Baby Development Milestones Month by Month: A Simple Guide for the First Year

Every baby grows at their own pace, but it can be reassuring to know what to look for as each month passes.

From tiny reflexes to first steps, watching your baby grow is one of the greatest joys of parenthood. While each child is unique and may reach milestones on their own timeline, here’s a simple baby development milestones month by month guide to what you might expect during that incredible first year. These are based on trusted guidance from the CDC, HealthyChildren.org, and Pathways.org.

Table of Contents

Birth to 3 Months

These early days are all about bonding and settling into life outside the womb. Your baby is learning to recognize your voice, make eye contact, and respond to the world in small but meaningful ways. It’s the beginning of so many sweet firsts.

• Pushes up on arms during tummy time
• Lifts and holds head briefly while on tummy
• Brings hands to mouth
• Opens and closes fists
• Tracks a moving object with eyes
• Makes eye contact
• Shows interest in faces
• Smiles in response to people or voices (social smile)
• Makes cooing sounds
• Uses different cries for different needs
• Turns head toward sounds

📚 More details: CDC 2-month milestones

4 to 6 Months

Your baby is growing more alert and interactive during this stage. You’ll see more movement, more curiosity, and lots of smiles. Rolling, reaching, and playful cooing start to take center stage as they begin to explore what their little body can do.

• Rolls from tummy to back and back again
• Sits with support, using hands for balance
• Reaches for toys while on tummy
• Holds and explores toys with both hands
• Brings objects to mouth
• Responds to voices and sounds
• Reacts to sudden noises
• Begins to babble
• Watches others eat and may show interest in food
• Opens mouth when a spoon is offered

📚 See: Pathways.org 4–6 Month Milestones

7 to 9 Months

This is such a fun and expressive time. Your baby may start sitting independently, scooting, or even crawling. Their personality really starts to shine as they become more engaged with you and their surroundings. Get ready for all the big gummy smiles!

• Sits up steadily without support
• Moves from tummy or back into a sitting position
• Picks up small objects with thumb and fingers (raking or pincer grasp)
• Begins crawling, scooting, or rolling toward toys
• Focuses on objects both near and far
• Recognizes their own name
• Imitates sounds or facial expressions
• Understands a few familiar words (like “no” or “bye-bye”)

📚 Learn more: CDC 9-month milestones

10 to 12 Months

Your baby is on the move and full of determination. Whether they’re pulling up, cruising, or testing out a few steps, this stage is filled with action. You might also hear their first words and see them trying to communicate in new and adorable ways.

• Pulls up to stand and cruises along furniture
• Crawls with purpose or begins walking with assistance
• Feeds self with finger foods
• Uses gestures like waving, pointing, or reaching
• Claps hands or plays peekaboo
• May say simple words like “mama” or “dada” with meaning
• Enjoys listening to music and may bounce or clap along

📚 More info: HealthyChildren.org 10–12 Month Development

A Gentle Reminder

All babies develop on their own timeline. Some may skip crawling and go straight to walking, others may babble endlessly before saying a clear word. If you ever have concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your pediatrician. Early intervention can make a big difference if needed, and most of the time, your baby is doing just fine.

The Baby Plan: Capture It All

Want to make sure these stages don’t slip by undocumented? That’s exactly why I created the Baby Plan – a simple, all-in-one photo experience to capture your baby’s biggest milestones: maternity, newborn, sitting, and first birthday. With flexible scheduling and a calm studio environment, it’s one less thing to think about during a busy season of life.

If you’re expecting, or if baby is already here, reach out today to reserve your Baby Plan. I’m looking forward to planning your baby’s first year of photos. 💛