CHENANGO COUNTY – The early years of a child's life are very important. During the infant and toddler years, children grow quickly and have so much to learn. They learn more in the first three years than at any other period in their lives. Although children learn and develop differently and these differences usually even out, some children do fall behind and will need extra help. The following checklist can help you look for signs that your infant or toddler may need extra help.

At three months of age, most babies:

•Turn their head toward bright colors and lights

• Move both eyes in the same direction at one time

• Recognize bottle or breast

• Make cooing sounds

• Bring their hands together

• Wiggle and kick their arms and legs

• Lift their head while lying on their stomach

• React to sounds and voices

• Smile

At six months of age, most babies:

• Follow moving objects with their eyes

• Turn toward the source of normal sound

• Reach for objects and pick them up

• Switch toys from one hand to the other

• Play with their toes

• Help hold the bottle during feeding

• Recognize familiar faces

• Imitate speech sounds

• Respond to soft sounds, especially talking

• Roll over

At 12 months of age, most babies:

• Get to a sitting position