Watching your baby reach developmental milestones is one of the most exciting parts of parenthood. This guide helps you understand what to expect and how to track your baby's progress without unnecessary worry or comparison.

Important Reminder

Every baby develops at their own pace. These milestones are general guidelines, not strict deadlines. If you have concerns about your baby's development, consult your pediatrician.

0-3 Months: The Fourth Trimester

Physical Development

• Lifts head briefly during tummy time (1-2 months)
• Follows objects with eyes (2-3 months)
• Brings hands to mouth (2-3 months)
• Holds head steady when supported (3 months)

Social & Emotional

• First social smiles (6-8 weeks)
• Recognizes familiar faces (2-3 months)
• Enjoys playing with people (3 months)
• Copies some movements and facial expressions (3 months)

Communication

• Makes cooing sounds (2-3 months)
• Cries differently for different needs (0-3 months)
• Begins to babble (3 months)

4-6 Months: Becoming More Interactive

Physical Development

• Rolls from tummy to back (4-5 months)
• Sits with support (4-6 months)
• Reaches for and grasps objects (4-5 months)
• Transfers objects between hands (5-6 months)

Social & Emotional

• Laughs and squeals with delight (4-5 months)
• Shows curiosity about surroundings (4-6 months)
• Responds to own name (5-6 months)

Communication

• Babbles with consonant sounds (4-6 months)
• Makes sounds to show joy and displeasure (4-6 months)
• Responds to sounds by making sounds (5-6 months)

7-9 Months: Mobile and Curious

Physical Development

• Sits without support (6-8 months)
• Crawls or scoots (7-9 months)
• Pulls to standing (8-9 months)
• Uses pincer grasp (8-9 months)

Social & Emotional

• Shows stranger anxiety (6-8 months)
• Plays peek-a-boo (7-8 months)
• Shows preferences for certain people and toys (7-9 months)

Communication

• Understands "no" (8-9 months)
• Makes lots of different sounds (7-9 months)
• Uses gestures like waving bye-bye (8-9 months)

10-12 Months: Almost a Toddler

Physical Development

• Cruises along furniture (9-12 months)
• Takes first independent steps (9-15 months)
• Drinks from a cup (10-12 months)
• Feeds self finger foods (10-12 months)

Social & Emotional

• Shows affection to familiar people (10-12 months)
• Plays simple games like pat-a-cake (10-12 months)
• Shows fear in some situations (10-12 months)

Communication

• Says "mama" and "dada" with meaning (10-12 months)
• Follows simple directions (11-12 months)
• Points to objects (11-12 months)

How to Track Milestones

Tracking Tips

• Take photos and videos of new skills
• Note the date when milestones are achieved
• Use a milestone tracking app like BabyZone
• Share achievements with your pediatrician
• Focus on progress, not perfection

When to Seek Professional Advice

Contact your pediatrician if your baby:

• Loses skills they once had
• Doesn't smile or show facial expressions by 3 months
• Doesn't babble by 12 months
• Doesn't gesture (point, wave) by 12 months
• Doesn't walk by 18 months
• You have concerns about their development

Remember, early intervention can be incredibly helpful if there are any developmental concerns. Trust your instincts as a parent—you know your baby best.