Congratulations on becoming a parent! The first year of your baby’s life is filled with incredible moments and milestones that will leave you in awe. From those first adorable smiles to their first wobbly steps, each development is a stepping stone towards their growth and independence. In this article, we will explore the exciting journey of your baby’s first year, giving you an insight into what to expect and how to support your little one every step of the way. Get ready to witness the magic of your baby’s milestones!
Physical Milestones
Growth and Weight Gain
In the first year, your baby will experience incredible growth and weight gain. During the first few months, babies typically gain about 5-7 ounces each week. By the end of the first year, most babies triple their birth weight. It’s important to monitor your baby’s growth and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Head Control
Around two to three months, you’ll notice that your baby is gaining more control over their head movements. They will be able to hold their head up while lying on their stomach and have better control when sitting with support. This milestone is important as it lays the foundation for other motor skills.
Rolling Over
Around four to six months, your baby will start to roll over, from their tummy to their back and vice versa. This milestone indicates increasing strength in their core and arms, and it’s an exciting achievement to witness. Make sure to provide a safe and supervised environment for your baby to explore their newfound rolling skills.
Sitting Up
Between six and nine months, your baby will start to sit up without support. This milestone demonstrates stronger core muscles and improved balance. Initially, your baby may need some assistance or props, such as pillows, to sit up, but with time and practice, they will be able to maintain an upright sitting position on their own.
Crawling
Between seven and ten months, many babies start to crawl. Crawling is a major milestone that signifies the development of upper body strength, coordination, and increased mobility. Some babies may even skip crawling altogether and opt for different ways of getting around, such as scooting or bottom shuffling.
Standing
Around the age of nine to twelve months, your baby may begin pulling themselves up and standing with support. This milestone marks the development of leg strength and balance. You can support your baby’s standing by providing stable furniture or toys to hold onto.
Walking
Between nine and fifteen months, your baby may take their first steps and start walking independently. This is an exciting milestone that brings newfound freedom for your little one. Keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your baby takes a bit longer to start walking.
Fine Motor Skills
Throughout the first year, your baby will gradually develop fine motor skills, such as grasping objects, transferring them between hands, and eventually using utensils. These skills are essential for your baby’s future independence and ability to feed themselves, play with toys, and engage in various activities.
Teething
Teething typically begins around six months of age, although it can vary from baby to baby. The process of teething involves the eruption of your baby’s first teeth through their gums, which can be uncomfortable and may cause some irritability. Provide your baby with teething toys or a chilled washcloth to chew on to help alleviate their discomfort.
Sleep Patterns
During the first year, your baby’s sleep patterns will go through various changes. Newborns tend to sleep for shorter periods, often waking up every few hours to feed. As they get older, their sleep cycles become longer, and they start to establish more regular nap and nighttime sleep patterns. Every baby is different when it comes to sleep, so be patient and observant of your baby’s individual needs. Establishing a consistent bedtime routine can help promote healthy sleep habits.
Cognitive Milestones
Visual Development
In their early days, your baby’s vision is limited, but by around three months, they will start to track moving objects with their eyes and focus more clearly on faces. You can stimulate your baby’s visual development by using high-contrast toys, playing peek-a-boo, and providing a visually engaging environment.
Recognition of Faces
Around three to four months, your baby will begin to recognize familiar faces, such as yours and other close family members. They may show their recognition by smiling or becoming more alert when they see someone they know. This is an important milestone that demonstrates your baby’s growing cognitive abilities.
Object Permanence
Between six and eight months, your baby will start to develop the concept of object permanence. They will understand that objects continue to exist even when they are out of sight. This milestone is often observed when your baby looks for a toy that you hid under a blanket or in a different location.
Language Development
Throughout the first year, your baby will make significant strides in language development. They will go from cooing and babbling to saying their first words. You can support this development by regularly talking and singing to your baby, using simple and repetitive phrases, and providing opportunities for interaction and conversation.
Babbling
Around six to ten months, your baby will start to babble, producing a variety of sounds and experimenting with different intonations. Babbling lays the foundation for language development and is an exciting milestone as your baby discovers their own voice.
First Words
Between nine and twelve months, many babies will utter their first words. These are often simple words like “mama” or “dada” and may not carry specific meaning yet. Celebrate these early language milestones and continue to engage in conversations with your baby to encourage further language development.
Understanding Simple Instructions
Around ten to twelve months, your baby will begin to understand simple instructions or commands, such as “wave bye-bye” or “give me the toy.” They may not always follow the instructions perfectly, but their comprehension skills are rapidly improving.
Problem Solving
Throughout the first year, your baby will engage in problem-solving activities, such as figuring out how to get a toy out of reach or stacking blocks. These activities foster critical thinking skills and help develop your baby’s problem-solving abilities.
Imitation
Around nine to twelve months, your baby will start imitating your actions and gestures. This milestone is an essential part of social and cognitive development as your baby learns by observing and imitating the behaviors of others.
Play Skills
As your baby’s cognitive abilities develop, their play skills will become more sophisticated. They will engage in various forms of play, such as exploring objects, playing with blocks, and imitating daily activities. Encourage your baby’s play skills by providing age-appropriate toys and engaging in interactive play with them.
Social and Emotional Milestones
Bonding with Parents
Right from birth, your baby forms a bond with their parents or primary caregivers. This bond is strengthened through physical closeness, eye contact, and responsive caregiving. By consistently meeting your baby’s needs and providing nurturing care, you lay the foundation for a secure attachment relationship.
Smiling and Laughing
Around two to three months, your baby will start to smile in response to stimuli, such as your faces or playful interactions. As they grow older, they will also develop a sense of humor and engage in laughter, which is a delightful milestone to witness.
Separation Anxiety
Between six and nine months, many babies experience separation anxiety. This is when your baby becomes distressed or anxious when separated from their primary caregivers. Separation anxiety is a normal part of development and signifies a strong attachment to you. Provide reassurance and comfort to help your baby through this stage.
Emotional Expressions
Throughout the first year, your baby will develop a range of emotional expressions, such as happiness, sadness, and frustration. They will communicate their emotions through facial expressions, body language, and vocalizations. Acknowledge and respond to your baby’s emotions to foster emotional understanding and security.
Imitating Expressions
Around six to nine months, your baby will start imitating facial expressions and gestures. They will mimic your smiles, sticking out their tongue, or clapping their hands. This imitation is a sign of social and emotional development, as your baby learns to understand and imitate the emotions of others.
Playing with Others
Around the age of nine to twelve months, your baby will become more interested in interacting and playing with other children. They may observe, imitate, and engage in simple turn-taking games. Encourage social interaction by arranging playdates or joining parent and baby groups.
Recognizing Familiar Faces
Between six and nine months, your baby will become better at recognizing familiar faces, including close family members and caregivers. They may show excitement or a sense of familiarity when they see someone they know well.
Responding to Names
Around ten to twelve months, your baby will start to respond to their name. They may turn their head or make eye contact when you call them. Encourage this response by using your baby’s name during interactions and play.
Show of Affection
Around nine to fifteen months, your baby will start to show affection towards you and others. They may give kisses, hugs, or pat you on the back. Encourage this display of affection by responding with love and warmth.
Emotional Security
Throughout the first year, your baby needs a safe and secure environment to develop emotionally. By providing consistent and nurturing care, responding to your baby’s needs promptly, and establishing routines, you create a sense of emotional security that supports your baby’s overall well-being.
Feeding Milestones
Breastfeeding or Bottle-Feeding
In the first year, your baby’s primary source of nutrition will likely be breast milk or formula. Whether you choose to breastfeed or bottle-feed, it’s important to ensure that your baby is receiving the appropriate amount of nutrients and is feeding well.
Transition to Solids
Around six months of age, your baby will be ready to start experimenting with solid foods. Begin with single-ingredient purees, such as mashed fruits or vegetables, and gradually introduce a variety of textures and flavors. Consult with your pediatrician for suitable feeding recommendations.
Introduction to Different Tastes
Introducing a wide variety of flavors and tastes is important for your baby’s palate development. Offer a range of fruits, vegetables, grains, and proteins to expose your baby to diverse tastes and encourage healthy eating habits.
Self-Feeding Skills
Around eight to ten months, your baby will start showing an interest in self-feeding. They may reach for the spoon or grab finger foods. Encourage their self-feeding skills by offering age-appropriate foods that are easy to grasp or scoop.
Drinking from a Cup
Between six and twelve months, you can gradually introduce drinking from a cup. Start with small sips of water or expressed breast milk/formula in a sippy cup or open cup. As your baby grows more confident, they will be able to drink independently.
Eating Finger Foods
As your baby’s fine motor skills develop, they can start exploring finger foods. Offer soft, bite-sized foods that are easy to pick up and chew, such as small pieces of banana or cooked vegetables. Always supervise your baby during mealtime to prevent choking hazards.
Feeding Schedule
As your baby grows, you will establish a feeding schedule that suits their individual needs. At around six months, you can gradually introduce solids alongside breast milk or formula. Aim for three meals a day by the time your baby reaches their first birthday, with breast milk or formula still being an important part of their diet.
Chewing and Swallowing
Throughout the first year, your baby’s chewing and swallowing skills will develop. Initially, they may need purees or mashed foods, but as they grow, they will progress to more textured and chunkier foods. Encourage their chewing and swallowing abilities by offering age-appropriate foods with different textures.
Digestive System Development
In the first year, your baby’s digestive system continues to mature. Some babies may experience occasional digestive discomfort, such as gas or constipation. Monitor your baby’s bowel movements and consult with your healthcare provider if you have any concerns.
Food Allergies
When introducing new foods, be mindful of potential allergies. Follow the recommended guidelines for introducing highly allergenic foods, such as peanuts or shellfish. Always introduce one new food at a time and monitor your baby for any signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash or difficulty breathing. If you suspect an allergy, consult with your pediatrician.
Speech and Language Milestones
Cooing and Babbling
In the first few months, your baby will communicate through coos and babbles, which are early forms of language. Encourage their vocalizations by responding with enthusiastic sounds and engaging in conversational exchanges.
First Words
Between nine and twelve months, your baby will start saying their first words. Initially, these words may be simple, like “mama” or “dada.” Encourage their language development by regularly talking to them, using simple words and phrases, and labeling objects within their environment.
Understanding Simple Commands
Around nine to twelve months, your baby will begin to understand simple commands or instructions. They may respond to requests like “wave bye-bye” or “give me the toy.” Keep using simple and clear language to help your baby comprehend and follow basic commands.
Combining Words
Around twelve to eighteen months, your baby may start combining words to form simple phrases or sentences. This marks an important milestone in their language development. Encourage their use of language by modeling appropriate speech and expanding on their words and phrases.
Expanding Vocabulary
Throughout the first year, your baby’s vocabulary will expand rapidly. They will start to understand and use more words to express their needs and communicate with others. Engage in conversations, sing songs, and read books aloud to encourage vocabulary growth.
Pronunciation Development
As your baby’s language skills develop, their pronunciation will gradually improve. At first, they may have adorable baby talk, but as they progress, their speech will become more clear and accurate. Be patient and encourage their efforts to communicate.
Storytelling Skills
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, your baby may start stringing together words or phrases to tell simple stories or describe events. Encourage their storytelling skills by asking open-ended questions and engaging in imaginative play.
Language Comprehension
Throughout the first year, your baby’s language comprehension will improve significantly. They will start to understand more complex instructions and respond appropriately. Continue to provide opportunities for meaningful interactions and encourage their comprehension skills.
Pointing and Gesturing
Around twelve to fifteen months, your baby will begin to point at objects of interest or gesture to communicate their needs or desires. Encourage this form of communication by responding to their gestures and expanding on their pointing to label objects.
Bilingual Development
If you are raising your baby in a bilingual environment, they will likely be exposed to two languages from an early age. Bilingual development is unique, and babies can easily learn and distinguish between different languages. Provide consistent exposure to both languages and celebrate your baby’s progress in their language acquisition.
Gross Motor Skill Milestones
Lifting Head
From birth, your baby will gradually gain the strength to lift their head while lying on their tummy. Around two to three months, they will be able to hold their head up for short periods of time. Encourage tummy time to strengthen their neck and upper body muscles.
Rolling Over
Between four and six months, your baby will start to roll over, from their tummy to their back and vice versa. Encourage this milestone by providing ample floor time and allowing your baby to explore freely.
Sitting Without Support
Around six to nine months, your baby will gain the strength and balance to sit up without support. Initially, they may need pillows or cushions for additional support, but with practice, they will be able to maintain a seated position on their own.
Crawling
Between seven and ten months, many babies start crawling. Crawling helps strengthen their core muscles and coordination. Create a safe and baby-proofed environment for your little one to explore and encourage their crawling skills.
Pulling Up to Stand
Around eight to twelve months, your baby will start pulling themselves up to a standing position using furniture or other stable objects. They will grasp onto the edges of tables or cribs to support themselves. Ensure a safe environment and provide sturdy objects for your baby to hold onto.
Walking with Support
Between nine and twelve months, your baby may start taking their first steps while holding onto furniture or with assistance from a caregiver. Encourage their walking skills by offering support and creating opportunities for them to practice their balance and coordination.
Walking Independently
Around twelve to fifteen months, your baby may take their first independent steps. This is an exciting milestone, but keep in mind that every baby develops at their own pace. Provide a safe and encouraging environment for your baby to practice walking independently.
Climbing Stairs
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, your baby may start attempting to climb stairs with assistance. Always closely supervise your baby around stairs and provide guidance and support as they learn this new skill.
Running and Jumping
Around two years of age, your baby will start running and jumping, further refining their gross motor skills. Encourage active play, such as running in the yard or jumping on a soft surface, to support their physical development.
Holding and Throwing a Ball
Between twelve and fifteen months, your baby will begin to show an interest in playing with a ball. They will learn to grasp and hold the ball and may even attempt to throw it. Foster their hand-eye coordination and motor skills by engaging in playful ball games.
Fine Motor Skill Milestones
Grasping Objects
From the moment your baby is born, they will start grasping onto objects reflexively. This reflex gradually develops into purposeful grasping as they gain more control over their fine motor skills. Provide toys of different shapes and textures to encourage their grasping abilities.
Transferring Objects Between Hands
Around six to nine months, your baby will start transferring objects from one hand to the other. They will develop better hand-eye coordination and control over their movements. Offer toys or objects that are easy to grip and transfer.
Developing Pincer Grip
Around eight to ten months, your baby will start to use their thumb and forefinger to pick up small objects. This precision grip, known as the pincer grip, is an important fine motor milestone. Encourage their development by offering small, age-appropriate toys or finger foods to practice their pincer grip.
Stacking Blocks
Around twelve to fifteen months, your baby will begin to stack blocks or objects. This requires concentration, hand-eye coordination, and problem-solving skills. Provide blocks or stacking toys to foster their fine motor and cognitive development.
Scribbling
Around twelve to eighteen months, your baby may start showing an interest in using crayons or markers. Scribbling is an early form of writing and helps improve fine motor skills. Offer child-safe art supplies and supervise them during their artistic endeavors.
Holding a Spoon
Between twelve and fifteen months, your baby will start showing interest in self-feeding and may attempt to hold a spoon. While they may initially struggle with coordination, provide them with age-appropriate utensils and encourage their independence in feeding.
Dressing and Undressing
As your baby approaches their second birthday, they may start showing an interest in dressing and undressing themselves. Encourage this milestone by allowing them to choose their clothes and providing simple outfits with easy closures, such as Velcro or large buttons.
Turning Pages in a Book
Around twelve to eighteen months, your baby will be able to turn the pages in a board book. Reading together not only promotes early literacy skills but also strengthens fine motor skills. Choose sturdy books with colorful illustrations for interactive reading experiences.
Using a Crayon
As your baby’s fine motor skills continue to develop, they will gain better control over holding and using crayons or markers. Encourage their creativity and coordination by providing age-appropriate art supplies and paper.
Using Utensils
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, your baby will start gaining more control over using utensils, such as a spoon or fork, to eat independently. Encourage their self-feeding skills by offering foods that are easy to scoop or spear, and praise their efforts.
Sleep Milestones
Number of Sleep Hours
In the first year, your baby’s sleep needs will gradually decrease. Newborns may sleep up to 16-17 hours a day, while older infants around the age of one may need around 11-14 hours of sleep in a 24-hour period. However, every baby is different, so it’s important to observe your baby’s individual sleep patterns and adjust as needed.
Napping Patterns
Babies typically take multiple naps throughout the day during their first year. Over time, the number and length of naps will change. Newborns may nap anywhere from 3 to 5 times a day, while older infants may transition to 1-2 naps. Respect your baby’s sleep needs and establish a nap routine that works for both of you.
Establishing a Bedtime Routine
Creating a consistent bedtime routine is essential for promoting healthy sleep habits. Around three to six months, you can start implementing a soothing routine before bedtime, such as a bath, reading a book, and cuddling. Consistency and predictability help your baby wind down and prepare for sleep.
Self-Soothing Skills
As your baby grows, they will begin to develop self-soothing skills, which can help them fall asleep and transition between sleep cycles. This may include learning to comfort themselves with a pacifier, thumb sucking, or cuddling a favorite stuffed animal. Encourage self-soothing while ensuring a safe sleep environment.
Transitioning to Fewer Naps
At around six to twelve months, many babies transition from multiple short naps to fewer, longer naps. This is a gradual process and can vary from baby to baby. Observe your baby’s sleep patterns and adjust their nap schedule accordingly.
Sleep Regression
It’s common for babies to experience sleep regressions during the first year. These regressions are temporary disruptions in sleep patterns and can be triggered by developmental milestones, teething, or changes in routine. Be patient and provide comforting reassurance during these phases.
Night Waking
Many babies still wake up at night for feeding or comfort during their first year. As they grow older, they may gradually sleep for longer stretches. Offer comfort and reassurance when your baby wakes up at night, and try to establish a predictable routine around nighttime awakenings.
Co-Sleeping
Co-sleeping, or sharing a bed with your baby, is a personal choice that varies across cultures and families. If you choose to co-sleep, ensure that you are following safe co-sleeping guidelines. This includes using a firm mattress, removing pillows and loose bedding, and avoiding alcohol or medication that may impair your awareness.
Sleep Training
Around six months and older, some parents opt for sleep training methods to help their baby learn to fall asleep independently and soothe themselves back to sleep. These methods can include gradual techniques or more structured approaches. Consult with your pediatrician or a sleep specialist to determine the best approach for your family.
Safe Sleeping Environment
Creating a safe sleeping environment is crucial for your baby’s well-being. Follow the ABC’s of safe sleep: A (Alone) – babies should sleep alone in their own crib or bassinet, without any other individuals or objects; B (Back) – babies should always be placed on their back to sleep to reduce the risk of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS); and C (Crib) – babies should sleep in a safety-approved crib with a firm mattress and fitted sheet, free from pillows, blankets, or toys that can pose suffocation hazards.
Social and Emotional Development Milestones
Attachment to Primary Caregivers
From birth, your baby will form a strong attachment to their primary caregivers. This attachment allows them to feel safe and secure, and it contributes to their social and emotional development. Nurture this attachment through responsive and loving care.
Smiling and Laughing
Around two to three months, your baby will start to smile in response to stimuli, such as your face or playful interactions. As they grow older, they will develop a sense of humor and engage in laughter, creating joyful moments.
Emotional Expressions
Throughout the first year, your baby’s emotional expressions will become more apparent. They will show happy, sad, or frustrated facial expressions and body language to communicate their feelings. Respond to these expressions with empathy and provide a supportive and comforting environment.
Understanding and Responding to Emotions
Around six to nine months, your baby will start to understand and respond to the emotions of others. They may mimic facial expressions, comfort a crying friend, or show empathy. Encourage emotional awareness by labeling emotions and modeling appropriate ways to express and regulate feelings.
Empathy and Compassion
As your baby grows, they will develop empathy and compassion towards others. They may show concern when someone is upset or attempt to offer comfort. Praise and reinforce their empathic behavior, as it plays a crucial role in building positive relationships.
Social Interaction with Others
Around nine to twelve months, your baby will become more interested in interacting with other children and adults. They will observe, imitate, and engage in simple turn-taking games. Foster social interaction by arranging playdates or attending parent and baby groups.
Sharing and Taking Turns
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, your baby will begin to understand the concepts of sharing and taking turns. This is a valuable social skill that promotes cooperation and interaction with others. Model and encourage sharing behaviors during play and everyday activities.
Playing Pretend
Around the age of two, your baby will start engaging in pretend play. They may mimic real-life situations, such as feeding a doll or talking on a toy phone. Encourage their imagination and creativity by providing props and joining in their pretend play.
Following Simple Rules
Around eighteen to twenty-four months, your baby will begin to understand and follow simple rules or instructions. This includes basic safety rules and guidelines for appropriate behavior. Be consistent with rules and provide gentle reminders when needed.
Understanding Social Cues
As your baby’s social and emotional development progresses, they will begin to recognize and interpret social cues, such as facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice. Encourage their understanding by labeling different cues and help them navigate social interactions with guidance and support.
Sensory Development Milestones
Vision Development
In the first year, your baby’s vision develops significantly. From blurry vision at birth, they progress to clearer and more focused vision. By three to four months, they will begin to track moving objects and develop depth perception. Stimulate their vision by providing high-contrast toys and colorful objects.
Hearing and Sound Recognition
From birth, your baby can hear and respond to sounds in their environment. They will gradually develop the ability to distinguish between different sounds and recognize familiar voices. Engage your baby with age-appropriate toys that make different sounds and sing or talk to them to encourage sound recognition.
Taste and Smell Sensitivity
As your baby starts to explore solid foods, they will develop a greater sensitivity to tastes and smells. Offer a variety of flavors and textures to expose your baby to different tastes and smells. Be patient, as it may take several attempts for your baby to accept new flavors.
Touch and Texture Exploration
From birth, your baby uses their sense of touch to explore the world around them. They will enjoy different textures, such as soft fabrics or interesting surfaces. Encourage tactile exploration by providing toys of various textures or engaging in gentle touch during daily routines.
Gross and Fine Motor Skill Integration
Throughout their first year, your baby’s gross motor and fine motor skills will integrate, allowing them to explore and manipulate their environment. As they learn to crawl, walk, or reach for objects, their sensory-motor coordination will improve.
Sensory Play
Sensory play, such as water play, sand play, or playing with different textures, is an essential part of your baby’s sensory development. It engages their senses and promotes cognitive, social, and emotional development. Offer safe and age-appropriate sensory play activities.
Sensory Overload
In certain situations, your baby may experience sensory overload, which occurs when they are exposed to an overwhelming amount of sensory stimulation. Signs of sensory overload include fussiness, irritability, or withdrawal. Create a calm and soothing environment to help your baby regulate their sensory experiences.
Sensory Integration Disorders
Some babies may experience sensory integration disorders, where they have difficulty processing and modulating sensory input. If you suspect your baby may have a sensory integration disorder, consult with a healthcare professional who can provide appropriate guidance and support.
Outdoor Exploration
Spending time outdoors provides valuable sensory experiences for your baby. They can engage with nature, feel different surfaces, and observe the sights and sounds of the outdoor environment. Ensure a safe and supervised outdoor environment to promote exploration and sensory development.
Environmental Awareness
As your baby grows, they will develop awareness and recognition of their environment. They will notice changes in their surroundings and become more attentive to details. Foster their environmental awareness by pointing out objects, discussing their surroundings, and providing opportunities for exploration in different settings.
In the first year, your baby will experience an incredible journey of growth and development in various areas. From physical milestones, such as rolling over and sitting up, to cognitive milestones, like developing language and problem-solving skills, each milestone is a testament to your baby’s growth and abilities. Additionally, your baby’s social and emotional development will flourish as they bond with you, recognize emotions, and engage in play with others. As your baby’s sensory system matures, they will become more aware of their surroundings and actively explore the world around them. Paying attention to your baby’s milestones and providing a supportive and stimulating environment will lay the foundation for their future growth and well-being. Enjoy each milestone as a unique and cherished moment in your baby’s incredible first year of life.
Sandra has over 13 years of experience as a child psychologist, both as a practitioner and researcher. She has a Bachelor's in child psychology from the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor and then she did her master's in Psychology in Education (focused on Children & Families) at Columbia University, NY. She has been writing for health and child-related publications for over 5 years now.
