0- 1 years

Developmental milestones are called skills such as taking a first move, laughing for the first time, and waving "bye-bye". Developmental milestones are stuff most kids should be able to do by some point. Children hit milestones in their playing, studying, communicating, behaving and running (like crawling, walking or jumping).

Babies must learn to centre their attention in the first year, reach out, discover and learn about the things around them. Cognitive, or brain growth includes the memory, vocabulary, perception, and reasoning learning cycle. Language learning is more than sound making ("babble"), or saying "ma-ma" and "da-da"

Language learning is more than sound making ("babble"), or saying "ma-ma" and "da-da" Listening, listening , and learning people's names and things are all part of creating language. During this time, babies often grow bonds of love and trust as part of social and emotional growth with their parents and others. The manner in which parents cuddle, hold and play with their baby will form the basis for how they interact with them and others.

Positive Parenting Tips

Converse with your son. She considers your voice calming.

If your baby makes sounds by repeating the sounds and adding words, reply. This will help him learn language usage.

Read it out to your kids. This will help her learn words and sounds, and understand them.

Play music and sing to your baby. This will help your baby grow a passion for music and help him build his brain.

Praise your girl, and pay lots of loving attention to her.

Spend time with your kid and cuddling. This will make him feel well looked after and safe.

Praise your girl, and pay lots of loving attention to her.

Spend time with your kid and cuddling. This will make him feel well looked after and safe.

Using your baby to play when she's alert and happy. Look closely at your baby for signs of being tired or fussy, so she can take a break from playing.

Distract your baby with toys and move him to secure areas when he begins to move and touch things he shouldn't touch.

Be physically, mentally, and emotionally conscious of yourself. Parental participation can be hard work! Enjoying your new baby is simpler, and being a happy, affectionate parent when you feel good about yourself.

Child Safety First

It's time to make sure your home is a healthy place when a baby is a part of your family. Look around your home for things that could put your baby in danger. It's your job, as a parent, to make sure you create a safe home for your child. It is also important that you take the necessary steps to ensure your new baby is mentally and emotionally ready. Here are just a few tips for keeping your child safe:

Don't shake your child .... ever! Babies have very poor neck muscles which still can not hold their heads. You can damage his brain, or even cause his death, if you shake your baby.

To avoid sudden infant death syndrome (commonly known as SIDS), make sure you always put your baby to sleep on her back. Read more on new guidelines for healthy infant sleep here.

Protect your baby from second-hand smoke. Do not let anyone in your home smoke.

Place your baby in the back seat of a rear-facing car seat while riding in a car. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration pdf icon[1.15 MB/1 page]the external icon recommends this.

By breaking her food into tiny bites, you keep your baby from choking. Also, don't let her play with small toys and other things she might quickly swallow.

Don't let your kid play with something that could cover her ears.

Never carry hot liquids or food near or whilst holding your baby.

Vaccines (shots) are essential to help protect the health and safety of your child. Since children can develop severe illnesses, it is important that your child get the right shots at the right time.