Developmental Milestones

During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed. Their weight will double by 5 to 6 months, and triple by his/her first birthday. And they are constantly learning. Some of their major achievements—called developmental milestones—should include rolling over, sitting up, standing, and possibly walking. And your heart will most likely melt at the sound of his/her first “mama” or “dada.”

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But keep in mind that no two babies are exactly alike. Your baby will develop at his/her own pace. Most babies reach certain milestones at similar ages. However, it’s not unusual for a healthy, “normal” baby to fall behind in some areas or race ahead in others.

By the end of month one a baby typically:

Lifts head for short periods of time

Moves head from side to side

Prefers the human face to other shapes

Makes jerky, arm movements

Brings hands to face

Has strong reflex movements

Can focus on items 8 to 12 inches away

May turn towards familiar sounds or voices

Responds to loud sounds

Blinks at bright lights

Smiles

Tracks objects with his eyes

Makes noises other than crying

May repeat vowel noises, such as "ah" or "ooh"

By the end of month three a baby typically:

Raises head and chest when put on tummy

Lifts head up 45 degrees

Kicks and straightens legs when on back

Open and shuts hands

Pushes down with legs when placed on a hard surface

Reaches for dangling objects

Grasps and shakes hand toys

Tracks moving objects

Begins to imitate sounds

Recognizes familiar objects and people, even at a distance

Begins to develop a social smile

Begins to develop hand-eye coordination

Brings both hands together

Interested in circular and spiral patterns

Kicks legs energetically

Holds head up with control

By the end of month four a baby typically:

May sleep about six hours at night before waking (total sleep typically 14 to 17 hours)

Rolls over (usually stomach to back is first)

Sits with support

Lifts head up 90 degrees

Can follow a moving object for a 180-degree arc

Babbles and amuses self with new noises

Responds to all colors and shades

Explores objects with his mouth

Recognizes a bottle or breast

Communicates pain, fear, loneliness and discomfort through crying

Responds to a rattle or bell

By the end of month five a baby typically:

Pays attention to small objects

Experiments with the concept of cause and effect

Can see across the room

Begins to use hands in a raking fashion to bring toys near

Begins teething process

By the end of month six a baby typically:

Keeps head level when pulled to sitting position

Makes some vowel-consonant sounds

Sits by self with minimal support

Opens mouth for spoon

Reaches for and grabs objects

Rolls over and back

Drinks from a cup with help

Can hold bottle

Copies some facial expressions

Makes two-syllable sounds

By the end of month seven a baby typically:

Can self-feed some finger foods

Makes wet razzing sounds

Turns in the direction of a voice

Plays peek-a-boo

Imitates many sounds

Distinguishes emotions by tone of voice

By the end of month eight a baby typically:

Chews on objects

Reaches for utensils when being fed

Turns head away when finished eating

May sleep between 11 and 13 hours a night; takes 2 to 3 naps (may vary)

Rolls all the way around

Sits unsupported

Gets on arms and knees in crawling position

Has specific cries for various needs

Babbles enthusiastically

Tests gravity by dropping objects over edge of high chair

Responds to own name

Has different reactions for different family members

Shows some anxiety when removed from parent

By the end of month nine a baby typically:

Reaches for toys

Drops objects and then looks for them

Becomes interested in grabbing the spoon during feedings

Goes from tummy to sitting by self

Picks up tiny objects

Begins to identify self in a mirror's reflection

By the end of month ten a baby typically:

Understands the concept of object permanence

Gets upset if toy is removed

Transfers object from hand to hand

Stands holding onto someone

Pulls to standing

By the end of month eleven a baby typically:

Says "ma-ma" and "da-da" discriminately

Understands "no"

Claps hands

Waves bye-bye

By the end of month twelve a baby typically:

May take one to two naps daily

Triples birth weight and is 29 to 32 inches long

Bangs two cubes together

Puts objects into containers and then takes them out

Voluntarily lets objects go

Shakes head "no"

Has fun opening and closing cabinet doors

Crawls well

"Cruises" furniture

Walks with adult help

Says "ma-ma" and "da-da"

"Dances" to music

Interested in books and may identify some things

May understand some simple commands

Fearful of strangers

Shares toys but wants them back

May form attachment to an item

Pushes away what he doesn't want

Prefers to push, pull and dump items

Pulls off hat and socks

Understands use of certain objects

Tests parental responses to behavior

Extends arm or leg when getting dressed

Identifies self in mirror

By their first birthday, most babies:

Sit without assistance

Get into hands-and-knees position

Crawl

Pull self up to stand

Walk holding onto furniture, and possibly a few steps without support

Use pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)

Finger-feed themselves

Say “dada” and “mama”

Use exclamations, such as “oh-oh!”

Try to imitate words

Respond to “no” and simple verbal requests

Use simple gestures, such as shaking head “no” and waving bye-bye

Explore objects in many ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)

Begin to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)

Find hidden objects easily

Look at correct picture when image is named

By their second birthday, most children

Walk alone

Pull toys behind them while walking

Carry large toy or several toys while walking

Begin to run

Kick a ball

Climb on and off furniture without help

Walk up and down stairs while holding on

Scribble with crayon

Build tower of four blocks or more

Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts

Say several single words (by 15 to 18 months)

Use simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)

Use two- to four-word sentences (“want snack”)

Follow simple instructions

Begin to sort objects by shapes and colors

Begin to play make-believe

Imitate behavior of others

These milestones are only guidelines. Your baby's doctor will evaluate your baby’s development at each well-baby visit. But remember that you know your baby best. Always talk to the doctor if you think your baby is lagging behind in one or more areas of development.