Your Child’s Developmental Milestones: What to Expect and How to Cheer Them On
So, your little one has finally graduated from the NICU, and you're stepping into this new chapter filled with excitement (and maybe a pinch of nerves). As you settle into life outside the hospital, it's natural to wonder about your baby's growth and milestones. Well, fear not! We're here to guide you through the ups and downs of developmental milestones for your NICU grad, with plenty of reassurance and friendly advice along the way.
Understanding Developmental Milestones
Let's talk about these milestones—those little markers that tell us our kiddos are growing and learning like champs. They cover everything from wiggling those tiny toes to solving puzzles like pros. Here's the lowdown on what to expect:
Physical Milestones
First up, we've got the physical stuff—the gross motor skills, fine motor skills, and sensory adventures. Your NICU grad might start out a bit wobbly, but they'll surprise you with their progress. And if they’re not meeting these milestones, take heart. We have some recommendations further down in this article, too.
>Gross Motor Skills
Rolling over: 4 to 6 months is when babies typically start showing off their acrobatics.
Sitting solo: By 6 to 8 months, most babies are sitting up like a boss.
Crawling: Somewhere between 6 to 10 months, babies tend to be on the move.
First steps: Usually between 9 to 15 months, they'll be off and toddling.
>Fine Motor Skills
Grabbing stuff: 3 to 6 months, is when babies are typically reaching for everything in sight.
Playing handoff: Around 7 to 9 months, babies usually start passing toys from one hand to the other.
Picking up tiny things: By 9 to 12 months, they'll be mastering that pincer grip.
Artistic scribbles: Around 12 to 18 months, they'll be creating mini-masterpieces with crayons.
>Sensory Adventures
Responding to sounds: Right from the start, most babies turn their head toward familiar voices.
Exploring with hands and mouth: By 3 to 6 months, babies are typically getting handsy with everything.
Tracking objects: 2 to 3 months is when babies usually start following moving toys with their eyes like a pro.
Cognitive Skills
Now let's dive into the brainy side of things—their cognitive development. Sure, they might have had a rocky start, but your little one is ready to tackle the world with their smarts.
>Here's what to watch for:
Object Permanence: Around 8 to 12 months, most babies realize that just because they can't see something doesn't mean it's gone forever.
Imitation Games: From 6 to 9 months, babies typically start copying your funny faces and goofy sounds.
Puzzle Solving: By their first birthday, babies are usually able to stack blocks and figure out how things fit together.
Social and Emotional Shenanigans
Last but not least, let's chat about their social and emotional journey. Your NICU grad is on their way to becoming a little social butterfly, spreading smiles and cuddles wherever they go.
>Here's what's in store:
Smiley Faces: Around 6 to 8 weeks, babies start flashing those adorable gummy grins at you.
Stranger Danger: From 8 to 10 months, many babies get a bit clingy around new faces—totally normal!
Feeling Feels: By 18 to 24 months, babies are typically showing empathy and understanding others' emotions.
Supporting Your NICU Grad
So, how can you help your child along the way—especially if they’re not meeting these milestones on a typical timeline?
The first step is to consult your pediatrician. Bring any concerns about your child’s development to the medical team you trust.
That being said, don’t settle for a “wait and see” approach. Early intervention works best when it’s provided, well, early! If your child’s doctor dismisses your concerns or you simply have a gut feeling that your child needs more services or support, check out our guide called Early Intervention 101 and contact your local early intervention provider to schedule an evaluation. It’s free in all 50 states!
Other tips for supporting your child’s development include:
Create a cozy space: Make your home a safe and fun place to explore, with plenty of toys and cuddles.
Play, play, play: Dive into playtime with your kiddo, whether it's stacking blocks or playing peek-a-boo. It's all about having fun and learning together.
Celebrate every win: Whether it's their first rollover or their first masterpiece on the walls, celebrate each milestone like the superstar they are.
So there you have it—the NICU Alumni guide to navigating the wild and wonderful world of developmental milestones with your NICU grad.
Remember, every child is unique, and they'll hit those milestones in their own time. Take a breath, sit back, relax, (or at least try to), and enjoy the ride as you watch your little one grow, learn, and conquer the world, one milestone at a time!