Many young parents pay close attention to their newborns, eagerly anticipating every milestone such as the first smile, eye tracking, and responses to parental words. However, when they see other babies progressing quickly, some parents worry about their own baby’s intellectual development keeping up.
In fact, there is a general timeline for infant growth: around one month old, babies begin to smile; at two months, they can lift their heads while on their stomachs and respond with smiles. By three months, they not only can lift their heads with assistance but also roll over, kick their legs, grip and stretch their hands, showing vigor. At this stage, babies are sensitive to sounds, can recognize a bottle, follow objects with their gaze, all positive signs of auditory and visual development. Their crying, laughing, and other emotional expressions reflect the maturity of the central nervous system.
After six months, babies’ growth becomes more pronounced; they learn to roll over, stand with support, even attempt to jump. Their hands become more agile, able to grasp objects, and they identify family members and respond to strangers more clearly. Sitting becomes more stable, crawling skills develop, they become curious about the world, enjoy imitating adults, and toys become their exploration companions.
Of course, not all babies strictly follow this timeline; each child has a unique pace of growth. However, if multiple developmental indicators lag before the age of one, it may indicate a neurological development disorder, potentially affecting intellectual development – sometimes seen as early signs of intellectual disabilities. Faced with such concerns, parents should consider seeking timely medical attention for professional assessment and necessary assistance.
