Development (birth to 2)

This is the most rapid period of development of your child’s life, as they begin to learn the basics: moving, talking, crying and putting literally everything in their mouth.

A child of this age knows no fear, and doesn’t understand danger. They'll willingly thrust metal cutlery into power sockets, tug on cables and attempt to throw themselves down flights of stairs at every opportunity. Your home will need to be ‘baby-proofed’. This involves adding stair gates, protecting power outlets and keeping glass or other breakable objects out of reach. Bear in mind that many babies also 'see' objects by putting them in their mouths, so don't leave anything lying around (ie. cigarette butts, cleaning fluids, poisonous Amazonian tree frogs ) that you wouldn't want them to eat. You may find cupboard locks useful too. You’ll often see experienced parents check a room for hazards when they visit people – it’s a great habit to get into.

At about 6 to 7 months children develop stranger awareness. If you’re not in day-to-day contact with your child, this might mean they’re shy as you are ‘not mummy’. But don't worry if they scurry off and hide behind mummy every time you they see you - it doesn't mean they don't like you, they just feel safest with their main carer. Stick with it, spend as much time with your child as you can, and you’ll be fine. Keep in mind that it's a primary carer thing rather than a male/female thing - mums who go back to work while dad stays home will often find themselves in exactly the same situation.

This is the age where the template can be set for the way a child experiences future relationships so keep in mind that you’re in this for the long-haul. Also bear in mind that your child is watching and learning from you - sure, it may seem really important at the time to get that crusty bogey out of your nostril while your child looks on, but if you don't use a tissue, your child is bound to imitate, and ultimately gain a reputation as the local nose-picker. More seriously, the relationship you have with your partner will be hugely important to how your child perceives relationships in their adult life.

• Smiling: age 2 to 3 months.
• Stranger awareness: 6 to 7 months.
• Mobility: crawling generally starts around 10 months, and walking around a 12 to 14 months. Your child might go straight to walking, or not walk until later. As with all development though, it will happen at the child's own pace.
• Language: first words come around one year. Expect a vocabulary of 50 words and perhaps some two-word sentences by the age of two. Be careful: they will learn language from you! It's not uncommon for speech to develop slower for boys, although every child develops at their own pace. 
• Toilet training: a small proportion of children might be ready from about 18 months, but don't worry if they're still not ready.

•  Selfishness. They don’t mean to be selfish – they can only understand their own needs. Don’t expect them to share toys, or to be patient for food.
•  Aggression. Hitting and biting are common. The only way to combat it is by setting a good example, and being consistant with your discipline. If your child is in nursery, you may want to talk to your child's key worker about keeping the reaction to this sort of behaviour consistant. Usually it'll only last a few months.

From birth to 2, you’ll watch your child grow from a sleeping, eating, pooing machine into a little person with a big personality. Spend as much time as you can with your child. You’ll be able to track changes in your child day by day and week by week and watching them change and learn new abilities is an awesome experience.