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<p>Being a first-time parent can be exactly what the caricatured, movie version implies: confusing, stressful, harried, sleepless — you name it. No matter how prepared you think you are, things get real the moment you bring your child home.&nbsp;</p>



<p>One thing all parents have in common: the first year is filled with all sorts of exciting “firsts.” Read on for Vivvi’s ultimate guide to what you can expect each month.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Baby’s First Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>Congratulations and welcome to the world of parenthood. If you’ve recently given birth, this first month will be largely focused on postpartum physical and emotional recovery. Childbirth is no small feat, and many new moms need time to get back on their feet. But good news: babies will be sleeping a lot during this period, so be sure to get rest when you can.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Month No. 1 involves frequent feedings and tummy time. This is also when you’ll get to know your little human’s body — skin texture, bowel movements, latching style, and so on.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:&nbsp;</h3>



<p>During their first month of life, babies will:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li><a href="https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7061949/Fingerplays%20-%20Toddler%20&amp;%20Preschool.pdf">Explore their fingers</a> with their mouth</li><li>React to sights and sounds</li><li>Focus on objects within range</li><li>Recognize familiar voices</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Second Month</h2>



<h2>What to Expect:</h2>



<p>The second month feels like a whirlwind compared to the first. At two months old, babies can leave the house more frequently — a boon for them and for you.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Taking your baby out into the world will seem scary, especially if you’ve spent the first month or two hibernating. You’ll be visiting the doctor for <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/safely-enroll-children-in-child-care-covid-19">vaccinations</a>, so be sure you’ve got a stroller, carrier, or car seat, plus a fully stocked diaper bag, ready to go.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Developmental Milestones:</p>



<p>At month No. 2, babies will:</p>



<ul><li>Focus on moving objects (i.e. tracking)</li><li>Coo and use other forms of vocal communication</li><li>Lift their heads and push up with their arms</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Third Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/infant-and-toddler-health/in-depth/infant-development/art-20048012">three months,</a> things usually get much better — for everyone — because many babies are able to sleep for longer stretches, even through the night. Babies are also starting to be more alert and awake during the day, recognizing and responding to familiar faces and voices in their lives.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As parents may be headed back to work, this is a good time to find infant care that you trust if you haven’t already. Remember that <a href="https://vivvi.com/programs">child care centers</a> often have waiting lists, so be sure to sign up in advance.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here are some things to watch for in the third month:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Reaching for and gripping toys</li><li>Recognizing familiar people from afar</li><li>New facial expressions and vocal sounds</li><li>Recognizing and being excited by familiar voices</li><li>Kicking legs out during tummy time</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Fourth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At four months old, babies start to enjoy playtime. They’ll show more <a href="https://f.hubspotusercontent40.net/hubfs/7061949/2020%20Gift%20List.pdf">interest in toys</a>, especially ones with sounds — repetitive yes; effective, also yes — and show more interest in playing with their parents. Cultivate their newfound love of playing by crawling around on the floor, introducing toys and objects of different shapes and textures, and introducing mobiles.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here’s what to watch for in month No. 4:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Trying to roll over during tummy time</li><li>Playing with rattles by making shaking motions</li><li>Kicking legs downwards while being held upright</li><li>Focusing on moving objects with more accuracy</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Fifth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>Most parents are back at work by month No. 5 — a major milestone that can be bittersweet.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here’s what to watch for in your baby’s fifth month:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Passing objects between both hands</li><li>Grabbing their feet with their hands</li><li>Paying attention to the foods you’re eating; showing interest in solid foods</li><li>Rolling over during tummy time</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Sixth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>The half-year mark is a big milestone for parents and babies alike. At this point, your baby will be showing an interest in solid foods.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>During their sixth month, babies:</p>



<ul><li>Use new vocal sounds</li><li>Show excitement during playtime (and get upset when playtime stops)</li><li>Attempt to sit upright on their own</li><li>React to emotions by crying, laughing, or squealing</li><li>Recognize their own name and respond with vocal sounds</li><li>Grasp at out-of-reach objects</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Seventh Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At seven months old, babies start teething, which means everything — and we do mean everything — within reach will find its way to their mouth. New parents will need to be extra-cautious when it comes to <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/childdevelopment/positiveparenting/infants.html">safety</a>.</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>At seven months old, babies:</p>



<ul><li>Recognize when you’re happy or sad</li><li>Exhibit new responses to facial expressions and try to mimic them</li><li>Put everything in their mouth, from inanimate, indelible objects to their own body parts</li><li>Try out new vocal sounds, like babbling</li><li>Start to sit upright without support more frequently</li><li>Exhibit the raking grasp by reaching with hands to grasp objects</li><li>Start to teethe</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Eighth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>By the time your baby reaches eight months old, they’ll seem so grown up compared to the newborn stage! At this age, most babies are filled with confidence and are busy making new vocal sounds, trying to stand, and experimenting with crawling-like motions. They’ll also discover a newfound love for solid food.</p>



<p>You may also notice signs of separation anxiety; now that they recognize you as their primary caregiver, they’ll want to know you’re close.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here are some major milestones at this age:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Teething and starting to drool</li><li><a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/abcs-of-child-language-development">New vocal sounds</a> like “mama” or “dada”</li><li>Separation anxiety when they’re away from you</li><li>Attempting to stand on their own</li><li>Scooting along the floor and rocking on hands and knees — the precursor to crawling</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Ninth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At nine months, babies have been out in the world as long as they were in utero. Tempting though it may be to reflect on that miracle, you won’t have that much time: This is the age when (gulp) many infants start crawling.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Some parents may find themselves chasing after super-speedy crawlers; others may simply enjoy watching them go. At nine months, babies also consume more solid foods and develop attachments to soothing items, like pacifiers.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here’s what to watch for in month No. 9:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>More frequent attempts to stand independently&nbsp;</li><li>Crawling</li><li>Tighter grasp and more accuracy when gripping small objects, like crackers or cereal</li><li>Expressing needs by pointing</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Tenth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>Ten-month-old babies are trouble: If they weren’t cruising before, they certainly are now. You’ll also find that more household objects are finding their way into your baby’s mouth — even the ones you assumed were out of reach. (This is a good time to baby-proof.)&nbsp;</p>



<p>Your baby will develop <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/practicing-self-talk-infants">new forms of communication</a> and begin requesting items or attention. Regular nap times — usually one in the morning and one in the afternoon — are also part of a 10-month-old’s routine. </p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>In month No. 10, be sure to watch for:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Crawling that has developed into cruising — they’re so much faster now</li><li>Pulling up to a standing position</li><li>Attempting to walk between pieces of furniture&nbsp;</li><li>Learning new vocal communications (like waving “bye-bye”)</li><li>Waving for attention, greeting familiar faces, and saying “goodbye”</li><li>Newfound interest in banging toys together to make new sounds</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Eleventh Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At the 11-month mark, your relationship with your baby will hit a new level. At this point, babies start to comprehend concepts like “no” or “yes.” You may find yourself talking with your baby more; in return, they’ll begin babbling during your conversations and may even mimic your behavior — it’s very cute!&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here’s what’s happening in an 11-month-old’s world:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>New vocal sounds like “uh-oh”; more frequent use of “mama” or “dada”</li><li>Beginning to understand simple phrases like, “No, don’t touch”</li><li>Babbling during conversations and mimicking your behavior</li></ul>



<h2>Baby’s Twelfth Month</h2>



<h3>What to Expect:</h3>



<p>At the year mark, babies are usually standing on their own, using utensils, and intently exploring the world around them. This is a great time to reflect on the year you’ve had and focus on how far you’ve come. From teething to crawling, from crying to laughing, you’ve celebrated so many milestones in the span of 12 short (OK, long) months.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Developmental Milestones:</h3>



<p>Here’s what to watch for in month No. 12:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>Standing upright and taking steps between pieces of furniture&nbsp;</li><li>Beginning to use utensils properly, if in an uncoordinated manner</li><li>Recognizing new objects and their names like “dog” or “cat”</li><li>Exploring new sounds, throwing objects, and hitting them on the floor</li></ul>



<p>Once you’ve celebrated your baby’s first birthday, you’ll be the proud <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/unstructured-play-benefits">parent of a toddler</a>. Much like the first year, toddler growth and development stage brings new changes, challenges, and milestones; <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog">visit our blog</a> to learn more about what’s in store.</p>


The ultimate baby development stage guide for first-time parents. From month one to month twelve, these are the most important milestones for your baby.

Baby Development Stages in the First Year | Vivvi

Advice For New Parents: A Guide to Baby Development Stages in Their First Year


<p>Our kids are curious and introspective, always eager to point out the wonder in everyday things. When they ask “Why is the sky blue?” or express sheer amazement at a ball of Play-Doh, there’s much more going on than parents may realize.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Along with motor skills, literacy, and <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/abcs-of-child-language-development">expressive language</a>, scientific inquiry is also an important part of early childhood development. Below, we’ll explore how to encourage scientific inquiry, and we’ll run through activities that help foster questions and curiosity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>What Is Scientific Inquiry?</h2>



<p>Scientific inquiry is the act of questioning nature and the world around us. As anyone who has met a 3-year-old knows all too well, children start this practice early on, asking about — well, sometimes, every single thing they notice, from birds in the sky to sounds from next door.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Examples of scientific inquiry include questions like:&nbsp;</p>



<ul><li>How do trees grow so big?</li><li>Why do some animals have fur and others have scales?</li><li>What do my stuffed animals look like in real life?</li><li>Why does the moon look different tonight?</li><li>What is rain and where does it come from?</li></ul>



<p>If your child is asking these questions at home, they’ve already adopted the practice of scientific inquiry. Now it’s time to stoke their curiosity.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Why is Scientific Inquiry Important for Early Childhood Education?</h2>



<p>Scientific inquiry is a key part of early childhood education; it teaches children to question the who, what, why, when, and how of nature, their peers, and every other aspect of everyday life.</p>



<p>According to the <a href="https://www.nap.edu/read/4962/chapter/8#105">National Science Education Standards</a>, students of all ages “should have the opportunity to use scientific inquiry and develop the ability to think and act in ways associated with inquiry, including asking questions, planning and conducting investigations, using appropriate tools and techniques to gather data, thinking critically and logically about relationships between evidence and explanations, constructing and analyzing alternative explanations, and communicating scientific arguments.”</p>



<p>By developing <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/teaching-children-about-race">these skills</a>, children will learn to think critically and piece together the world around them.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Benefits of scientific inquiry on early childhood development</h3>



<p>The key benefits of <a href="https://www.nsf.gov/pubs/2000/nsf99148/ch_2.htm">scientific inquiry</a> on early childhood development include:</p>



<ul><li>Understanding nature: Where do things come from? What do they do?&nbsp;</li><li>Assessing their surroundings: What else can I see?</li><li>Learning to question: Why is it like this?</li><li>Teaching critical thinking: If this is the result, what else can I learn?</li></ul>



<h3>Communicating through actions</h3>



<p>Even before toddlers can speak, they begin expressing curiosity through actions. You’ll notice this just by observing how they use their senses: touch, taste, smell, sights, and sounds.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, they might touch a new thing or try new food. Or, perhaps, they’ll shake something and react to the sound it makes. By exploring whatever’s in reach, they’ll begin to make important connections and draw larger observations.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Understanding concepts and making decisions</h3>



<p>Decision-making also develops early on. If your child is asking questions and pondering choices, they’re well on their way to cultivating their decision-making skills.&nbsp;</p>



<p><strong>There are four steps to critical thinking:</strong></p>



<ol><li>Asking the question</li><li>Hearing and understanding the answer</li><li>Making a decision based on that understanding</li><li>Acting consciously</li></ol>



<p>We&#8217;ve all seen a toddler ask to pet the dog, waiting for the “yes,” and then proceeding with the petting. Even that simple act is a basic expression of critical thinking and decision-making.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Early Childhood Education Programs: Vivvi’s Inquiry Model</h2>



<p>At Vivvi, we use an inquiry-based learning model for our <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/benefits-child-care-provider">early childhood education programs</a>. We observe how children interact with their environment and ask questions, then we take cues from whatever they’re expressing interest in. Our programs are tailored to what children want to learn, which in turn go a long way in stoking their natural sense of curiosity and inquisitiveness.</p>


The importance of scientific inquiry in early childhood development. Benefits of scientific inquiry and how Vivvi’s inquiry based learning model develops life skills.

Scientific Inquiry in Early Childhood Education | Vivvi

What Role Does Scientific Inquiry Play In Early Childhood Education


<p>If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the “terrible twos” —&nbsp;and threes, and maybe even fours —&nbsp;you’re hardly alone. Every toddler parent yearns to find the magic formula that will help their child calm down, manage their emotions, and not, say, meltdown preschool drop-off.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As children grow and develop in the first few years of life, they can become frustrated by things beyond their control. And let’s face it: That’s pretty much everything. They express their tiny, yet powerful, frustration through vocal, often-unyielding outbursts: Enter the tantrum.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As parents, we dread —&nbsp;if not wholly cower from — toddler meltdowns, and we’re especially anxious about them happening in public. But fear not, because tried-and-true strategies can help you and your child work through existing tantrums and help future ones from escalating.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Practical Parent Tips: Preventing Temper Tantrums</h2>



<p>We’ve all had days when the simplest things feel frustrating or overwhelming, and those feelings are exactly what toddlers go through before they throw a fit. Young children can’t articulate or moderate complex emotions, so they often panic when they’re stressed or frustrated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>When toddlers have outbursts, they’re probably frustrated about something they can’t understand. To prevent tantrums from escalating, parents need to work through these issues and address the source of the frustration. In other words: slapping on a band-aid won’t do; you’ve got to go back to the source of the cut.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Teach the art of self-regulation</h3>



<p>Kids — and adults, too, for that matter — must learn self-regulation, the practice of <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/early-learning-activities-for-self-care">understanding, and responding to, one’s own emotional needs</a>. For toddlers, that means learning to think critically about feelings and concisely addressing one’s own needs.</p>



<p>Teaching your toddler self-regulation can prevent tantrums from escalating. It can also make your relationship <a href="https://fpg.unc.edu/sites/fpg.unc.edu/files/resources/reports-and-policy-briefs/PromotingSelf-RegulationIntheFirstFiveYears.pdf">healthier</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Give your toddler some control&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Kids get frustrated by things beyond their control. So why not give them some control? That’s the beauty of choices.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Imagine going to a restaurant and having the server bring you soda instead of coffee when it’s the latter you really want. You’d probably be confused, if not outright irritated.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Now, imagine that scenario over and over again, dozens —&nbsp;maybe hundreds — of times a day. That’s sort of what it’s like to be a toddler.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Toddlers are capable of making choices; say, what they want for a snack or which pair of shoes they want to wear. They just need to be allowed to do so. Offer two options and let your toddler decide — you may be surprised by just how much this seemingly small step <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/practicing-kindness-with-young-children">positively affects</a> a child’s demeanor, mindset, and overall sense of control.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Don’t say “no” before considering the request</h3>



<p>As adults with free will and plenty of choices, we tend to forget how upsetting it is to be told “no” — especially when you’re told so automatically, all the time.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>When your toddler asks for something, take a step back and ask yourself whether the request is reasonable or unreasonable. Can you accommodate it in such a way that it works for both of you? Is there a reason you’re saying “no?” Can you compromise? In short: Is it really, fundamentally a big deal, or are you the one making it a big deal simply by saying “no?”</p>



<p>Of course, not every toddler request is reasonable —&nbsp;we know this. So if you stand by your “no” and your child still seems frustrated, <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/practicing-self-talk-infants">talk it through</a> like you would an adult. Perhaps the frustration stems from a lack of control, or from something unrelated to the request itself.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Understand your child’s limits</h3>



<p>Everyone has limits — especially children. And as they learn how to self-regulate their feelings and emotions, they’re likely to get overwhelmed. Be sensitive to that and be cautious about further exacerbating the issue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For instance, if your child has had a difficult day, whether at <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/benefits-child-care-provider">child care</a> or home, leave the grocery shopping for tomorrow —&nbsp;they’ll probably be in no mood to be confined to a stroller or shopping cart, and you’ll only be tempting fate by schlepping them around.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>



<p>There will be days when you have no choice —&nbsp;you can’t always postpone a doctor’s appointment or long car trip. That’s why it’s important to learn some calming techniques that can help avert disasters at home and away.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Calming Techniques for Kids and De-escalating Tantrums</h2>



<p>If parents could magically prevent tantrums, we would (and a mountain of how-to books would immediately cease to be relevant). That’s all fantasy though; in reality, tantrums are a fact of life — for every parent and every toddler.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For help working through most of the outbursts, try these two simple de-escalation techniques:</p>



<h3>Talk it through: Why is your child upset?</h3>



<p><strong>Step 1: Ask your child why they’re upset.</strong></p>



<p>Find the source of the frustration. Is your child upset because they can’t have the toy, or are they frustrated because they’re feeling ignored? Talking through the tantrum gives kids the opportunity to explain why they’re feeling overwhelmed. More often than not, your child is probably upset about more than just, say, a train you won’t let them have at the dinner table. And by talking it out, you’re helping them feel heard —&nbsp;and valued.&nbsp;</p>



<h3>Offer solutions: Don’t force positive or negative association with tantrums</h3>



<p><strong>Step 2: Offer solutions to your child.</strong></p>



<p>Once you find out why your child is frustrated, it’s time to get to work. But try to avoid forcing positive or negative associations with tantrums. When you positively reinforce their tantrum (say, by giving in), your child may learn to associate meltdowns with rewards —&nbsp;not what you want.</p>



<p>Instead, offer solutions that work for both of you. Perhaps there’s a compromise that makes both of you happy. You won’t know until you talk it through.</p>



<p>It’s also important to avoid negative associations with tantrums. Don’t punish your child for expressing frustration. Teach them how to <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog/child-development-stages-how-much-impact-has-covid-really-had">work through their emotions</a> intelligently.</p>



<p>To learn more about calming techniques for kids, visit <a href="https://vivvi.com/blog">Joie de Vivvi</a>, our blog.</p>


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Practical Parenting Tips For Calming Your Toddler Down

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