to eat or drink.
• Never give your child juice in a feeding bottle as this can damage their teeth forever.

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