'Typical' Development: Infancy (0-12 Months)

INFANT DEVELOPMENT (0–12 MONTHS)

Understanding what’s “normal” behaviour for infants can be challenging—every baby is different! Below is a summary of typical developmental milestones across social, emotional, language, cognitive, and physical domains for babies from birth to one year, as well as typical responses to parental separation and common behavioural concerns.

SOCIAL AND EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Common signs in infants
2 months: Smiles at people; self-soothes by sucking hand; looks at parent
4 months: Smiles spontaneously; enjoys play; copies facial expressions
6 months: Recognises familiar faces; responds to emotions; enjoys mirrors
9 months: Shows stranger anxiety; clings to familiar adults; has favourite toys
12 months: Cries when parent leaves; shows fear; hands over books; initiates games like peek-a-boo

LANGUAGE AND COMMUNICATION

Common signs in infants
2 months: Coos and gurgles; turns head to sounds
4 months: Babbles; copies sounds; uses varied cries
6 months: Babbling with vowels; responds to name; expresses emotions through sound
9 months: Understands "no"; babbles “mama”, “baba”; points at things
12 months: Follows simple commands; uses gestures like waving; says “mama”, “dada”, and simple words

COGNITIVE DEVELOPMENT (LEARNING, THINKING, PROBLEM-SOLVING)

Common signs in infants
2 months: Watches faces; follows movement; fusses when bored
4 months: Shows affection; reaches for toys; follows objects side-to-side
6 months: Curious; brings items to mouth; passes toys between hands
9 months: Watches objects fall; plays peek-a-boo; uses pincer grasp
12 months: Explores by shaking/banging; copies gestures; follows simple instructions

MOVEMENT AND PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT

Common signs in infants
2 months: Lifts head; smooth arm/leg movements
4 months: Pushes down on legs; may roll tummy to back; brings hands to mouth
6 months: Rolls both ways; sits with support; bounces on legs
9 months: Sits independently; pulls to stand; crawls
12 months: Cruises furniture; stands alone; may take first steps

CONCERNS TO DISCUSS WITH A DOCTOR

Raise concerns if your infant:
• Does not respond to sound, smile, or track objects by 2–4 months
• Does not babble, roll, or show affection by 6 months
• Does not sit, bear weight, or respond to name by 9 months
• Does not crawl, stand, say single words, or use gestures by 12 months
• Loses previously acquired skills

PSYCHOSOCIAL DEVELOPMENT (ERIKSON)

Infancy (0–12 months): Trust vs Mistrust
Healthy development (Trust): Secure, affectionate, good eye contact, able to separate from caregiver
Unhealthy development (Mistrust): Avoidant, suspicious, poor eye contact, difficulty forming relationships

RESPONSE TO PARENTAL SEPARATION

Infants (0–18 months):
Babies sense conflict and tension but don’t understand it. Prolonged stress may lead to clinginess, irritability, frequent emotional outbursts, or signs of regression.

COMMON BEHAVIOURAL DIFFICULTIES

Common signs in infants
“Not Listening”: Infants do not understand instructions—they are not being defiant.
“Mischief”: Exploring is normal learning behaviour—baby-proof environments are essential.
Sleep Difficulties: Sleep disruptions are developmentally normal, not behavioural issues.
Fussiness/Outbursts: Crying is the only way infants communicate discomfort or need.