Development of the child in the 1st year of life
Each child develops uniquely and at their own pace. Healthy development can therefore look different; don't worry if your child takes certain developmental steps earlier or later than other children.
The following section will give you a rough overview of your child's developmental steps in the 1st year of life:
The first few weeks: your child recognises your voice and your face. They begin to make eye contact and react to sounds. The baby already has many reflexes such as sucking and grasping.
3-6 months: your baby starts to become more aware of their surroundings. They can already lift their head and move it in the direction of the sounds. They can also reach their hands towards interesting objects. Your baby now smiles more often and communicates by babbling.
6-9 months: your baby may now be able to sit and crawl. They recognise familiar people and can show fear of strangers. Your baby now grasps more purposefully and is able to pass objects from one hand to the other or to their mouth. They are interested in the family's food and are allowed to have their first solid food.
9-12 months: many babies try to stand up or even walk at this stage. Your child understands simple words and can say 'Mummy' or 'Daddy'. The baby loves to play with toys and can perform simple gestures such as 'waving'.
Parent-Child Passport Check-ups are a good way of monitoring the child's development. If you have any concerns about your child's development, discuss them with a paediatrician.
For more information on your child's development:
- 1st year of life: Austrian Health Portal and parent brochures from the Federal Chancellery
- first years of life: parenting website Rat auf Draht
In the event of problems or abnormalities during development, please contact ...
- specialised outpatient clinics for developmental diagnostics and support
There, a doctor will check how your child is developing. - The Early Intervention Programme.
The Early Intervention Programme provides advice and support to families in stressful situations throughout Austria.
For more details on various topics, you can download or order the brochures in the 'ElternTIPPs' series. In it you will find, for example, information on...
- getting clean,
- sexual development,
- how to deal with digital media and
- parenting tips.
Many parents find that development apps provide good support.