Baby Milestones Month by Month What to Expect in Your Baby’s First Year

by N Lidia March 14, 2025

Watching your baby grow and develop is one of the most rewarding experiences of parenthood. Each month brings exciting new changes as your little one reaches important developmental milestones. From their first smile to their first steps, here’s what to expect in your baby’s first year.

Newborn to 1 Month: Welcome to the World

· Recognizes voices, especially parents

· Makes jerky, uncontrolled movements

· Begins to focus on faces

· Communicates through crying

· Shows reflexes like sucking and grasping

2 Months: Smiles and First Sounds

· Starts to smile in response to people

· Makes cooing sounds

· Follows objects with their eyes

· Holds head up briefly during tummy time

· Kicks legs more actively

3 Months: Stronger and More Social

· Lifts head and chest when on tummy

· Recognizes familiar faces

· Begins to laugh

· Opens and closes hands

· Brings hands to mouth

4 Months: Rolling and Babbling

· Rolls from tummy to back

· Laughs out loud

· Reaches for objects

· Starts mimicking sounds

· Shows interest in their surroundings

5 Months: Exploring Hands and Feet

· Rolls from back to tummy

· Reaches for and grabs objects

· Puts everything in their mouth

· Pushes up on arms when on belly

· Responds to their name

6 Months: Sitting Up and Solid Foods

· Sits with support, may sit alone briefly

· Babbles with different sounds

· Recognizes emotions in voices

· Starts eating solid foods

· Transfers objects between hands

7 Months: More Mobility and Expression

· Begins to army crawl or scoot

· Shows stranger anxiety

· Tries to grab objects out of reach

· Enjoys playing peek-a-boo

· Responds to “no”

8 Months: Crawling Begins

· Crawls or attempts to move forward

· Stands with support

· Understands simple words

· Points at things of interest

· Uses a pincer grasp to pick up small objects

9 Months: Standing and Waving

· Stands while holding onto furniture

· Crawls faster

· Waves “bye-bye”

· Babbles more clearly (e.g., “mama” and “dada”)

· Enjoys dropping things to watch them fall

10 Months: Developing Independence

· Pulls up to stand

· Tries to cruise (walk while holding furniture)

· Shows preferences for toys

· Copies sounds and gestures

· Understands simple commands like “Come here”

11 Months: Steps and Words

· Stands for a few seconds without support

· Walks while holding hands

· Says simple words with meaning

· Plays pat-a-cake or claps hands

· Shows attachment to familiar people

12 Months: First Birthday and First Steps

· May take first steps alone

· Says one to three words

· Points to things they want

· Imitates actions (e.g., brushing hair)

· Shows curiosity and problem-solving skills

FAQs

Q: What if my baby is not reaching milestones on time?
A: Every baby develops at their own pace. If your baby is slightly behind, don’t panic. However, if there are significant delays, consult your pediatrician.

Q: When should my baby start walking?
A: Most babies take their first steps between 9 and 15 months. Some start earlier, while others take a little longer.

Q: What can I do to encourage my baby’s development?
A: Engage with your baby through talking, reading, tummy time, and interactive play. Providing a safe and stimulating environment helps them explore and learn.

Q: Is it normal for my baby to skip crawling?
A: Yes! Some babies go straight from sitting to standing and walking without traditional crawling.

Q: How can I track my baby’s milestones?
A: Keep a milestone journal or use a baby milestone tracker app. Regular pediatrician visits will also help monitor development.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Your baby’s first year is full of incredible growth and discovery. Enjoy each milestone and celebrate the little moments—before you know it, they’ll be off and running!