Baby's development

Cognitive development

From birth, a baby has certain reflexes, especially the need to suck and the grasping reflex. Sucking is a natural, innate requirement in infants. Sucking helps babies to be reassured and sleep. 

The grasping reflex only appears during the first few months of the baby's life, a baby bends fingers when an object is placed in its hand. 

At birth, a baby has weak muscle tone and cannot support its head. This is why the head must be supported during the first few months. 

About 4 months, the baby can lift up its head when it is lying down on its stomach, he/she starts to change position him or herself, on the back, he/she can roll on to its side. Finally, he/she can turn its head in the direction of an object. 

About 5-6 months, the baby can hold a toy between its fingers and hold on to its feet.

Emotional and linguistic development

From birth, the infant has a bond with its mother, it is not aware that it is a separate entity from its mother.

The baby expresses its needs:  hunger and discomfort by crying and screaming. 

About 3 months, he/she starts to smile and express its joy with little squeals. This is the onset of social communication. He/she starts to babble.  

Between 4 and 6 months, the baby starts to be aware of its surroundings:  it tries to attract attention, discovers the pleasure of playing and gets angry when it does not get what it wants. From a language perspective, he/she has sounds like "areuh" and "dada".