During infancy – from birth to age 12 months – babies experience rapid physical growth and development. Their weight usually doubles by 5 or 6 months of age and triples by their first birthday. An infant’s nervous system – brain, spinal cord and nerves – also develops, allowing them better control of the head and limbs, which enables them to explore their new environment and interact with others.

Generally, healthy babies reach certain developmental milestones by the first year. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Rolling over by themselves
• Sitting alone, without support
• Crawling
• Making babbling or squealing sounds
• Standing up
• Walking, while holding on to furniture or a person for support
• Saying at least one word, usually “mama” or “dada”

Although most babies reach these milestones at similar stages, infancy development can differ and it is normal for healthy babies to grow and develop at their own pace. However, parents should notify their child’s physician if their baby displays signs of possible developmental delays during infancy. These include failure to thrive, not being able to crawl or stand when supported, not trying to imitate words and not using gestures like waving hands or pointing to objects.

To support adequate growth and development during infancy, proper nutrition is essential. Another important step is ensuring that infants get regular check-ups with a physician, preferably a pediatrician. During these well-child visits, the pediatrician can ask the parents if the infant has met certain milestones for each stage of development.

Babies can grow with an environment rich in stimulation, comfort and loving attention. Other ways parents and caregivers can promote healthy infancy development include:

• Encouraging bonding by cuddling, holding, rocking and caressing the baby to help newborns feel safe, secure and loved.
  
  
• Supporting age-appropriate physical activity. Give babies space to stretch, explore and crawl or walk around the home. However, do not leave them unattended and make sure the home is childproof.
  
  
• Stimulating learning and play. Provide babies with safe, age-appropriate toys with different textures that encourage them to explore with the fingers. Singing, reciting rhymes and doing finger plays with a baby can also stimulate their cognitive development.
  
  
• Nurture language development. Talk and read often to a baby, in addition to naming objects while pointing to pictures in a book. Use simple words that apply to an infant’s everyday life.