As a new parent, one of the most exciting and sometimes overwhelming aspects of having a baby is watching them grow and develop. From their first smile to their first steps, every milestone is a big deal. But how do you know what to expect and when? That’s where the Baby Development Milestones By Month Chart comes in handy. Let’s take a closer look at what you can expect from your little one’s growth in their first year.
Table of Contents
First Month
In the first month, babies are still adjusting to life outside of the womb. They will sleep for most of the day and night, waking up only to eat and have their diaper changed. They may start to show a preference for certain sounds or voices, and can even recognize their mother’s voice.
Second Month
By the second month, your baby will become more alert and may start to smile in response to your voice or touch. They may also start to coo or make other sounds in response to your interactions. They will still spend most of their time sleeping but may start to stay awake for slightly longer periods.
Third Month
In the third month, your baby’s head control will improve and they may start to push up on their elbows during tummy time. They will also start to reach for and grasp objects, and may even put them in their mouth. They will become more vocal and may start to laugh or giggle.
Fourth Month
By the fourth month, your baby will start to roll over from their tummy to their back and vice versa. They will become more interested in their surroundings and may start to babble more frequently. They may also start to recognize familiar faces and smile at them.
Fifth Month
In the fifth month, your baby will start to sit up with support and may even be able to sit unassisted for a few seconds. They will become more mobile and may start to scoot or crawl backwards. They will also become more interested in toys and may start to explore them in more detail.
Sixth Month
By the sixth month, your baby will be able to sit up unassisted for longer periods of time and may even start to crawl or scoot forwards. They will become more interactive and may start to play games like peek-a-boo. They may also start to make repetitive sounds like “bababa” or “dadada”.
Seventh Month
In the seventh month, your baby will become more independent and may start to pull themselves up to a standing position using furniture or other objects. They will become more curious and may start to explore their surroundings more actively. They may also start to respond to their name and recognize familiar words like “bye-bye”.
Eighth Month
By the eighth month, your baby will become more mobile and may start to crawl or scoot forwards at a faster pace. They may also start to cruise along furniture or other objects. They will become more communicative and may start to use gestures like waving or pointing to communicate.
Ninth Month
In the ninth month, your baby will become more adventurous and may start to climb on furniture or other objects. They will become more social and may start to interact with other children. They will also become more vocal and may start to say simple words like “mama” or “dada”.
Tenth Month
By the tenth month, your baby will become more independent and may start to walk when holding onto furniture or other objects. They will become more interested in books and may start to turn the pages on their own. They will also become more expressive and may start to use different tones of voice to convey different emotions.
Eleventh Month
In the eleventh month, your baby will become more confident and may start to take a few steps on their own. They may also start to imitate your actions like clapping or waving. They will become more aware of their surroundings and may start to point to objects in response to your questions.
Twelfth Month
By the twelfth month, your baby will become more independent and may start to walk on their own. They will become more interactive and may start to play simple games like “pat-a-cake”. They will also become more curious and may start to explore objects in more detail.
The Baby Development Milestones By Month Chart is a helpful tool for understanding your little one’s growth and development. It’s important to remember that every baby is different and will reach these milestones at their own pace. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What should I do if my baby isn’t reaching their milestones?
A: If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby and provide guidance on how to support their growth and development.
Q: Is it normal for babies to reach milestones at different ages?
A: Yes, every baby is different and will reach these milestones at their own pace. This chart provides a general overview of what you can expect, but it’s important to remember that there is a wide range of what is considered “normal” development.
Q: How can I support my baby’s development?
A: You can support your baby’s development by providing a safe and nurturing environment, engaging in play and interaction, and following your pediatrician’s recommendations for feeding and sleep. It’s also important to give your baby plenty of opportunities to explore and learn through play.
Q: What if my baby skips a milestone?
A: It’s not uncommon for babies to skip certain milestones or to reach them out of order. If you have concerns, talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby and provide guidance on how to support their growth and development.
Q: What are some signs that my baby may need extra support?
A: If you notice that your baby is not meeting milestones or is experiencing delays in multiple areas of development, talk to your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby and provide guidance on whether further evaluation or support is needed.