Babies tend to concentrate on one bit of development—or skill learning—at a time. A baby’s drive to take her first step, for example, may absorb all of her energy for a couple of weeks.

During that time, her interest in talking or using her hands may lessen. Once she can walk, however, she’ll set her sights on another goal and work toward it with determination.

Developing new skills may also disrupt a baby’s sleep. An infant who previously was sleeping through the night may start waking up at night just as he begins to crawl.

The late pediatrician and child development expert T. Berry Brazelton, M.D., describes this phenomenon extremely well in his book Touchpoints. Infant development follows a winding path, rather than a straight course. And babies travel their own paths in their own ways.

While each baby is different and develops at his own pace, there are milestones typical at certain ages. If you’re ever concerned about your baby’s development, talk with your little one’s healthcare provider. A good time to do this is at the regular well-child appointments scheduled with the provider throughout your baby’s first year.

See also ...

•  Developmental milestones in first 6 months

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