Baby Milestones Month by Month – 1st Year

**Month 1:**
– Reflexes: Grasping, rooting, and sucking reflexes are prominent.
– Motor Skills: Moves arms and legs; head may turn towards sounds.
– Social: Begins to recognize parents, may look at you when you speak.

**Month 2:**
– Communication: Starts to coo and make different sounds.
– Motor Skills: Can lift head while lying on tummy; pushes up to elbows.
– Social: Smiles in response to others.

**Month 3:**
– Communication: Starts to babble; vocalizes more sounds.
– Motor Skills: Can hold a toy for a short period; may push down on legs when feet are on a hard surface.
– Social: Enjoys playing with others; can briefly calm themselves.

**Month 4:**
– Communication: Laughs out loud; responds to own name.
– Motor Skills: Can hold toys and move them from one hand to another; may begin to roll over.
– Social: Shows interest in faces; may look at caregiver when upset.

**Month 5:**
– Communication: Begins to mimic sounds; expressive with different cries.
– Motor Skills: Can roll over both ways; sits with support; reaches for and grasps objects.
– Social: Shows more facial expressions; develops social smile.

**Month 6:**
– Communication: Starts to babble chains of sounds (e.g., “bababa”).
– Motor Skills: Sits without support; rocks back and forth when on hands and knees.
– Social: Shows curiosity about things; begins to know if someone is a stranger.

**Month 7:**
– Communication: May say “dada” or “mama” without meaning yet.
– Motor Skills: Can transition from sitting to crawling; can move objects from hand to hand.
– Social: Enjoys interactive games, like peek-a-boo.

**Month 8:**
– Communication: Babbles with rhythm and inflection; responds to “no.”
– Motor Skills: Crawls well; may pull up to standing position.
– Social: Develops a preference for certain people and toys; shows fear of strangers.

**Month 9:**
– Communication: Understands “no” and can say “mama” and “dada” with meaning.
– Motor Skills: Stands while holding on; may begin to walk while holding on to furniture (cruising).
– Social: May show anxiety around strangers; has favorite toys.

**Month 10:**
– Communication: Can use simple gestures, like waving goodbye or shaking head.
– Motor Skills: Can stand without holding on for brief moments; may take steps.
– Social: Expresses feelings towards people; may get upset when a caregiver leaves.

**Month 11:**
– Communication: Imitates speech sounds; may say 1-2 words with meaning.
– Motor Skills: Can “walk” while holding onto furniture; may stand on their own.
– Social: Tests parental reactions; can play simple games, like rolling a ball back and forth.

**Month 12:**
– Communication: May say “mama” and “dada” specifically; understands simple instructions.
– Motor Skills: Stands independently and may take first steps.
– Social: Shows fear or anxiety with strangers; may have separation anxiety.

These milestones can vary from baby to baby, so it’s important to remember that each child develops at their own pace. Regular check-ups with a pediatrician can help track development and address any concerns.