Milestones for Baby’s First Year

You've just spent nine months looking forward to your baby's arrival—and now you have a year of unforgettable "firsts" you're about to enjoy with your newborn. Just don't forget to savor the small stuff, says Jessica McMaken, of Razzbelly Early Childhood Consulting Services: "We're all looking for the 'biggies'—rolling over, sitting up and those sorts of things—but a lot of what happens during the first year is more subtle and even more delightful."

“The first heart-melting social smile occurs sometime around 1 or 2 months of age,” says McMaken. She adds that your baby may also have fun mimicking your facial expressions. “Try this—stare deep into your newborn’s eyes and slowly stick out your tongue. If you’re patient, you will likely be rewarded with her [doing the same]. You’ve just had your first conversation!"

Around the 2-month mark, most babies can hold their heads up. “You can encourage this and other gross motor skills by beginning ‘tummy time’ from the day you bring your baby home from the hospital,” says child development specialist Faith Golden, of It's Aparent. It’s simple: Just lie down somewhere comfortable and put the baby on his or her tummy on top of yours.

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While you may be a tad touchy from lack of sleep, your baby is getting touchy in an entirely different way. “Babies are learning about their hands and how to use them to manipulate their environment,” says McMaken. And this new development may actually help your sleep prospects, says Golden: “Your baby can briefly calm herself by bringing her hands to her mouth—this is great news, because she may put herself back to sleep during the night.”

The only thing better than the sound of happy feet is hearing your baby’s lively coos, babbles and chuckles. At this stage, your baby will get a kick out of expressing himself and will love to hear you do the same. “Your baby will laugh and make noises when you play peek-a-boo," Golden says. "Babies also love to listen to you talk about what you’re doing, whether you’re changing a diaper or doing normal household tasks.”

One small step for mankind, one giant step for baby! Some of the biggest steps toward "baby’s first step" happen during this stage. Around 6 or 7 months, your baby will be able to sit up without support; during this time, your baby will also be “strengthening legs and improving balance, which will allow him or her to pull to stand around 8 months,” says McMaken.

Make sure all bets are in on your baby’s first word, as you just might hear it during this stage. “Your baby may start to say ‘mama’ or ‘dada’ at about 8 months, though he or she may not attach meaning to the sounds at first," McMaken says. "Ten-month-olds may have one word in addition and enjoy using baby sign language to communicate.”

Ding, ding! That’s the sound of the proverbial light bulb going off above your baby’s head. Suddenly things are clicking cognitively, and your baby can grasp the concepts of cause-and-effect and object permanence. “Before 9 months, when an object is out of sight, your baby thought it was gone,” Golden says. “Now your baby knows it still exists, and the same concept applies to you, which is why your child now cries when you leave her at day care."

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Forget keeping up with the Joneses—this stage is all about keeping up with your little one. “Your baby is really on the move now,” says Golden. “She can get into a sitting position from crawling and go from sitting to crawling with ease. When there is sturdy furniture nearby or when in her crib, your baby will pull herself up to standing position. Watch out, because she’s getting ready to walk!”

If your baby doesn't seem to be following a typical timeline, no need to fret. "There is a wide range of normal development in the first year," McMaken says. "While most babies will sit alone at about 7 months, some will do so as early as 5 months and as late as 9 months." To help babies reach their potential, McMaken suggests spending as much quality time with them as possible: "When babies know they are safe and loved, they will flourish."

For moms who are concerned about their children's development, McMaken suggests speaking to a pediatrician or contacting the Child Find office in your area. "Child Find is a wonderful, free program available in all states," she says. "They will conduct a free developmental screening and evaluation of your child and, if he or she qualifies, will provide free early intervention services in your home or in a preschool environment."