Physical Development

The first time your baby pulls himself to standing, you may not know whether to laugh or applaud (do both!)--with his belly sticking out in one direction and his rear protruding in the other, he'll look like a delighted penguin. Once he's feeling more confident, he may start to cruise, walking along the edge of the couch or coffee table while he holds on for support. He'll move slowly at first, but as he builds muscle control he'll pick up speed. Make your home safe for cruising by moving floor lamps, tablecloths, garbage pails, and breakable items out of his way.

Keep in mind that not all babies cruise--some go straight from crawling to walking. Some want to hold hands with an adult for confidence as they take their first steps, while others assert their independence by going it alone.

Social Development

Simple interactive games will delight your little one, help him learn new things about himself and the world, and increase his self-esteem. Favorites include:

• So Big. Ask your baby, "How big is (Aan)?" Then hold up your arms for him to imitate and answer, "Soooo big."



• Itsy Bitsy Spider. Clown it up with this popular song, which can help baby coordinate words and actions.



• This Little Piggy. Baby will be acquainted with his body parts and the ways he's distinct from others.



• Pattycake. Baby will see the difference between your hands and his.

Intellectual Development

It's difficult to pinpoint the moment when babies develop a sexual identity, but experts agree that it happens well before the end of the first year. The process starts as simple, possibly random, imitations of male or female characteristics, which are so strongly encouraged by both parents that they quickly take root and grow. Numerous experiments have shown that parents respond differently to boys than to girls, using fewer terms of endearment with boys and expending more effort to get girls to smile and vocalize. Not surprisingly, girls tend to talk sooner and pay closer attention to people, while boys hone their mechanical skills by focusing on things.

Note: The information above offers general guidelines, but all babies develop differently, and few hit their milestones precisely when the conventional wisdom says they should. If your child was born prematurely, you may want to use your due date as a baseline for following baby's development.