Watching your baby grow and develop is one of the most exciting parts of being a new parent. Each baby is unique, but there are common milestones they may reach during their first year. Here’s a guide to what you might expect, but remember, it’s perfectly normal for babies to reach these milestones at their own pace.
First 3 Months: Discovering the World
- Smiles: Around 6 weeks, your baby will reward you with their first real smiles.
- Coos and Gurgles: Listen for those early sounds as your baby starts to experiment with their voice.
- Following Objects: By 2 to 3 months, babies begin to track objects with their eyes, showing early hand-eye coordination.
4 to 6 Months: Exploring and Learning
- Rolling Over: Many babies start to roll from tummy to back between 4 and 6 months.
- Laughing: Get ready for giggles as your baby discovers laughter.
- Grasping Toys: Watch as your baby begins to reach for and grasp toys, exploring textures and shapes.
7 to 9 Months: Moving and Communicating
- Sitting Up: Most babies can sit without support, giving them a new perspective on the world.
- Babbling: Babbling becomes more complex, with sounds that mimic speech patterns.
- Crawling: Some babies start to crawl, while others may find unique ways to move around.
10 to 12 Months: Gaining Independence
- Standing: With support, your baby might pull themselves up to stand.
- First Words: Around their first birthday, many babies say their first words, often “mama” or “dada.”
- First Steps: Some babies take their first steps around their first birthday, marking a major milestone in their independence.
Remember, every baby develops at their own pace, and there’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal.” Regular check-ups with your pediatrician are a great way to keep track of your baby’s progress and get guidance if you have any concerns. Enjoy each moment and milestone with your little one—it’s a journey filled with surprises and joy!
