Baby Milestones: What to Expect at Every Stage

Watching a baby grow is exciting but also confusing. You might wonder, "Is my little one on schedule?" This guide breaks down the most common milestones so you can spot progress and know when to act.

Month‑by‑Month Milestone Checklist

0‑3 months: Newborns start by lifting their heads a few inches while lying on their stomach. They begin to smile at faces, focus on objects about 8‑12 inches away, and make cooing sounds.

4‑6 months: Babies usually roll over both ways, reach for toys, and can sit with support. You’ll hear babbling and maybe the first "ma" or "da" without meaning it yet.

7‑9 months: Crawling kicks in, even if it’s a scoot on the belly. They can pick up small items with thumb and forefinger (the pincer grasp) and respond to their name.

10‑12 months: Many start standing while holding onto furniture and may take a few steps on their own. Simple words like "mama" or "dada" become clearer, and they understand basic commands like "no".

13‑18 months: Walking becomes steadier. You’ll see the first attempts at building towers with blocks, pointing to body parts when asked, and using around 50 words.

19‑24 months: Running, climbing stairs with help, and kicking a ball appear. Vocabulary explodes to 200+ words, and toddlers can follow two‑step directions.

How to Encourage Healthy Development

Give your baby plenty of tummy time each day. It builds neck muscles needed for rolling, sitting, and crawling. When they reach for a toy, let them do it themselves – the struggle helps motor skills.

Talk often. Naming objects, describing actions, and reading simple books introduce language patterns. Even if your baby just coos back, they’re practicing turn‑taking in conversation.

Play is a teacher. Simple games like peek‑a‑boo teach object permanence (understanding that things still exist when out of sight). Stacking cups or blocks introduces problem solving.

Stay on schedule with well‑child visits. Doctors track growth charts and can spot delays early. If you notice anything unusual – like no eye contact by 6 months or no words by 16 months – bring it up at the appointment.

Remember, each child is unique. Some may skip crawling and go straight to walking; others might take longer to speak. Use this guide as a reference, not a rulebook.

Enjoy the milestones as they happen. The smiles, first steps, and new words are moments you’ll want to remember forever – and with a little awareness, you can help your baby reach them safely.