What is it like to be an infant? A glimpse into the first months of life.
- Frédérique and the Wooden Fellows
This year, we launched a new series inviting you to step into the shoes of a young child at various ages, from birth to five. Our goal is to raise everyone’s curiosity about young children—whether or not you regularly spend time with little ones.
So far, we have explored what it’s like to be a 4-year-old, and what it is like to be 2. This month, we’re focusing on the earliest chapter of life: infancy.
Quick note. While we base this series on milestones from the CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention), the wooden Fellows and I would like to remind everyone that every child develops at their own pace. We hope you know we aim to celebrate here each child’s uniqueness, whether or not they meet traditional milestones, as well as their neurodivergence, physical or cognitive disabilities, or health conditions. And actually, this is another reason why raising curiosity is so critical to us – when you become curious about young children, you naturally start appreciating the individuality of every child, and find joy in celebrating those differences.
From birth to 12 months, infants grow and change at an astonishing pace—from being curled up like a newborn bean one day to crawling away what may feel like only moments later. It is a time of fast growth, full of small changes happening every single day. Once again, Mme Rigolotte brings her mix of wisdom and joy to guide our exploration on the first year of life. As the oldest (and, she would say, the most life experienced : ) of our four wooden puppets, she knows just how much we can learn by observing babies closely and with curiosity.
From being still to exploring around
Mme Rigolotte loves telling the story of Rosie’s first night at home, when her parents—running on little sleep—finished building her crib in a haze, just to make sure that she would not somehow crawl away : ) But at birth, infants are quite still, especially when swaddled in their cozy blankets.
They don’t stay still for long, though.
By around 2 months, babies may start lifting their heads during tummy time and move their arms and legs more freely. A couple of months later, they begin to gain head control and look around with growing curiosity. By 6 months, they might push up from their tummy and grab toys they want. Within just three more months, by 9 months, some can sit without support, roll over both ways, and use their fingers to rake food toward themselves.
What a journey—in less than a year.
Communicating
For those who have heard it, the newborn cry is unforgettable and unmistakable—a first step in a baby’s growing vocabulary.
By around 2 months, babies begin to coo, much to the joy of their close ones. At 4 months, you might hear sweet oohs and ahhs as they experiment with their voice. By 6 months, they may be “blowing raspberries” and squealing with delight. And by 9 months, you may hear the beginnings of words—mamama, bababa, and other joyful babbles.
But communication goes far beyond sounds. Even at a young age, infants can express their wants and needs clearly—we take the time to observe.
At 4 months, babies might open their mouths wide as a bottle approaches, showing their excitement for the next meal. By 6 months, they know how to turn their heads or close their lips when they are full. At 9 months, they may frown or grunt when displeased with a new food—or show happiness with a big smile and excitement.
“Communication is so much more than words,” Mme Rigolotte would remind us. “Infants are speaking all the time—in their own language. You just have to slow down and listen.”
I was told one day, by a sign language instructor, that babies born to Deaf parents who use sign language may begin signing as early as 4 months. A perfect illustration of the incredible capacity of young brains—ready, from the very beginning, to connect and communicate.
Bonding with Their Loved Ones
Perhaps the most beautiful part of the first year is the way babies connect with the people around them.
By 2 months, infants often calm when picked up. Some may flash their first smile or lock eyes with you, creating a spark of connection. At 4 months, they begin chuckling, smiling to get your attention, and turning toward your voice. By 6 months, they start recognizing familiar faces and may babble back and forth with you in a sweet, early version of conversation. At 9 months, they may become cautious around strangers, react when a loved one leaves the room, and lift their arms to be picked up. Peekaboo becomes a favorite game—and a sign of growing emotional connection.
Bonding is how babies come to understand that the world is safe, interesting, and full of people who care for them. It i’s the heart of early development, shaping not only their emotional world but their sense of trust and security. They may not remember, later on, daily experiences their closed ones may offer, but those experiences will contribute to the adult their will become.
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Every child is unique, and by observing their development, we can learn so much about who they are and how they see the world. Infancy is one of the fastest-paced phases of child development, filled with change and growth. By stepping into their shoes, we foster a deeper appreciation of what they bring into the world.
What surprises you most about the infants in your life? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let’s keep the conversation going!
The post is based CDC’s Developmental Milestones, as well as stories from my experiences as an early childhood educator, researcher, and parent.
