Watching your baby grow is one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. From that first smile to their first steps, every moment feels like a celebration. In this guide, we’ll walk you through key baby milestones in the first year—so you know what to look out for, when, and how to support your little one through every leap.
🎉 Every baby develops at their own pace—milestones are general guidelines, not deadlines.
Month-by-Month Baby Milestone Guide
🐣 Month 1–2: Welcome to the World
- Physical: Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- Social: Begins to focus on faces
- Reflexes: Grasping, sucking, and Moro (startle) reflexes
- Feeding: Every 2–3 hours; growth spurts likely
🍼 Month 3–4: Becoming Social
- Smiles socially, responds to voices
- Tracks objects with eyes
- Starts to lift chest using arms during tummy time
- Begins to coo and mimic sounds
🧠 Month 5–6: Movement and Curiosity
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Reaches for and grasps toys
- Starts teething
- Laughs, babbles, and recognizes familiar people
🧷 Month 7–8: Sitting and Exploring
- Sits up without support
- Begins crawling (or scooting)
- Plays peek-a-boo
- Recognizes their name
- Starts showing separation anxiety
👣 Month 9–10: Standing Tall
- Pulls up to stand, may cruise along furniture
- Uses thumb and finger to pick up small items (pincer grasp)
- Understands simple words like “no” or “bye-bye”
🚶 Month 11–12: First Steps & First Words
- Takes first independent steps
- Says “mama” or “dada” with intent
- Shows clear preferences for people and toys
- Points to request items
- May wave goodbye or clap hands
Tips to Support Baby Milestones
- Provide plenty of tummy time starting from birth
- Talk, sing, and read to your baby every day
- Use safe floor space and age-appropriate toys for exploration
- Let your baby attempt new skills, even if it gets messy
💡 Need a printable checklist? Visit our Baby Checklists page to track milestones month by month.
When to Talk to a Pediatrician
If your baby is missing multiple milestones, don’t panic—but do talk to your pediatrician. Trust your instincts. Early intervention can make a huge difference.
Example: If your baby isn’t smiling by 3 months or isn’t babbling by 6 months, bring it up at your next check-up.
External Resources for Tracking Baby Milestones
Final Thoughts: Celebrate the Small Wins
Your baby’s journey is uniquely theirs. Some walk at 9 months; others at 15. The goal isn’t speed—it’s steady, supported growth. Use this guide as a reference, not a rulebook. And remember, every giggle, wave, and wobble is a step forward.