Growth and Development

These are the growth and development milestones of the average baby in his or her first year, as reprinted from Baby's First Year calendar. (Note: male and female alternate.)

First Month

• At birth baby 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.