For some new parents, it can feel like their child is changing almost every day, hitting one new baby milestone after another. As your baby grows and changes and explores new worlds, you’ll be going on an adventure of your own.
Especially in the first year, your little one is full of surprises. Sometimes it can seem like there’s too much to look out for. If you need a way to keep organized, the CDC has made a handy checklist for you to track developmental milestones.
But from us to you, here are some major ones to take note of.
First 6 Weeks
Smiling & Laughing
Around six weeks, your baby may show off their first gummy smile. By now, they’ll have been cuddling with you and recognizing your voice, but there is nothing like the first time your baby smiles at you. While it makes a cute picture, it also indicates more is happening behind the scenes.
Your baby is gaining more control of their eyes and facial muscles. They’re also learning that positive facial expressions get positive reactions. That’s social skills coming into play.
A couple of months later, usually between four to six months, your baby will learn another social expression: laughter. Initially, the laughing may sound a bit different than our laughter. That’s because the baby’s larynx is still developing. As time goes on your baby’s giggles and chuckles will sound more like your own.
First 6 Months
Sleeping Through The Night
A smiling baby is adorable. A sleeping baby is a blessing. For exhausted new parents once your baby makes it through the night, it can feel like an accomplishment for them and you. Unfortunately, this won’t happen when your baby’s a newborn. But come four to six months, with a good sleep routine, you AND your baby could be sleeping more throughout the night.
Teething
That hard-earned sleep routine may get interrupted as your baby approaches six months. However, it may be for another exciting reason. Some babies begin teething around six months (though others may show some pre-teething signs sooner than this). As babies start teething, their gums become more sensitive and irritated. Add in more drool, and, well, your baby’s teething pains and crying may keep both of you up.
Eventually, though, they adjust and you’ll see the front teeth come in first. The rest of the baby teeth will follow until eventually at around three years old, your baby has a full set of pearly whites.
Once your baby’s first tooth erupts, it’s important to get started developing good oral hygiene. Take your baby to a pediatric dentist and begin brushing with a fluoride-based toothpaste.
First 12 Months
Finger Foods
Even before teeth emerge, your infant can begin the process of baby-led weaning or try a more traditional approach to incorporating solids. Before attempting this feat, make sure your baby can sit up and has some control of their head. If not, it’s best to wait.
There’s a lot of fun to be had in expanding your child’s palate. And a lot of mess too! Finger foods help a baby get different types of nutrients, develop fine motor skills, and make mealtime a new learning environment.
If you’re wondering what foods are best to introduce to your baby and how to add them to their meals, check out this list of baby-led weaning foods.
Crawling
New parents often wonder when their baby will start crawling. This is another major baby milestone. But unlike some of the other milestones, different babies can reach this on very different timelines. Some babies around five months may begin creeping. While other babies may skip crawling entirely and go straight into standing and walking.
What you want to look out for is a sense of movement and more control. This can look like rolling over (a common early sign) or the belly commando-style crawl. If you’re trying to raise a champion crawler, look no further than these activities to encourage crawling.
Once your baby gets more mobility, you’ll see more muscle development, more curiosity, and more independence.
Standing & Walking
As babies move from tummy time to crawling, many of them are preparing for another big leap in their development. Standing and walking isn’t easy. And many babies only manage a few steps by their first birthday. Some take even longer. And that’s perfectly normal!
Getting their feet steadily under them can take time and can be nerve-wracking for you and your baby. Make sure you create a safe, cushioned environment for these first steps. Stumbling and falling is part of the game and you can reduce the inevitable bumps and bruises. And when they’re ready for shoes, know the right size to get them.
Communication & First Words
Before their first words, your little one is already absorbing so much information about how we communicate. From mimicking your facial expressions to using their hands and bodies to signal their desires, your baby has a lot to say. Expressing what they want physically is another sign of independence.
A few more months after laughter many babies begin to articulate other sounds and noises. Your baby’s pharynx and mouth muscle control are developing. This babytalk is a precursor to their first word. When you hear “mama” or “dada” for the first time, know that there were many mini-milestones leading up to it.
We’ve just cracked the surface of all the firsts your baby will experience. As you settle into your new parenting journey, don’t forget another important step. Finding dependable and helpful child care doesn’t need to be overwhelming. We’re here to help you find the best fit for your growing child and family.
