development timeframes

[LeBFG]

I was wondering about the idea newborn animals are basically independant of mum but babies are born precociously. So they spend 9 months in the womb, then 9 months in the world before they are at the equivalent developmental stage...IFYWIM

I've noticed a few sudden watershed moments over the last 10 months with my DS - like this :

3.5m: started sleeping loads better at night.
6m: bf regular intervals (3-4 hours - coinciding with weaning)
9m: able to play by self for 30min periods (sometimes longer - coinciding with crawling and babbling)

Each of these occurred literally overnight and have made my life HUGELY easier. I have found his first 9 months really difficult. Should I expect more-or-less the same with DC2? What were your timeframes like?

I thought it was more extreme and that most new born animials are the equivalent of a 20 month old. Ie. they can walk and run. I found it hard when children are mobile, but lack sense. Ie. between 9 months and 2 years. I could never leave either my children alone for 30 mins. The house would have been wrecked.

I think a lot depends on the mother and baby. I didn't mind the baby stage.

You're probably right they need more time to develop - I'm actually just quoting a friend so i suppose 9 months in, 9 months out is quite catchy.

I was just wondering it anyone else had the same kind of thing where one day you realise life is suddenly much easier because he/she can now do X ...I suppose i was also thinking about the first year of life too. Just in a mulling it over kind of mood while DS naps!

Yes I found changes happen suddenly, but not always to make your life easier. Ds went from 2-3 hour naps to 20 mins at 3 months. Based on my experience with him I've also realised you don't really teach them anything - just provide an environment they can move around in, food they may or may not eat etc. and they get on with whatever they want to do.