From the time a baby is born to the time they start walking, there are so many benchmark activities that define your baby. Every step that is made, starting with flipping over and ending with the very first steps are major accomplishments that have to be accomplished with a considerable dose of time and support. For these reasons, as a parent, it is important for you to learn on how to prepare for these and other physical milestones and how you can assist your baby to achieve them.

Let’s take a closer look at the infant’s milestone and how to prepare for it. 

Milestone in an Infant Life

Here are some of the major milestones of an infant’s life that should be celebrated. 

Rolling Over

Crawling is usually the initial significant developmental step completed by the baby at the age of from four to six months. While some babies begin during what most would consider ‘baby’ time, others may begin earlier, or finish the game in what others may consider toddler time. For this milestone, it is important that your baby has as much tummy time during the waking hours before this time. This pattern assists in the development of the muscles around the neck, shoulders, and upper arms which are helpful in rolling on the floor. It is advisable to begin with a short duration and as the baby gains some confidence then increase the duration of feeds.

Tuck toys under your baby so that they have them to crawl towards or lay some toys slightly behind where your baby is lying. You can also, in a clear way, help them to flip from the back to the tummy or the other way around, explaining how they can shift their masse.

Sitting Up

Newborns more or less sit on their own between 6 to 8 months of age. This milestone involves good balance and the muscles of the abdomen back and hip. To strengthen groups of muscles in the body of your baby, try to let your baby do activities that need support in their muscles such as tummy time and supported sitting. It should also be possible to support them as they balance by placing pillows or cushions underneath them. Once your baby starts demonstrating the signs of wanting to be in a sitting position, put the toys within the reach of the baby as they help in balancing them. You can also engage them in games in which they have to lean gently to the left and to the right which in a way enhances their balance.

Crawling

Crawling is normally developed at ages between 7 to 10 months but some babies may not crawl instead they start walking. Ensure that your baby's play area is safe and this should come with adequate space that will enable your baby to find his or her way around easily. It is important to have toys placed at different distances so as to stimulate the child to get up and move around to get the toys. Check the floor so that none of the sharp objects or small items that are likely to be choking hazards are found on the floor.

Take your baby to the floor and spend some time teaching them how to use the arms and the legs in crawling. As for the crawling, tunnels or soft obstacles will help liven up this play while at the same time making it a bit more difficult for your dog. Crawling makes exploring entirely new territory for you baby. Enjoy this feat by recreating a small environment in the living room where they can manoeuvre or go outside where they can prove their crawl on the grass or sand.

Walking

This milestone is supposed to be achieved between the ages of 9 and 12 months, albeit, some children may start walking later and is still normal. To prepare your baby for walking, you need to encourage him to pull up to a standing position when he is approaching one year of age. Lend them strong and steady furniture or walking equipment such as a walker for them to use it as they try to balance. Encourage your baby as he/she begins to walk and hold his/her hands, and support him/her sparingly as the baby gets more confident. Remind them to get up and take a few steps preferably towards another adult or to a favorite toy.

Indeed the first steps are amongst the most cherished memories during one’s childhood! Celebrate by putting the baby on a family walk and taking lots of pictures or better still give the baby a new pair of first shoes to wear. Bear in mind that walking with confidence will require some time and thus continue to encourage him or her.

Planning for your baby’s milestones is one of the most fulfilling experiences that demand time, support and lots of affection. Whether it is rolling over, sitting up, crawling, or walking, each milestone is a step towards development. That said, appreciating these milestones is necessary to start a happy life.