Watching your baby grow and develop is one of the most exciting parts of being a parent. As your little one goes through their first year of life, they will reach many milestones that show their progress and development. Here is a guide to infant milestones by month.

First Month

During the first month of life, your baby will be busy adjusting to their new environment. They will spend most of their time sleeping and feeding, but you may notice a few milestones, such as:

Lifting their head briefly when lying on their tummy.
Blinking in response to bright lights or sudden movements.
Reacting to loud noises by startling.

Second Month

By the second month, your baby will start to become more alert and interactive. They will likely start to smile, coo, and make eye contact with you. Other milestones to look for include:

Following objects with their eyes as they move.
Pushing up on their arms when lying on their tummy.
Bringing their hands to their mouth and sucking on their fists.

Third Month

At three months old, your baby will become even more social and active. They will start to reach for objects and explore their world. Some other milestones to watch for include:

Rolling over from their tummy to their back.
Sitting up with support.
Tracking moving objects with their eyes.

Fourth Month

By four months old, your baby will be developing their motor skills and learning to communicate more effectively. Some milestones you may see include:

Laughing and babbling in response to your voice.
Reaching for and grabbing objects.
Pushing up onto their hands and knees.

Fifth Month

At five months old, your baby will be getting more physically active and mobile. They may start to scoot, roll, or crawl around. Other milestones to look for include:

Sitting up without support.
Babbling with more complex sounds.
Recognizing familiar faces and voices.

Sixth Month

By six months old, your baby will be halfway through their first year of life! They will be getting even more active and curious about the world around them. Some milestones you may see include:

Starting to eat solid foods.
Crawling or scooting around on their own.
Pulling themselves up to stand with support.

Seventh Month

At seven months old, your baby will continue to develop their physical skills and start to become more independent. Some milestones to watch for include:

Clapping their hands and playing interactive games with you.
Trying to pull themselves up to stand without support.
Starting to understand simple words and phrases.

Eighth Month

As your baby approaches their first birthday, they will be getting closer to walking and becoming even more independent. Some milestones to look for in the eighth month include:

Cruising along furniture or other objects.
Understanding and responding to simple commands or requests.
Using gestures like waving or pointing to communicate.

Ninth Month

By nine months old, your baby will be becoming more and more active and curious. They may start to explore their environment more actively and energetically. Some milestones you may see include:

Crawling quickly or even starting to walk.
Understanding and responding to their name.
Playing simple games with you.

Tenth Month

As your baby approaches their first birthday, they will be developing their cognitive and social skills rapidly. Some milestones to watch for in the tenth month include:

Using gestures like waving or nodding to communicate.
Playing more complex games with you.
Starting to understand the concept of object permanence.

Eleventh Month

At eleven months old, your baby will be getting closer and closer to their first birthday! They will be developing their personality and becoming more independent. Some milestones to look for include:

Walking on their own or with support.
Using simple words or sounds to communicate.
Playing more creatively with toys and games.

Twelfth Month

As your baby turns one year old, they will have reached many important milestones and developed their own unique personality. Some milestones you may see around their first birthday include:

Walking on their own confidently.
Using more complex words and phrases.
Playing creatively and independently.

Conclusion

Watching your baby grow and develop in their first year of life is an incredible journey. By understanding the milestones they will reach each month, you can better support and encourage their growth and development. Remember that every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one doesn’t reach every milestone exactly when you expect them to.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common infant milestones?

Common infant milestones include lifting their head, rolling over, sitting up, crawling, and walking. Babies also develop social and cognitive skills, such as smiling, laughing, and communicating through gestures and sounds.

What should I do if my baby isn’t reaching certain milestones?

If you’re concerned about your baby’s development, talk to their pediatrician. They can help you identify any potential issues and provide support and resources for your baby’s growth and development.

What can I do to support my baby’s development?

You can support your baby’s development by providing a safe and nurturing environment, engaging in play and interactive activities, and encouraging healthy habits like good nutrition and regular sleep. It’s also important to give your baby plenty of love and attention to help them feel secure and supported.

What are some signs of developmental delays?

Signs of developmental delays may include difficulty reaching milestones, lack of social interaction or communication, and unusual behaviors or movements. If you notice any concerns about your baby’s development, talk to their pediatrician for guidance and support.

How can I track my baby’s milestones?

You can track your baby’s milestones by keeping a record of their progress and development, such as through a baby book or journal. You can also talk to their pediatrician about any concerns or questions you have about their development.

Infant Milestones By Month