Skills such as taking a first step, smiling for the first time, and waving “bye-bye” are called developmental milestones. Developmental milestones are things most children can do by a certain age. Children reach milestones in how they play, learn, speak, behave, and move (like crawling, walking, or jumping). In a child’s first year, they learn to focus their vision, reach out, explore, and learn about the things that are around them.
Cognitive, or brain development means the learning process of memory, language, thinking, and reasoning. Learning language is more than making sounds (“babble”), or saying “ma-ma” and “da-da”. Listening, understanding, and knowing the names of people and things are all a part of language development. During this stage, babies also are developing bonds of love and trust with their parents and others as part of social and emotional development. The way parents cuddle, hold, and play with their baby will set the basis for how they will interact with them and others.
Below are the milestones that we look out for in the first year of a child’s development.
The first three months
At Nova Pioneer, we only accept at baby once they turn 3-months. Below are milestones that parents can their babies rech in the first three months.
During this time, parents can help their babies by doing the following:
- Talk to your baby. They will find your voice calming.
- Answer when your baby makes sounds by repeating the sounds and adding words. This will help them learn to use language.
- Read to your baby. This will help them develop and understand language and sounds.
- Sing to your baby and play music. This will help your baby develop a love for music and will help their brain development.
- Play with your baby when they are alert and relaxed. Watch your baby closely for signs of being tired or fussy so that they can take a break from playing.
- Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Parenting can be hard work! It is easier to enjoy your new baby and be a positive, loving parent when you are feeling good yourself.
Months 4 to 7
In the first few months of joining Nova Pioneer, we develop a routine that will help your child reach the following milestones.
Months 8 to 12
As we progress to the 12-month mark, we encourage independence and introduce activities that encourage development towards the following milestones:
