Your Baby’s Milestones: A month-by-month glimpse of your baby’s development
You are enjoying every moment with your baby and soon realize he is changing so quickly! You may be fantasizing on when your newborn will start sleeping through the night, or maybe you can’t wait for the time when your little one can sit up on her own or even run around. What is considered normal? Here is a month-by-month glimpse of your baby’s development. Keep in mind that all babies develop differently. Your first baby may be sitting up by five months but hardly say a word by one year; however, your second child is practically speaking fluently by one year but is not walking yet! Also remember that preemies generally reach their milestones later than others, often nearer to their adjusted age—the age they would be if they would have been full-term. These milestones are only intended to be guidelines as you watch your baby’s development.
1 month
A one-month-old recognizes his mother’s voice and smell which is even remembered from a time prior to birth. Vision is limited, but he can focus on your face if it is less than a foot away. Your newborn’s hands have a strong little grip although he prefers to keep the fists tightly clenched. Some can even lift their heads up on their own. They eat 8-10 times a day and also sleep a lot, but of course it doesn’t seem that way at night! Your baby cries for help and may even develop routine crying times, especially in the early evening. In the early weeks, they seem to breathe unevenly and often sneeze and hiccup. This is very normal and no cause for concern.
2 months
At this stage, you will notice that your baby stays awake longer and is more interested in the people around her. She smiles at you in response to your smile. While on her stomach, she will probably be able to lift her head a bit. She may follow an object with her eyes. Fortunately, your two-month old can soothe herself with sucking, and even your voice may calm her cries.
3 months
This is the month your baby begins to really vocalize as she tries to communicate with you through gurgles, coos, and even humming. She smiles spontaneously. You will also notice that by the end of this month, your baby is sleeping for much longer stretches at night. Soon the hands will unclench, becoming favorite toys. She lifts her head up almost 90 degrees when lying on her stomachs. Crying is tapering off.
4 months
Is that laughing you hear? Yes! Your little one laughs out loud and loves to socialize. You may start to see him roll over in one direction, usually from front to back, and he will appear to be “swimming” when lying on his tummy. Also while lying on his stomach, he might raise, not only his head, but also his chest, supported by his arms. He enjoys the reflection of himself in a mirror. Everything goes in the mouth—a way of exploring his surroundings.
5 months
We’re on the move, mom! Five-month-olds show signs of locomotion by rocking, rolling, kicking, and twisting. They are enthused with most everything and squeal frequently in sheer delight. They reach for an object and gradually try to grasp it, possibly even successfully. Their backs are getting stronger, allowing some to sit up with a little support. Babies at this age will sleep longer at night and need several naps a day.
6 months
Temperaments begin to really shine! She may be demanding or rather happy-go-lucky. Each is different! Toys are more enjoyable now as they can maneuver them much more efficiently. Soft toys with different textures are perfect choices for this age. She may enjoy solid foods such as sweet potatoes and squash. She recognizes her own name and may be able to sit alone with propping. Their toes become the newest attraction to play with and their first teeth may be emerging.
7 months
Let’s rock and roll baby! She pushes up on her hands and knees and rocks back and forth. She is perfecting her locomotive skills and may even be scooting or crawling! It is time to really baby-proof your house so she won’t get into danger. She feeds herself small finger foods and stretches her arms out to express her desire to be held.
8 months
Life is getting more adventurous with your little one on the move! He may pull himself up on the furniture, showing early signs of walking. Bath time is probably a highlight as he enjoys the splashing a great deal. He may say “mama” and “dada,” but most likely indiscriminately. He may wave and clap his hands and will probably enjoy playing peek-a-boo and patty-cake. Eight-month-old babies are beginning to understand cause and effect—if he pushes this button, it makes a sound.
9 months
Stacking, sorting, and building will be new skills this month. Communication skills are really improving; when she says “mama,” she may even mean you! She looks for a dropped object and works to pick up a toy out of reach. Nine-month-olds are putting more weight on their legs and can stand up while holding onto something. Continue to keep a close eye on junior because with independence can also come accidents!
10 months
She probably has several teeth, making eating easier. She understands the word “no,” especially the tone of voice with it, although may not obey it. She imitates the actions of others and will soon be pointing with her index finger trying to direct your attention to what she wants. A wide variety of emotions are present in your 10-month-old ranging from happy to sad and frustrated to satisfied.
11 months
Your little one is definitely on-the-go—climbing stairs is great fun, although getting down is a challenge. He should be a master now at getting himself into a sitting position from his stomach. Your little one has probably learned a few words, but some wait until after their first birthday. He needs routine and consistency in his daily life even though he may act otherwise. Standing up is becoming easy, and soon he’ll show signs of walking. Playing is more interactive—he may be able to roll the ball back to you.
12 months
She made it—it’s her 1st birthday! She is probably cruising around either independently or while holding onto furniture. However, three out of four babies don’t walk steadily until over 13 months. Tiny objects are easy to pick up now with the pincer grasp perfected using the thumb and forefinger. She can follow simple instructions, that is, if she wants to! She enjoys a parent nearby as separation anxiety continues to make 1-year-olds clingy. You are still her best buddy, and the playtime with her is time well spent. It has been one amazing year watching your newborn develop into a toddler!