Is it true that every infant who gains rapidly in weight is thriving
normally?_

Not invariably. Some who are fed upon prepared infant foods increase
rapidly in weight but not in strength, nor in their development in
other respects.

_Is the weight of as much value in the second year as a guide to the
child's condition?_

After the first year, the gain in weight is seldom continuous; there
are many interruptions, some depend on season, and others often occur
without apparent cause.

_At what age should the fontanel close?_

The average is about eighteen months. It seldom closes earlier than
fourteen months, and it should not be open at two years.

_At what age should a child hold up its head?_

As a rule during the fourth month, and often during the third month,
the head can be held erect when the body is supported.

_When does an infant first laugh aloud?_

Usually from the third to the fifth month.

_When does it begin to reach for toys and handle them?_

Usually from the fifth to the seventh month.

_At what age should a child be able to sit and to stand alone?_

At seven or eight months a healthy child is usually able to sit erect
and support the body. During the ninth and tenth months are usually
seen the first attempts to bear the weight upon the feet, and at
eleven or twelve months most children can stand with assistance.

_When should a child walk alone?_

The first attempts are generally seen in the twelfth or thirteenth
month. At fifteen or sixteen months the average child is able to run
alone.

_What conditions postpone these events?_

Prematurity, a very delicate constitution, any severe or prolonged
illness, and especially chronic disturbances of digestion making
feeding difficult. A common cause of late sitting, standing, or
walking is rickets.

_Should a child be urged to walk?_

Never; he is usually quite willing to do so as soon as his muscles and
bones are strong enough. None of the contrivances for teaching
children to walk are to be advised.

_When do children begin to talk?_

Generally at one year a child can say "papa" and "mamma" or other
single words. At the end of the second year the average child is able
to put words together in short sentences.

_If at two years the child makes no attempt to speak, what should be
suspected?_

Either that the child is a deaf-mute or that it is mentally deficient,
although this is occasionally seen in children who are only very
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