If you are like most parents today, your greatest challenge is probably caring for your baby while also taking care of yourself, your family, and all of your other responsibilities. With so many competing demands for our time and energy, it makes finding the time to connect with your baby no small challenge.

Daily activities, such as feeding, bathing, and grocery shopping don’t need to take time away from bonding with and enjoying your baby. In fact, these everyday moments are rich opportunities to encourage your child’s development by building his/her:

• self-confidence
• curiosity
• social skills
• self-control
• communication skills

Most of all you, build your child’s desire to learn about his or her world. This chart will help you understand the stages your infant passes through during life’s journey.  The guidance section will give you some ideas on how to interpret the stages and use everyday moments to foster healthy development.

Remember that infants and toddlers are unique and do not necessarily fall exactly into these stages. For detailed developmental information visit Zero to Three.

If you do have any concerns please give your state’s Early Intervention Program or your local Health Department’s staff a call.  They will put you in touch with an early intervention program near you.