Baby's First Milestones

As a parent, it’s exciting and sometimes overwhelming to watch your baby grow and change so quickly during the first year. Babies hit important milestones in three main areas: physical, social/emotional, and speech. Each milestone helps to show how your baby is developing and what they are learning. Here’s a simple guide to help you understand what to expect from your baby’s development in the first year.

2 Months: The Early Beginnings

Physical:

• Your baby is starting to gain control over their body.
• They will be able to hold their head up for a few seconds to a few minutes while lying on their stomach.
• They may begin to push up with their elbows when on their tummy.
• You might notice some hand movements as they begin to bring their hands to their mouth.

Social/Emotional:

• At this stage, babies begin to show early signs of social interaction.
• Your baby may start to smile at you in response to your voice or face, which is their way of saying “I see you!”
• They may also start to calm down when you pick them up or talk to them.

Speech:

• Your baby may start cooing or making soft vowel sounds like “oo” and “ah.”
• They will start to make sounds to express pleasure or discomfort, and you’ll notice them respond to sounds and voices.

4 Months: Growing and Developing

Physical:

• Your baby will be able to hold their head steady without support.
• They will begin to push up more strongly during tummy time and might even start reaching for toys while lying down.
• Your baby may start rolling over from tummy to back.

Social/Emotional:

• Your baby may begin to show a wider range of emotions, such as smiling more at people and reacting to toys with excitement.
• They might even start to laugh out loud and make more eye contact with you.
• Babies at this age may also enjoy looking at their hands and feet, which is a sign they are exploring the world around them.

Speech:

• They will become increasingly more vocal, experimenting with sounds with their mouth from more vowel sounds, to funny lip sounds, to even a “ma”, “da” or “ga”
• They will also respond to familiar voices and noises by turning their head toward the sound.

6 Months: Reaching New Heights

Physical:

• At 6 months, your baby will likely be able to sit up with some support and may even begin to sit up on their own.
• They might start to roll both ways: from tummy to back and back to tummy.
• Your baby will be reaching for and grabbing objects, putting things in their mouth to explore.

Social/Emotional:

• You’ll notice your baby becoming more interactive with family and friends.
• They may express their feelings more clearly by smiling when they’re happy or crying when they’re upset.
• Babies at this age often develop a sense of "stranger anxiety," meaning they may get upset when they meet new people.

Speech:

• Your baby may begin to make more complex sounds like “mama” or “baba,” but they may not be using them intentionally yet.
• They will also respond to their name and may even recognize familiar words, like "bye-bye" or "no."

9 Months: Ready to Explore

Physical:

• By 9 months, your baby may be able to crawl or scoot around on their belly or hands and knees.
• They might be able to pull themselves up to a standing position while holding onto furniture.
• Your baby will likely be able to pick up smaller objects using a pincer grasp (thumb and finger).

Social/Emotional:

• At this stage, babies begin to form stronger bonds with caregivers and may become more attached to you.
• Your baby might show fear of strangers or be upset when separated from you.
• They will likely show affection by hugging or touching familiar people.

Speech:

• Your baby may start to understand simple commands like “wave” or “clap,” and may imitate sounds or actions.
• They will begin to use different sounds to express their feelings, such as grunting or squealing to get your attention.
• Some babies may start saying their first real words, like “mama” or “dada,” with meaning.

12 Months: One Year of Progress

Physical:

• At 12 months, many babies will be walking, either with help or on their own.
• They might be able to stand without support for a few moments and may even take a few steps.
• Your baby’s hand-eye coordination continues to improve, and they may be able to stack small blocks or put objects in a container.

Social/Emotional:

• Your baby will show clear preferences for certain people and toys.
• They may also become more independent and may not want help with tasks they can do on their own, like feeding themselves.
• At this age, babies enjoy social games like peek-a-boo and will begin to understand simple routines and expectations.

Speech:

• By the time they turn one, your baby may be saying a few simple words that are meaningful, like “mama,” “dada,” or “uh-oh.”
• They will understand more words than they can say and will likely respond to their name or simple requests.
• Your baby will begin to point at things they want and may try to imitate sounds or words you say.

Tracking Milestones with Your Pediatrician

Your baby’s growth and development are exciting, and your pediatrician is there to help make sure they are reaching important milestones. At each check-up, your doctor will ask questions about your baby’s behavior and progress, observe how they interact with others, and perform simple assessments to ensure they are on track. If they notice any areas where your baby might need additional support, they will provide guidance or refer you to specialists who can help.

It’s important to remember that every baby develops at their own pace. Some babies may reach milestones a little earlier or later than others, and that’s completely normal. However, if you have any concerns about your baby’s development, it’s important to bring them up during check-ups. If something doesn’t seem right or if you’re worried, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatrician at any time. Early intervention can help address any challenges and give your baby the best possible support.

By staying in touch with your pediatrician and keeping track of your baby’s milestones, you’ll have the tools you need to ensure they are on a healthy and happy path as they grow.