Source: bing.comWelcoming a new baby into your life is an incredible experience. Watching them grow and develop into their own little person is equally amazing. But with each passing day, it can be hard to keep track of what milestones your baby should be hitting and when. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide on how babies develop by month, so you can stay on top of your baby’s growth and development!
Table of Contents
Month 1
In their first month of life, your baby will spend most of their time sleeping and eating. They will likely have a few periods of alertness throughout the day, but these will be brief. At this stage, your baby’s reflexes will be more pronounced, and they will start to develop a sense of attachment to their primary caregiver.
Month 2
By the time your baby reaches two months old, they will be starting to spend more time awake and alert. They will also be developing their ability to focus on objects and follow them with their eyes. Additionally, your baby will start to communicate with you through coos and smiles.
Month 3
At three months old, your baby will become more active and will start to move their arms and legs around more purposefully. They will also start to develop hand-eye coordination and may start to reach for objects. Additionally, your baby may start to giggle and show more of their personality.
Month 4
By four months old, your baby will be able to hold their head up without support and will be starting to roll over. They may also start to show signs of teething, such as increased drooling and a desire to chew on things. At this stage, your baby will also start to become more vocal and may start to babble.
Month 5
At five months old, your baby will be starting to sit up with support and will be able to roll from their front to their back. They will also be starting to develop their sense of depth perception and may start to reach for objects that are further away. Additionally, your baby may start to show signs of separation anxiety.
Month 6
By six months old, your baby will be able to sit up unsupported and may even start to crawl or scoot around. They will also be starting to develop their pincer grasp, which will allow them to pick up small objects. Additionally, your baby may start to develop object permanence, which means they will understand that an object still exists even if it’s out of sight.
Month 7
At seven months old, your baby will be starting to explore their environment more actively. They may start to pull themselves up to a standing position and may even start to take a few steps while holding onto furniture. Additionally, your baby will be starting to understand cause and effect and may start to play games like peek-a-boo.
Month 8
By eight months old, your baby will be starting to become more independent. They may start to wave goodbye and may even start to clap their hands. Additionally, your baby will be starting to understand simple words and may even start to say a few themselves.
Month 9
At nine months old, your baby will be starting to develop their problem-solving skills. They may start to stack blocks or other objects and will be able to use their pincer grasp to pick up small objects. Additionally, your baby will be starting to understand more complex words and may start to use gestures to communicate.
Month 10
By ten months old, your baby will be starting to become more mobile. They may start to crawl or walk around on their own and will be able to climb up and down from furniture. Additionally, your baby will be starting to develop their sense of humor and may start to play simple games.
Month 11
At eleven months old, your baby will be starting to develop their social skills. They may start to wave hello and goodbye, and may even start to blow kisses. Additionally, your baby will be starting to develop their sense of self and may start to become more independent.
Month 12
By twelve months old, your baby will have reached many significant milestones. They will likely be walking on their own and may even be starting to run. They will also be starting to understand simple instructions and may be saying a few words. Additionally, your baby will be starting to develop their sense of empathy and may start to show signs of wanting to help others.
Watching your baby grow and develop over the course of their first year is truly an incredible experience. By knowing what milestones to expect at each month, you can help ensure that your baby is on track with their development. And remember, every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t be too concerned if your baby doesn’t hit every milestone on schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What if my baby is not hitting their developmental milestones on schedule?
A: If you are concerned that your baby is not hitting their developmental milestones on schedule, speak with your pediatrician. They can evaluate your baby’s development and provide guidance on any next steps that may be needed.
Q: What can I do to help support my baby’s development?
A: There are many things you can do to help support your baby’s development. These include providing a safe and stimulating environment, interacting with your baby through play and conversation, and ensuring that your baby is getting proper nutrition and sleep.
Q: Should I be worried if my baby hits a milestone earlier or later than expected?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace, so it’s not necessarily cause for concern if your baby hits a milestone earlier or later than expected. However, if you are concerned about your baby’s development, speak with your pediatrician.
Q: What are some warning signs that my baby’s development may be delayed?
A: Warning signs that your baby’s development may be delayed include not hitting any milestones at all, not making progress towards milestones, and losing previously acquired skills.
Q: What can I do to stimulate my baby’s development?
A: There are many things you can do to stimulate your baby’s development. These include playing with your baby, reading to your baby, providing a variety of toys and objects for your baby to explore, and engaging in activities that encourage movement and exploration.