What are the normal growth stages for babies?
A. First and foremost it’s important to understand that babies do not develop at the same rate. Because of this, there is a wide range of what we consider “normal.” Your baby may be ahead in some areas, but slightly behind in ours. This is perfectly normal. That said, the growth of children can be broken down into the five areas: • Gross motor, which is the ability to control the head, sit and walk • Fine motor, which includes the ability to hold a spoon or pick up a piece of cereal between thumb and finger • Sensory, which includes seeing, hearing, tasting, touching and smelling • Language, or being able to talk and be understood, and understanding what parents and other children say • Social, which is the ability to play with family members and other children Q. How much will my baby grow in her first year? A. During her first year of life, your baby grows and develops at an amazing speed. Typically her weight will double by 5 to 6 months, and triple by her first birthday. Equally im
