Our journey from sixth month onwards, is one of curiosity and mobility. Now babies can see near as well as far, and their tiny eyes are grasping the world around them. As they see and touch almost everything, they also start making sense of sounds. This is also the time for the first meaningful sounds, and a beginning to understand what everyone around them speaks. But above all, this is a time for us to stand up, on our two tiny feet, to learn and to explore.
So at six months, the infant is in the best responsive period of life. They can close their eyes, and imagine that world around them has disappeared, look into the mirror, and laugh at almost every thing. These are the traits of an eternal bliss, we wish to have retained through our adulthood. He or she can not only sit independently, but also will be able to stand using a furniture. It is the joy of taking first steps in life, aided at first and unaided thereafter, all parents are actually looking forward to. This is indeed a period from lap to one of leap.
From six to seven months
At this age most babies can sit on their own, roll over in both directions, and may start to scoot, crawl, or rock back and forth. Many postage stamps depict such infant babies, sitting well in the weighing scales. Between six and nine months of age, infant will be able to sit without support. Weight of infant doubles by three months and almost triples by nine months of age.
These are bubbly playful babies, quite observant of their surroundings, and engaged in play. They often lean out, or are comfortably maintaining their position in mother’s lap. They are well poised to explore the world from a vantage point.
Eighth and Ninth month
By eighth and ninth months, infant is more confident, observant, and is most photogenic. Babies start getting teeth during this time. In some images from this age, one may be able to see the first tooth, which are two bottom central incisors.
This is the age, when top foods overtake breast feeding. Babis can chew soft finger foods as well. More harder foods, that need to be bitten with teeth are still a few months away.
As infants begin to recognise faces and sounds, they tend to develop a separation anxiety. They can distinguish strangers from family, and will be upset when separated from family members, especially the mother. Babies also begin to understand meaning of words, and will look at some common objects, when their names are called out.
At ninth month of age, infants become more stable, and try to stand from a previous sitting position. While thy need assistance in standing, they can do so, holding a piece of furniture. They can also move along the furniture, which is cruising.
From ten to twelve months of age
The most important milestone in this period is being able to walk, initially with support, and then unsupported. The first steps become a treasured moment for all parents. This signals growth and independence.
At this time, they know well, on how to keep their legs straight. Infants can stand with support. Initially this may be from comfort of mother’s lap, and even later away from her. This balancing act on two feet, is a precursor to a confident walk.
As babies begin to walk, their first steps are often clumsy. Supported by parents, caregivers, and learning from numerous falls, comes the walk.
Early walk is bumpy and bouncy. As leg muscles gain more strength, hands can be used more efficiently. Soon hands are now free to hold objects. Infants will soon be able to hold a cup, and even feed themselves.
At twelve months, or one year infant has officially become a toddler. Surging ahead in agility as well as speed.
A one year old, can walk and by next three months, will begin to run. Now a toddler, he or she can now stop, squat then stand again. This is the time to climb a few stairs, dancing on the music, and making some independant movements. As strength in hand muscles improves, they can even begin to wear their own clothes. In next six months, babies begin to scribble, use crayon, and start expressing themselves through drawings. Child art begins, and has its own philately presence. The following link to a previous blog, is all set to take us to another world, of joy and expression !!!
Excellent… art of growing…