Baby's First Year: Milestones to Watch
The first year of a baby’s life is filled with developmental milestones, and it’s a time of tremendous growth and change. While every baby develops at their own pace, it’s important to be aware of the general milestones for the first year.
Month 1: Early Reactions and Focus
- Begins to focus on objects and faces.
- Starts making small noises and facial expressions.
- Responds to loud sounds with startle reflexes.
Month 2: Emotional Development
- Shows emotion and responds to your voice.
- Is comforted by your touch.
- Can lift head and chest when lying on their stomach.
- May start to roll over.
Month 3: Increased Interaction
- Raises head and chest when lying on stomach.
- Begins to laugh and smile.
- Responds to their own name.
- Rolls over more frequently.
Month 4: Exploring the World
- Sits with support.
- Starts to babble.
- Uses hands to explore objects.
Month 5: Mobility Begins
- Rolls over in both directions.
- May begin to crawl.
- Responds to simple commands.
- Understands the difference between objects.
Month 6: Sitting and Standing
- Sits without support.
- May stand while holding onto something.
- Follows basic commands.
Month 7: First Words
- Understands the meaning of words.
- May say their first word.
- Pulls themselves up to a standing position.
Month 8: Passing and Standing
- Passes objects from one hand to the other.
- May stand alone for a few seconds.
Month 9: Crawling and Cruising
- Crawls and cruises around furniture.
- Says familiar words like “Mama” and “Dada”.
- Understands simple instructions.
Month 10: Standing and Walking
- Stands alone.
- May walk while holding onto furniture.
Month 11: Walking and Climbing
- Walks without help.
- May climb stairs.
- Begins to say two-word sentences.
- Understands simple stories.
Month 12: Running and Communicating
- Walks and may run.
- Uses gestures to communicate.
- Understands more complex instructions.
These milestones are just a general guide, and every baby is unique and develops at their own pace. If you have any concerns about your baby’s development, speak to your doctor or health care provider.
Explore our Baby Shop in Ireland for all your baby's needs!
Baby Nests Click here
Junior Lounger Click here