After 9 months inside the mothers womb, the baby is finally out into the world. The baby will then continue to grow and mature. A certain pattern of growth and development is followed by children as they grow. Parents are concerned on the welfare and current condition of their growing child, thus making the stages important. The stages of development can also help identify any developmental delay. Genetics, environmental situation and mothers health may play a part in causing the developmental delay of the child. Another associated cause of developmental delay is drugs, like Paxil an antidepressant, taken during pregnancy but withdrawal of the drug can also be dangerous.

Infancy is the period where the child acquires most of its growth. During infancy stage, 1 month to 1 year, rapid developments within a child occur. By the time the baby is 4 to 6 months old, his weight already doubled and will triple when he is 12 months old. Each month, the baby will grow 1 to 1 inches and by 10 to 12 months old, he is 2 times longer than at birth. Height and weight is best assessed if plotted on a chart. Furthermore, the babys head circumference is increasing in a fast pace, showing rapid brain growth. It does not look symmetrical with the rest of the body during the first 6 months. The 2 lower center teeth are the first teeth to erupt and it usually occurs at 6 months of age. This will then be followed by the upper center teeth, then the upper and lower side teeth. The baby will have roughly 6 to 8 teeth by the end of his 1st year. The babys bowel movement and urination will eventually start to have a pattern, but baby is not yet ready for training.

A babys first year of life is a crucial stage. Growth and learning potential happens during this stage. Observance and diagnosing of developmental delay and other Paxil birth defects may happen during this period. Proper nutrition is very important for the baby to grow and thrive physically. The overall health condition of both mother and baby is an important issue, thus it is best to have a regular check-up with a health care provider.