Baby’s First Year: Month by Month
The first year goes by in a blur of feedings, diaper changes and sleepless nights. Along the way come first smiles, first laughs, first words and first steps. Every baby develops at their own pace, but these milestones offer a general guide to what you may notice during the first 12 months.
0-3 Months
Moving
Milestones:
- Begin lifting and briefly holding their head during tummy time
- Follow faces or toys with their eyes
- Turn toward familiar voices and sounds
Try this:
- Offer supervised tummy time every day.
- Hold colorful toys within baby’s line of sight.
- Spend plenty of time talking, cuddling and making eye contact.
Connecting
Milestones:
- Begin smiling at familiar faces
- Communicate through crying and facial expressions
- Calm when hearing your voice
Try this:
- Respond to your baby’s cues.
- Smile, sing and talk throughout the day.
- Enjoy lots of cuddles—babies can’t be spoiled by affection.
Communicating
Milestones:
- Coo and make simple sounds
- Recognize familiar voices
- Experiment with different cries
Try this:
- Narrate your day.
- Repeat your baby’s coos back to them.
- Read short board books together.
Learning
Milestones:
- Explore with all of their senses
- Start settling into feeding and sleep patterns
- Begin recognizing familiar people
Try this:
- Introduce different textures and gentle sounds.
- Follow your baby’s cues for feeding and sleep.
- Offer safe opportunities to explore.
3-6 Months
Moving
Milestones:
- Roll from tummy to back or back to tummy
- Reach for toys
- Begin sitting with support
Try this:
- Continue tummy time.
- Place toys just out of reach to encourage movement.
- Give plenty of opportunities for floor play.
Connecting
Milestones:
- Laugh and smile often
- Recognize familiar people
- Enjoy playful interactions
Try this:
- Make funny faces.
- Sing songs together.
- Let your baby study your face while you talk.
Communicating
Milestones:
- Babble with new sounds
- Respond to voices
- Experiment with squeals and giggles
Try this:
- Take turns “talking.”
- Read aloud every day.
- Name familiar people and objects.
Learning
Milestones:
- Explore everything with their hands—and mouth
- Look for a toy that disappears from view
- Become fascinated by cause and effect
Try this:
- Offer safe sensory toys.
- Play peekaboo.
- Shake rattles and encourage imitation.
6-9 Months
Moving
Milestones:
- Sit independently
- Scoot, crawl or get onto hands and knees
- Pick up small objects with increasing control
Try this:
- Create safe spaces for exploration.
- Offer toys with different textures.
- Stack blocks together and knock them down.
Connecting
Milestones:
- Enjoy games and laughter
- Recognize familiar people
- Show stranger anxiety
Try this:
- Visit new places together.
- Play in front of a mirror.
- Give your baby time to warm up to new people.
Communicating
Milestones:
- Respond to their name
- Copy gestures
- Babble with longer sound combinations
Try this:
- Use your baby’s name often.
- Sing nursery rhymes.
- Wave hello and goodbye together.
Learning
Milestones:
- Pass toys between hands
- Experiment by dropping and banging objects
- Show curiosity about everything nearby
Try this:
- Play together on the floor.
- Demonstrate how toys work.
- Celebrate new discoveries.
9-12 Months
Moving
Milestones:
- Crawl confidently
- Pull up and cruise along furniture
- Use thumb and finger to pick up tiny objects
Try this:
- Baby-proof your home.
- Encourage safe cruising.
- Offer toys that build fine motor skills.
Connecting
Milestones:
- Enjoy interactive games
- Show separation anxiety
- Seek comfort from familiar caregivers
Try this:
- Keep goodbye routines calm and consistent.
- Play together every day.
- Offer a favorite blanket or stuffed toy for comfort.
Communicating
Milestones:
- Say simple words like “mama” or “dada”
- Point to familiar objects
- Understand simple requests
Try this:
- Label objects around the house.
- Read picture books together.
- Celebrate every new word.
Learning
Milestones:
- Search for hidden toys
- Use objects in new ways
- Solve simple problems through play
Try this:
- Play hide-and-seek with toys.
- Encourage imitation.
- Let your baby explore safely and independently.
Keep in mind:
Every baby develops on their own timeline. These milestones are general guidelines. If you have concerns about your baby’s development, talk with your pediatrician.
