Luck’s Yard Clinic Developmental Milestones

Charlotte Tuson DC BSc (Hons) MChiro LCC Chiropractor at Luck’s Yard Clinic Passionate about paediatric care What we will cover today: The milestones in the first 18 months. Simple tips to encourage development Questions If I go too fast for your child’s age just shout

Birth - 6 Weeks From Birth Swap sides when feeding Look your baby in the eyes and talk to them frequently Skin-to-skin Blow ‘raspberries’ on his tummy Massage Choose a chiropractor or cranial osteopath skilled with children From 3 weeks When changing his nappy turn him onto his tummy (10 seconds) Lay your baby on your chest and talk to him Visual stimulation

6 Weeks From 6 weeks Increase Tummy Time to 30 seconds (lie down with him) Lift up + down, side to side and round + round Introduce colour patterns Cover a torch with different coloured cloths TOP TIP Carry your baby in supportive baby carriers as much as possible Researchers are now recognizing the importance of continued contact and motion on the neurological and emotional development of babies.

8 weeks Focussing intently on his hands and other objects Recognize your face and voice Reaching for objects Smile and “coo” Hold head longer during Tummy Time TOP TIPS Lie on the floor with him so he has to lift up his head to see you, shake rattles and toys that attract his attention he will follow the sound with his eyes

12 Weeks - 4 Months From 12 weeks Recognize faces and places Distinguish between colours Reaches for things (may miss) Putting objects in his mouth Reach and feel with open hands, grasp with 2 hands Uses forearms during Tummy Time Starting to roll over TOP TIPS Cover 1 eye and shine a light in the other until the pupil constricts (only ONCE) When on his tummy if he reaches for something and his opposite leg doesn’t bend up gently do this for him

4 - 6 Months 4 months Grasping things Holding and shakes a rattle Ideally, he should be rolling from side to side Laughing and blowing ‘raspberries’ play ‘peek-a-boo’- he should laugh! Every action extends the child’s development in some way.

Ideas Give your baby a range of toys and objects, including those that make noise. Allow your baby time to move about, explore his world and entertain himself with a variety of objects such as cups, soft balls, plastic spoons (BPA-free), string, a plastic mirror, etc. Give him a rubber suction toy on the tray of his high chair. Put a few ‘pop-up’ toys within easy reach. Watch his surprise as he hits the right buttons. Play ‘peek-a-boo’. Show him ‘lift-the-flap’ cloth books. Let him look at his reflection in a mirror.

5 months Longer eye contact One syllable words, such as “ah” and “da” May be shy around strangers Transferring objects from one hand to the other Gently pull him into a sitting position Discovers his feet Lying on his stomach - pushes up with his arms He plays actively when propped up with cushions for minutes He likes to stand up in your lap and push up on his feet He likes to bang items

6 Months 6 months Roll over raise his arms to be picked up Sit unsupported (briefly) He examines objects by placing them in his mouth When lying on his stomach will support upper body with forearms Pivot on his tummy in search of toys Play with his feet Recognize his own name TOP TIPS When introducing food consider 3 important points 1. Slowly introduce foods (start with low allergy foods) 2. Minimize your child’s exposure to toxins 3. Prioritize ‘brain foods’

TOP TIPS When introducing food consider 3 important points 1. Slowly introduce foods (start with low allergy foods) 2. Minimize your child’s exposure to toxins 3. Prioritize ‘brain foods’

Months 7 months Notices cause and effect Drink from a cup Combining skills eg sitting and then lunging into a crawl Remembers loved ones even when he hasn’t seen them for days Wary of strangers and may suffer separation anxiety from you.

8 months Sit up unassisted Pull into a standing position 2 syllable words, such as “dada” TOP TIP Encourage him to imitate your arm movements

9 months Associates voices and names with people He will responds to music Close to crawling if not already (may even take first steps!) Wave “bye-bye” Understands the concept of no TOP TIP Play different types of music for him.

Months He will like to drop toys, watching and hearing them fall Poke and prod with his fingers, Walks between months TOP TIPS Use a soft ball to play with him Use instructions eg “give me your foot and we’ll put your sock on”

11-12 months Can lower himself from a standing position Can use crayons Throw objects intentionally Walks assisted “ta” for thank you and will give you things if you ask Points to recognizable objects Remembers things eg where the pots and pans are! Wants to join in conversations and loves to laugh TOP TIPS Speak to him (he understands more then we realize) Teach him the names of friends and family Start counting

Months ‘in-the-mouth’ learning usually disappears Can turn two to three pages of a book at a time Hand-eye coordination well established. Between months begins to run Can remove gloves, hats, socks and unzip jumpers Opens cupboard doors Going up and down stairs Plays near others but may not play with them Will hug others, push, pull, snatch and grab, will defend himself Talks to himself whilst playing Probably won’t ask for help

TOP TIPS Speak to him in full sentences Play dough so he can mould Toys he can pretend to feed, wash, clean their teeth and comb their hair Ride on toys

Remember... Learning is fun (for you as well!) Prime your baby’s senses Introduce new sensory experiences to your baby Let them play with a range of objects which have different textures, temperatures or that make different sounds Use the everyday world to excite their senses; have them run barefoot on the grass or sand, dip their fingers and toes in water, or play with rustling leaves

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