Your baby’s first year is full of incredible growth and discovery. From that first coo to their first steps, each milestone marks a major leap in development. While every child grows at their own pace, understanding typical developmental milestones can help parents track progress and identify any areas that might need extra attention.
What Are Developmental Milestones?
Milestones are behaviors or physical skills seen in infants and children as they grow. These are grouped into four main categories:
- Motor (physical) skills
- Cognitive (thinking) skills
- Language and communication
- Social and emotional development
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides an excellent milestone tracker for parents and caregivers.
Month-by-Month Highlights
0–3 Months
- Lifts head briefly during tummy time
- Turns head toward sounds
- Begins to smile socially
4–6 Months
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Begins babbling and making vowel sounds
- Reaches for toys with both hands
7–9 Months
- Sits without support
- Responds to their name
- Develops object permanence (knows a toy still exists when hidden)
10–12 Months
- Pulls up to stand and may take first steps
- Uses simple gestures like waving
- Says “mama” or “dada” with meaning
For a full list of milestones by age, visit the CDC’s Milestone Checklist.
Supporting Your Baby’s Development
- Talk and sing to your baby daily to build language skills.
- Encourage tummy time to strengthen muscles for crawling and walking.
- Read together, even in infancy—it builds cognitive and emotional skills.
- Play interactively using toys, peek-a-boo, and mimicking sounds or actions.
- Keep well-child checkups, where your pediatrician can assess development and answer questions.
When to Seek Support
Not meeting some milestones isn’t always cause for concern, but if you notice significant delays, it’s a good idea to speak with a healthcare professional. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends routine screenings to help identify and support children who may benefit from early intervention.
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