Growth and Development
These are the growth and development milestones for an average baby in his or her first year of life.
First Month
- At birth a newborn can hear, smell, feel, taste, and can best see objects that are eight to ten inches away.
- Baby will be awake only for brief periods of time.
- Baby's arm and leg movements are jerky, controlled mostly by reflexes.
- Baby will keep hands fisted and can only lift her head briefly.
Second Month
- When lying on his stomach, baby can hold his head at a 45° angle for a few seconds.
- Baby begins to turn his head to look for sounds.
- Baby begins to stay awake for longer periods during the day.
- Baby may begin smiling.
Third Month
- Baby follows slowly moving objects with her eyes.
- Baby vocalizes by cooing and gurgling.
- Baby begins to cry less frequently.
- Baby continues to straighten out her body and will move her arms and legs vigorously.
Fourth Month
- Baby becomes much more social this month and may start laughing.
- When on his stomach, baby can hold his head up well and pushes up on his arms.
- Baby may begin "batting" and kicking at toys.
- Baby's eyesight has improved and baby can focus at different distances.
Fifth Month
- Baby becomes more active this month and begins reaching for objects.
- Baby can sit when propped up or leaning back on something.
- Baby begins rolling from stomach to back.
- Baby is very interested in making new sounds and blowing "raspberries."
Sixth Month
- Baby will begin to sit more upright, but may still need support.
- Baby will begin rolling from back to stomach.
- Baby may begin transferring objects from hand to hand.
- Baby may begin babbling a string of sounds together.
Seventh Month
- Baby may begin to sit alone steadily for several minutes.
- Baby may begin pushing up on hands and knees, and rocking back and forth.
- Baby begins banging objects.
- Baby enjoys exploring her body with her mouth and hands, and may like chewing on her toes.
Eighth Month
- Baby may begin crawling, either backward or forward.
- Baby may clap or wave "bye-bye."
- Baby may be babbling "ma-ma" and "da-da."
- Baby begins to develop his "pincher" grasp, using his thumb and forefinger.
Ninth Month
- Baby begins pulling to a stand, but may have trouble getting back down.
- Baby enjoys crawling up stairs.
- Baby knows her name and turns her head when she hears it.
- Baby is beginning to understand simple words like "No" and "Stop!"
Tenth Month
- Baby may begin "cruising" furniture.
- When holding onto furniture, baby may stoop or squat to pick up a toy.
- Baby may begin "walking" if both hands are held.
- Baby enjoys listening to rhymes and songs.
Eleventh Month
- Baby may begin to stand alone.
- Baby says "ma-ma" and "da-da" correctly.
- Baby may begin to show her temper.
- Baby may not want to lie still to be changed.
Twelfth Month
- Baby may start using one word correctly besides "ma-ma" and "da-da."
- Baby may begin responding to simple requests like giving up a toy when asked.
- Baby makes you very aware of his likes and dislikes.
- Baby may take a few steps alone. A few babies will be walking now.