Developmental stages
Milestones in the early months
As babies grow at their own rate, so too will they develop in their own time. A baby's development is usually measured by caregivers in what are called 'milestones'. Milestones are physical and mental tasks that your baby starts to do (or 'achieves') at different stages during their physical growth and emotional development. (For example, when a child first smiles, rolls over or passes an object from one hand to the other.)
Parents invariably feel very excited and proud when their baby does something new. However, some parents can feel quite anxious and concerned, if their baby is not achieving certain milestones by an 'expected time' (believing that they may be 'behind' in some way). Be aware that there are enormous variations in patterns of childhood development and your baby may achieve certain tasks later than is suggested (and possibly other tasks earlier). Try not to become too concerned if your baby develops differently from their siblings, or other babies in your social circle.
Developmental stages
Babies physically develop from their 'heads to their toes' and one of the first things they learn to do is slowly increase the control of their head. A baby needs to have head control before they can master the tasks of crawling, sitting, standing and walking. Once they can control their head, this then 'leads-on' to 'spread down' to the rest of their body. The amazing development of each baby progressing from being a cuddled bundle in your arms, to an independent running toddler, is known medically as 'gross motor development'.
Many newborn babies will display a small degree of head control, even in the early weeks after being born. This may be shown by them briefly lifting their head off your shoulder when being carried upright, or moving their head from one side to the other, if lying on their stomach for a sun kick.