Your baby’s first year is full of incredible growth and exciting milestones. From the first smile to those precious first steps, every achievement marks a significant step in their development. While every baby progresses at their own pace, here’s a general guide to key developmental milestones from birth to one year.

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0-3 Months: Adjusting to the World

Motor Skills

• Moves arms and legs actively.
• Lifts head briefly during tummy time.
• Starts grasping objects placed in their hand.

Cognitive Development

• Follows moving objects with their eyes.
• Recognizes familiar faces and voices.
• Responds to sounds with movement or expressions.

Social & Emotional Growth

• Smiles in response to familiar faces or voices.
• Makes cooing sounds to communicate.
• Enjoys being held and comforted.

Communication

• Expresses needs through different types of crying.
• Starts making vowel sounds like “ahh” and “ooh.”

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4-6 Months: Building Strength and Awareness

Motor Skills

• Rolls from tummy to back and vice versa.
• Reaches for and grasps objects with more control.
• Sits with support and starts bearing weight on legs.

Cognitive Development

• Begins to recognize and respond to their name.
• Explores objects by putting them in their mouth.
• Shows curiosity by looking around and reaching for things.

Social & Emotional Growth

• Laughs and giggles when entertained.
• Enjoys social play and reacts positively to interactions.
• Develops strong attachments to caregivers.

Communication

• Babbles with consonant sounds (e.g., “ba,” “da,” “ga”).
• Responds to different tones of voice.

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7-9 Months: Moving & Exploring

Motor Skills

• Sits up without support.
• Begins crawling or scooting.
• Pulls up to stand with support.

Cognitive Development

• Understands object permanence (knows things exist even when out of sight).
• Explores objects by banging, shaking, or dropping them.
• Starts recognizing common words and simple commands.

Social & Emotional Growth

• May show signs of stranger anxiety.
• Enjoys interactive games like peek-a-boo.
• Expresses a preference for favorite people and toys.

Communication

• Responds to simple words like “no” or “bye-bye.”
• Uses hand gestures like waving or reaching.

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10-12 Months: Getting Ready to Walk & Talk

Motor Skills

• Stands alone for short periods.
• May take first steps or walk with support.
• Uses pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects.

Cognitive Development

• Tries to imitate actions like clapping or waving.
• Understands basic commands such as “come here.”
• Explores surroundings more independently.

Social & Emotional Growth

• Develops stronger attachment to caregivers and may have separation anxiety.
• Expresses emotions more clearly (excitement, frustration, happiness).
• Shows affection by hugging, kissing, or leaning in.

Communication

• Says simple words like “mama” and “dada” with meaning.
• Imitates sounds and gestures from adults.
• Points to objects they want.

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Final Thoughts

Every baby develops at their own pace, so don’t worry if your little one reaches some milestones earlier or later than expected. If you have any concerns, your pediatrician can help guide you on your baby’s unique development journey.

Cherish every moment—before you know it, you’ll be celebrating their first birthday and looking forward to even more exciting milestones ahead! 🎉