Growth and Development: 0 – 12 months

Parents and caregivers are a baby’s first teacher and favourite toy.

Your baby’s brain is like a sponge, absorbing many things in their environment through their senses, especially in the first three years of life.
Parents and caregivers play a key role in monitoring their child’s development.

 

Tummy time is an important part of your baby’s daily routine when they are awake and alert.

Benefits of Tummy Time:

  • Helps prevent flat spots on the back of your baby’s head.
  • Helps them learn to lift their head.
  • Strengthens their neck, shoulder, back, and arm muscles.
  • Helps them learn to roll, crawl, and sit.
  • Builds coordination and balance for future milestones.
  • Offers a new way for your baby to see and explore their world.

How to Do Tummy Time:

  • Start 
    • Begin supervised tummy time when your baby is awake, soon after coming home.
  • Start small
    • Begin with a few minutes, 2- 3 times a day, gradually increase to 10-15 minutes per session.
  • Pick a happy time
    • Try after a nap or diaper change, when your baby is calm and alert.
  • Use a firm, flat surface
    • A blanket on the floor or your chest while you lie back.
  • Always stay close
    • Never leave your baby alone during tummy time.
  • Make it fun!
    • Use toys, mirrors, or your smiling face to keep your baby engaged.

Tip:

If your baby doesn’t like tummy time at first, start with shorter sessions and slowly make them longer. Even a few minutes, several times a day, adds up and makes a big difference!

Learn more about tummy time from Sick Kids:

Watching your baby grow and develop is an exciting part of being a parent. Each new skill—a smile, a first word, or those first steps—is an important milestone in their development.

Learn more from Your Child’s Development: What to Expect from the Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids).

Why Knowing What to Expect Can Be Helpful:

  • Track your baby’s progress:
    • Understanding normal development milestones gives a general timeline of what your baby may do at each age. It helps you track how your baby is progressing physically, emotionally, socially, and cognitively.
  • Support early intervention:
    • If your baby isn’t meeting certain milestones, this means your doctor can recommend support and resources to help your child.
  • Guide your parenting:
    • Knowing what your baby is ready for (e.g., solid foods, sitting up, or learning words) helps you offer the right toys, learning experiences, and support at the right time.
  • Celebrate progress:
    • Being aware of milestones helps you notice and celebrate your baby’s achievements as they grow and learn.

Playing with your baby gives them opportunities for lots of learning and stimulation. Here are some fun activities to try together:

  • Smile and copy your baby’s facial expressions.
  • Offer your baby different textures to explore during play and while learning to eat solid foods.
  • Talk to your baby as much as possible.
  • Make sounds and take turns copying each other.

As your baby grows, they will start to explore their surroundings. It is important to keep them safe while they discover the world around them. Learn about child safety and parenting programs available in your community.

Don’t wait and see — contact your health care provider or Surrey Place if you have concerns.

Find more playtime ideas at Playtime with Your Baby: Learning and Growing in the First Year from the Canadian Paediatric Society (Caring for Kids).

Video: Everyday Play by Healthy Baby Healthy Brain. Used with permission from Health Nexus.