A Month by Month Lowdown of Baby Milestones

Posted by Shaheen Shaikh on June 27th, 2018

A baby’s first year is one of the most exciting and fun times for parents as they watch their tiny little baby grow. It is a year of not only seeing your baby achieve those small milestones every now and then, but also seeing them grow tremendously both physically and mentally. But as a parent, baby growth charts can completely disrupt this period of utter joy. Which is it is recommended that you look at your baby and not at the scales. However, don’t forget to monitor your baby’s growth to ensure they aren’t overweight or underweight.

So, to cast away some of your worries, refer to the following baby growth chart to monitor your baby’s growth:

Another way to track your baby’s growth is by looking out for baby milestones. It is not only important in terms of development but also thrilling to watch them achieve these milestones – be it the first smile or the first time they crawl.

Here is a list of age-specific baby milestones that you can watch out for. Also note that all babies are different, and not all babies achieve milestones at the specified times.

1 MONTH

• Makes eye contact and stares at faces
• Can lift head while lying on tummy
• Moves head from side to side when lying on tummy
• Briefly follows object with eyes
• Begins to make vocal sounds

2 MONTHS

• Can make more vocal sounds
• Discovers that hands are an extension to their own self
• Holds head up for short intervals
• Smiles and laughs
• Can briefly hold objects in their hands

3 MONTHS

• Holds head steady
• Brings hand to mouth
• Knows parents’ face
• Lifts head and shoulders while lying on tummy

4 MONTHS

• Uses both arms simultaneously
• Can grab and release toys
• Relaxes and opens hands at rest
• Brings hands together
• Makes noise when spoken to
• Rolls over from tummy to back

5 MONTHS

• Reacts and turns towards sounds and voices
• Grabs small objects
• Plays with hands and feet
• Rolls over in both the directions
• Supports body weight on legs when held in standing position

6 MONTHS

• Begins eating solid foods
• Sits without support
• Sits in a high chair
• May start teething
• Begins to make sounds that resemble words

7 MONTHS

• Responds to their name
• Uses voice to display emotions
• May start crawling
• Enjoys social play

8 MONTHS

• May say ‘mama’
• Stands with support
• Crawls
• Turns away when finished eating

9 MONTHS

• Drinks from a sippy cup
• Begins to eat with fingers
• Bangs objects together
• Exhibits separation anxiety

10 MONTHS

• Waves
• Begins understanding the word ‘no’
• Stands alone momentarily

11 MONTHS

• Stands alone for a couple of seconds
• Claps hands
• Indicates wants without crying

12 MONTHS

• Says one or more words
• Pulls off socks
• Stands well and may begin to walk
• Knows familiar faces other than that of parents and other family members