As a new parent, you may be curious about your baby’s development and what milestones to expect each month. Every baby develops at their own pace, but there are general milestones that most babies will reach during their first year of life. Here is a month-by-month guide to help you track your baby’s progress:
Table of Contents
Month 1
During the first month, your baby will sleep most of the time but will also start to develop their senses. They will be able to recognize your voice and smell and will turn towards familiar sounds. They will also start to make cooing and gurgling sounds.
Month 2
By the second month, your baby will start to have more control over their head and neck movements. They will also start to track objects with their eyes and begin to smile in response to their caregiver’s voice and touch.
Month 3
By the third month, your baby will start to develop their hand-eye coordination and reach for objects. They will also start to babble more and make a wider range of sounds. You may also notice your baby beginning to roll over.
Month 4
By the fourth month, your baby will start to laugh and giggle. They will also begin to grasp objects with their hands and transfer them from one hand to the other. You may also notice your baby starting to push up on their arms during tummy time.
Month 5
By the fifth month, your baby will start to sit up with support and begin to roll from belly to back. They will also start to develop their social skills and recognize familiar faces, including themselves in the mirror.
Month 6
By the sixth month, your baby will start to sit up without support and begin to crawl. They will also start to develop their fine motor skills and begin to pick up small objects using their thumb and index finger.
Month 7
By the seventh month, your baby will start to pull up to a standing position and may even take a few steps while holding onto furniture. They will also start to understand basic words like “no” and “bye-bye.”
Month 8
By the eighth month, your baby will start to develop their problem-solving skills and figure out how to get to toys that are out of reach. They will also start to use gestures like waving “bye-bye” and playing games like peek-a-boo.
Month 9
By the ninth month, your baby will start to cruise along furniture and may even take a few steps without assistance. They will also start to say their first words and recognize objects by name.
Month 10
By the tenth month, your baby will start to develop their independence and want to do things on their own. They will also start to use utensils like a spoon and enjoy playing interactive games with their caregiver.
Month 11
By the eleventh month, your baby will start to understand simple instructions like “give me the toy” and “come here.” They will also start to develop their social skills and enjoy playing with other children.
Month 12
By the twelfth month, your baby will be a walking, talking toddler. They will start to use simple sentences and understand basic concepts like “big” and “small.” They will also begin to assert their independence and may have tantrums when they don’t get their way.
Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, and these milestones are just a general guideline. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician. Celebrate your baby’s milestones and enjoy watching them grow and develop into their own unique person.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should my baby start crawling?
Most babies start crawling between 6 and 10 months.
When should my baby start talking?
Most babies start saying their first words between 9 and 12 months.
When should my baby start walking?
Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 12 months.
What should I do if I’m concerned about my baby’s development?
Talk to your pediatrician if you have any concerns about your baby’s development. They can help assess your baby’s progress and provide resources if needed.
Is it normal for my baby to develop slower than other babies?
Yes, every baby develops at their own pace. However, if you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk to your pediatrician.