41 GROWTH, FROM 0 TO 12 MONTHS During the first months, babies change rapidly physically, emotionally, and cognitively. 0-3 months 4-6 months 7-12 months Babies usually grow about 2-4 cm each month; by three months they have doubled their weight and begun to gain more control over their movements. They may start to lift their heads when on their stomach and may begin to push up with their arms. Babies gain about 0.5 to 1 kg and may grow about 1.25 to 2.5 cm each month. Many can roll over from their tummy and start to push up on their arms. They grab hair or other objects. By 6 months, some of them can sit up with minimal support and may begin to rock back and forth. Babies continue to gain about 0.5 kg and grow about 1.25 to 2.5 cm each month. By 7 months, many can sit up and crawl. By 9 months, they can often pull themselves up to a standing position. At 12 months, most can stand alone and may take their first steps. They move around and test their strength, throwing and shaking objects. Emotions and Babies begin to smile at communication around 6 to 8 weeks and recognise their skills parents faces. They may also start to show facial signs of being unhappy or uncomfortable. They communicate through crying, but by three months, they may start cooing and making other vocal sounds. Babies start to express a greater range of emotions, like happiness, excitement, fear, and stress. They laugh and imitate sounds they hear. They may develop attachment to their parents and show anxiety when separated from them. Some babies begin to babble and may respond to their name. Babies show preferences for certain people. They often engage in social games like peek-a-boo and may express their happiness through laughter and smiles. They may feel frightened when meeting new people and anxious when parents leave. At around 7 to 9 months, some babies say their first simple words. They can wave goodbye. They also understand and follow simple directions. Sensory skills Babies become more curious and try to grasp objects, exploring them with their mouths. They may show a preference for certain colours and patterns because their sight improves. Babies explore their environment using their hands to manipulate objects and their mouths to explore textures. They develop better hand-eye coordination, touching and taking small objects and playing with them. Growth and motor skills to babble: vocalizzare to coo: fare versi dolci to crawl: gattonare peek-a-boo: gioco del cuc to rock: dondolare to roll over: girarsi rotolando to track: seguire 92 BABIES AND CHILDREN Babies may start to track moving objects and people with their eyes. They respond to sounds and may turn their heads towards various, mainly familiar, voices.