Baby Development Guide: 0–12 Months
This guide outlines common developmental milestones throughout the first year. Babies progress at different speeds, but these benchmarks offer a general overview of what many babies do at each stage.
Month-by-Month Overview
0–1 Month
- Responds to sound
- Focuses on faces up close
- Moves arms and legs in small motions
- Holds brief tummy time sessions
2 Months
- Begins responsive smiling
- May follow objects briefly
- More controlled movement
- Holds head up longer
3 Months
- Improved head control
- Recognizes familiar voices
- Enjoys visual stimulation
- Begins batting at toys
4 Months
- Rolls from tummy to back
- Laughs and vocalizes more
- Reaches for toys
- Pushes up on elbows
5 Months
- Grasps and mouths toys
- Rolls more often
- Responds to familiar sounds
- Watches movement across the room
6 Months
- Sits with support or briefly alone
- Begins solids if ready
- Transfers objects between hands
- Increased vocal play
7 Months
- Sits independently
- Explores toys more intentionally
- Shows clear preferences
- Scooting or pivoting on tummy
8 Months
- Army crawling or rocking on hands and knees
- Babbling increases
- Improved hand control
- Enjoys interactive play
9 Months
- Crawls or purposeful moving
- Pulls to stand
- Responds to simple words
- Practices pincer grasp
10 Months
- Cruises along furniture
- Understands simple gestures
- Uses objects with intention
- Shows problem-solving behaviors
11 Months
- Stands briefly without support
- Imitates actions
- Plays simple stacking or placing games
- Engages in more complex exploration
12 Months
- May take first steps
- Uses simple words
- Points to show interest
- Follows simple directions
Play Ideas for Each Stage
- Tummy time activities
- High-contrast toys
- Soft rattles
- Activity gyms
- Stacking toys
- Simple object-hiding games
- Cloth or board books
Development Toys and Essentials
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- Sensory toys
- Teethers
- Activity gym
- Rattles
- Push toys
- Soft books
- Stacking blocks
For baby toy recommendations at each developmental stage, visit:
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