• Be patient with your baby.
   
• Talk, sing or read to your baby every day.
   
• Choose healthy foods for your family.
   
• Get regular medical checkups.
   
• Take your child for shots at 2, 4, 6, and 12 months.
   

Much of this information came form Texas Tots and Texas Child Care (Winter 1996 and Spring 1997)

The most important time in a child's development is from birth through 4 years of age. It is during this time that a child learns how to love and be loved, how to trust and be trusted. It is also the time that a child's brain develops most of its potential.

Inside, you will find facts about the various points of development in your baby's first year of life. This guide is to help you know what to expect as your baby grows.

Birth through 3 months

• I cannot hold my head at first and need support when I am held.
   
• I sleep a lot, but I don't really have a schedule. The times I sleep change from one day to another.

• I get hungry every few hours.
   
• I cry often because I don't have any other way to tell you what I need.
   
• Please do not shake me. It could cause brain damage or even death.

• I need someone to change my diaper as soon as it's wet or soiled. I go through 6-10 diapers a day.
   
• I gurgle, laugh, and smile when I'm happy.
   
• I move my arms and legs, especially when I am excited.
   
• I need someone to hold and play with me. Do not be afraid of spoiling me.
   
• By the time I am 3 months old, I can lift my head and shoulders while on my stomach

4-6 months

• I can roll over.
   
• I like sitting up better than lying down. I need you to support my body.
   
• I like to shake things and listen to the sounds they make.
  I grab things and put them in my mouth.
   
• I am learning to swallow cereal from a spoon.
   
• I recognize familiar faces, voices and objects.
   

I like some people, but get upset or frightened by others.
 

• I cry in different ways for different reasons, such as when I'm hungry, tired, scared, angry or lonely.
   
• I babble a lot and try to imitate sounds.
   
• When someone responds to my needs, I develop a little more trust.
   
• I love to be cuddled and do not like to be left alone.
   

7-9 months

• I can sit and crawl now. I want to explore everything.
   
• I feed myself finger foods, and I'm pretty messy. I have strong likes and dislikes about food. I play with a spoon and cup, but I cannot use them well yet.
   
• I may need a special toy or blanket for comfort.
   
• I explore my body with my mouth and hands.
   
• I imitate sounds I hear-that's how I learn. I like for you to talk to me, sing to me, and read me stories. Sometimes when I hear music, I coo, hum or stop crying.
   
• I cannot control my feelings. I often fuss or cry when I don't get my way. I giggle, coo, and squeal with joy when I am happy.
   
• I am afraid of strangers, so please stay with when I am around people I don't know.
   
• I am upset when you leave. I am so glad when you return.
   
• I like to be included in whatever you are doing.
   
• I feel strongly about what I want and don't want to do.
   
• I like showing off and getting praise.
   

10-12 months

• I can pull up on furniture, hold on, and step around what I'm holding on to.
   
• I hold my spoon and cup, but I need help to feed myself.
   
• I may be restless or have trouble sleeping.
   
• I use my fingers to explore my body.
   
• I am afraid of some things that used to be okay, like bathing.
   
• I need you more and may cling, especially in new situations. I may be shy with new people.
   
• I say one or two words and often repeat them.
   
• I like to play simple games like peek-a-boo and chasing balls. I also like singing nursery rhymes.
   
• I like to look at pictures in books and magazines and hear you read to me.
   
• I love to shake my head and say "no," even when I mean "yes."
   
• I may scream and cry when I do not get my way.
   
• By 12 months, I can pull myself to a standing position.
   

Remember:

• Each baby grows in his or her own way.
   
• If your baby was born early, he or she may develop a little later in some ways.
   
• Ask your baby's doctor or nurse if you have a question about what your baby is doing.
   

Need help finding health services for your child? Call us! We can help.

If you don't have a doctor, or are not sure where to go to get health services for you or your baby, call 1-800-422-2956.

The person who answers this toll-free line can tell you about services that are closest to you, like where to go for nutrition education, food assistance, checkups or shots, as well as where you can get services if your child is developing slowly or has a special health need.

Take Time for Kids envisions a Texas where children are a priority, parents are supported, families are valued, communities provide a culture of caring, and children live healthy lives.