Newborn baby developmental milestones. Baby’s First Year: Developmental Milestones and Growth Stages
What are the key developmental milestones for babies in their first year. How do newborns develop month by month. When do babies typically start crawling, walking, and talking. What physical and cognitive changes occur during a baby’s first 12 months.
The Incredible Journey of Infant Development
The first year of a baby’s life is truly remarkable, marked by rapid growth and astounding developmental leaps. From a tiny, helpless newborn to an active, curious toddler, the transformation that occurs in just 12 months is nothing short of miraculous. Parents often find themselves marveling at each new skill their little one acquires, eagerly anticipating the next milestone.
While it’s natural to compare your baby’s progress to developmental charts, it’s crucial to remember that each child grows and learns at their own unique pace. There’s a wide range of what’s considered “normal” when it comes to infant development. Some babies may excel in certain areas while taking a bit longer in others.
The Importance of Individual Development
Why is it essential to avoid obsessing over milestone checklists? Every baby is an individual, with their own genetic makeup, temperament, and environmental influences. These factors all play a role in shaping a child’s developmental trajectory. Instead of fixating on specific dates or ages for achievements, parents should focus on providing a nurturing, stimulating environment that supports their baby’s growth across all domains.
Newborn Milestones: The First Month of Life
The first month of a baby’s life is a period of rapid adjustment to the outside world. During this time, newborns are developing basic reflexes and beginning to make sense of their surroundings. What can parents expect to see in terms of development during this early stage?
- Jerky, quivering arm movements
- Bringing hands near the face
- Keeping hands in tight fists
- Moving head from side to side while lying on stomach
- Focusing on objects 8 to 12 inches away
- Preferring human faces and high-contrast patterns
- Hearing very well and recognizing parents’ voices
These early behaviors lay the foundation for more complex skills that will develop in the coming months. It’s important to note that premature babies may reach these milestones later, based on their adjusted age (calculated from their due date rather than their actual birth date).
The Three-Month Mark: Emerging Personality and Skills
By the end of the third month, babies have typically made significant strides in their physical and cognitive abilities. This period often marks the emergence of a more distinct personality, as infants become more responsive to their environment and caregivers.
Physical Developments at Three Months
What physical changes can parents observe around the three-month mark?
- Raising head and chest when lying on stomach
- Supporting upper body with arms during tummy time
- Stretching legs out and kicking
- Pushing down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
- Opening and shutting hands
- Bringing hands to mouth
- Grasping and shaking hand toys
Cognitive and Social Developments
Alongside physical growth, babies at this stage are making leaps in their cognitive and social skills. What mental and social milestones might be observed?
- Following moving objects with their eyes
- Watching faces closely
- Recognizing familiar objects and people at a distance
- Beginning to coordinate hand and eye movements
- Starting to babble and imitate some sounds
- Smiling at the sound of parents’ voices
- Enjoying social interaction and potentially crying when play stops
These developments signify the baby’s growing awareness of their environment and their ability to interact with it. Parents may notice their little one becoming more engaged and responsive during this period.
Halfway Through the First Year: Seven-Month Milestones
The seven-month mark often represents a significant leap in a baby’s abilities. At this stage, infants are typically much more mobile and interactive, exploring their world with growing curiosity and dexterity.
Physical Achievements at Seven Months
What physical milestones might a seven-month-old baby reach?
- Rolling over in both directions
- Sitting up without support
- Reaching for objects with improved accuracy
- Transferring objects from one hand to the other
- Supporting their full weight on their legs when held upright
Sensory and Communication Developments
Beyond physical growth, seven-month-old babies are making strides in their sensory perception and communication skills. What changes might parents observe in these areas?
- Developing full-color vision and mature distance vision
- Using voice to express joy and displeasure
- Responding to their own name
- Babbling chains of consonants (e.g., “ba-ba-ba-ba”)
- Distinguishing emotions by tone of voice
Cognitive and Social Advancements
Seven-month-old babies are becoming more adept at understanding and interacting with their environment. What cognitive and social skills are emerging at this stage?
- Exploring objects with both hands and mouth
- Struggling to reach objects that are out of reach
- Enjoying games like peek-a-boo
- Showing interest in mirror images
These developments demonstrate the baby’s growing understanding of object permanence and their increasing ability to interact with the world around them.
The Big One: First Birthday Milestones
Reaching the one-year mark is a significant milestone for both babies and parents. By their first birthday, most infants have made remarkable progress in their physical, cognitive, and social development.
Physical Abilities at One Year
What physical skills have most babies mastered by their first birthday?
- Sitting without assistance
- Getting into a hands-and-knees position
- Crawling
- Pulling themselves up to stand
- Walking while holding onto furniture (cruising)
- Possibly taking a few steps without support
- Using a pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger) to pick up small objects
Language and Communication Progress
How does a one-year-old typically communicate?
- Saying “dada” and “mama” with meaning
- Using exclamations like “oh-oh!”
- Attempting to imitate words
- Responding to “no” and simple verbal requests
- Using simple gestures, such as shaking head for “no” and waving “bye-bye”
Cognitive and Social Developments
What cognitive and social skills have most one-year-olds developed?
- Exploring objects in various ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
- Beginning to use objects correctly (e.g., drinking from a cup, brushing hair)
- Finding hidden objects easily
- Looking at the correct picture when an image is named
These milestones showcase the remarkable progress babies make in their first year of life, transforming from helpless newborns into active, curious toddlers ready to explore their world.
Looking Ahead: Development from 12 to 24 Months
The second year of a child’s life is marked by continued rapid development across all domains. While every child progresses at their own pace, there are certain milestones that many children achieve between their first and second birthdays.
Physical Developments in the Second Year
What physical skills do most children master between 12 and 24 months?
- Walking alone with increasing steadiness
- Pulling toys behind them while walking
- Carrying large toys or several items while walking
- Beginning to run
- Kicking a ball
- Climbing on and off furniture without assistance
- Walking up and down stairs while holding onto support
- Scribbling with crayons
- Building towers of four blocks or more
Language and Cognitive Milestones
How do language and cognitive skills typically develop during this period?
- Recognizing names of familiar people, objects, and body parts
- Saying several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
- Using simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
- Forming two- to four-word sentences
- Following simple instructions
- Beginning to sort objects by shapes and colors
Social and Emotional Growth
What social and emotional developments occur between the first and second birthdays?
- Beginning to engage in make-believe play
- Imitating behaviors of others
- Showing growing independence
- Exhibiting increased emotional range and complexity
These milestones highlight the continuing rapid development that occurs in the second year of life, as toddlers become increasingly independent and capable.
Nurturing Your Baby’s Development: Tips for Parents
While babies develop at their own pace, parents play a crucial role in supporting and encouraging their growth. How can you foster your baby’s development during the first year and beyond?
Creating a Stimulating Environment
What can parents do to provide a rich, supportive environment for their baby’s development?
- Offer a variety of age-appropriate toys and objects for exploration
- Provide plenty of tummy time to strengthen neck and upper body muscles
- Read to your baby daily, even from a very young age
- Play music and sing songs to stimulate auditory development
- Engage in face-to-face interaction to promote social and emotional bonding
Encouraging Physical Development
How can parents support their baby’s physical growth and motor skills?
- Create safe spaces for crawling and exploring
- Offer support as your baby learns to sit, stand, and walk
- Provide opportunities for fine motor skill development, such as stacking blocks or picking up small objects (under supervision)
- Engage in active play and games that encourage movement
Fostering Cognitive and Language Skills
What strategies can parents use to promote cognitive and language development?
- Talk to your baby frequently, describing actions and objects in their environment
- Respond to your baby’s attempts at communication, even before they use real words
- Play games that involve object permanence, such as peek-a-boo
- Introduce simple puzzles and problem-solving toys as your baby grows
- Use gestures along with words to help your baby understand language
Remember, every interaction with your baby is an opportunity for learning and development. By providing a loving, stimulating environment and responding to your baby’s cues, you’re laying the foundation for a lifetime of growth and learning.
When to Seek Professional Advice
While it’s important to remember that every child develops at their own pace, there are times when parents might need to consult with a healthcare provider about their baby’s development. When should you consider seeking professional advice?
Recognizing Potential Developmental Delays
What signs might indicate a need for professional evaluation?
- Lack of response to loud sounds by 3 months
- Not smiling or responding to social interactions by 3 months
- Not reaching for objects by 3 to 4 months
- Unable to hold head steady by 4 months
- Not babbling by 7 months
- No interest in games like peek-a-boo by 8 months
- No crawling or attempting to stand while supported by 12 months
- No single words by 16 months
It’s important to note that missing a single milestone doesn’t necessarily indicate a problem. However, if you notice your baby consistently lagging behind in multiple areas, it’s worth discussing with your pediatrician.
The Role of Well-Baby Visits
How do regular check-ups contribute to monitoring your baby’s development?
Well-baby visits provide an opportunity for healthcare providers to assess your baby’s growth and development systematically. These appointments typically include:
- Physical examinations
- Measurements of height, weight, and head circumference
- Developmental screenings
- Discussions about nutrition, sleep, and behavior
- Opportunities for parents to ask questions and voice concerns
Regular check-ups allow for early identification of potential issues and timely intervention if needed. They also provide valuable reassurance for parents about their baby’s progress.
Early Intervention Services
What support is available if developmental concerns are identified?
If developmental delays are suspected, your healthcare provider may recommend early intervention services. These programs are designed to support children with developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Early intervention can include:
- Speech and language therapy
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Developmental psychology services
- Family counseling and support
Early identification and intervention can significantly improve outcomes for children with developmental delays, making it crucial to address concerns promptly.
Remember, as a parent, you know your baby best. If you have concerns about your child’s development, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider. Early attention to developmental issues can make a significant difference in a child’s long-term outcomes and well-being.
Developmental milestones for baby | March of Dimes
During the first year of life, your baby will grow and develop at an amazing speed.
Her weight will double by 5 to 6 months, and triple by her first birthday. And she is constantly learning.
Major achievements—called developmental milestones—include rolling over, sitting up, standing and possibly walking. And your heart will likely melt at the sound of her first “mama” or “dada.”
No two babies are exactly alike. Your baby will develop at her own pace. Most babies reach certain milestones at similar ages. However, it’s not unusual for a healthy, “normal” baby to fall behind in some areas or race ahead in others.
The following milestones are only guidelines. Your baby’s health care provider will evaluate your baby’s development at each well-baby visit. Remember: Always talk to your child’s health care professional if you think your baby is lagging behind.
If your baby was born prematurely (before 37 weeks of pregnancy), you need to look at the milestone guidelines a little differently. The age at which your baby is expected to reach various milestones is based on her due date, not her birthday. So if your baby was born two months early, she will most likely achieve milestones two months later than the guidelines below predict.
By the end of their first month, most babies:
- Make jerky, quivering arm movements
- Bring hands near face
- Keep hands in tight fists
- Move head from side to side while lying on stomach
- Focus on objects 8 to 12 inches away
- Prefer human faces over other shapes
- Prefer black-and-white or high-contrast patterns
- Hear very well
- Recognize some sounds, including parents’ voices
By the end of their third month, most babies:
- Raise head and chest when lying on stomach
- Support upper body with arms when lying on stomach
- Stretch legs out and kick when lying on stomach or back
- Push down on legs when feet are placed on a firm surface
- Open and shut hands
- Bring hands to mouth
- Grab and shake hand toys
- Follow moving object with eyes
- Watch faces closely
- Recognize familiar objects and people at a distance
- Start using hands and eyes in coordination
- Begin to babble and to imitate some sounds
- Smile at the sound of parents’ voices
- Enjoy playing with other people
- May cry when playing stops
By the end of their seventh month, most babies:
- Roll over both ways (stomach to back and back to stomach)
- Sit up
- Reach for object with hand
- Transfer objects from one hand to the other
- Support whole weight on legs when held upright
- Develop full-color vision and mature distance vision
- Use voice to express joy and displeasure
- Respond to own name
- Babble chains of consonants (ba-ba-ba-ba)
- Distinguish emotions by tone of voice
- Explore objects with hands and mouth
- Struggle to get objects that are out of reach
- Enjoy playing peek-a-boo
- Show an interest in mirror images
By their first birthday, most babies:
- Sit without assistance
- Get into hands-and-knees position
- Crawl
- Pull self up to stand
- Walk holding onto furniture, and possibly a few steps without support
- Use pincer grasp (thumb and forefinger)
- Say “dada” and “mama”
- Use exclamations, such as “oh-oh!”
- Try to imitate words
- Respond to “no” and simple verbal requests
- Use simple gestures, such as shaking head “no” and waving bye-bye
- Explore objects in many ways (shaking, banging, throwing, dropping)
- Begin to use objects correctly (drinking from cup, brushing hair)
- Find hidden objects easily
- Look at correct picture when an image is named
By their second birthday, most children:
- Walk alone
- Pull toys behind them while walking
- Carry large toy or several toys while walking
- Begin to run
- Kick a ball
- Climb on and off furniture without help
- Walk up and down stairs while holding on to support
- Scribble with crayon
- Build tower of four blocks or more
- Recognize names of familiar people, objects and body parts
- Say several single words (by 15 to 18 months)
- Use simple phrases (by 18 to 24 months)
- Use two- to four-word sentences (“want snack”)
- Follow simple instructions
- Begin to sort objects by shapes and colors
- Begin to play make-believe
- Imitate behavior of others
- Show growing independence
Baby Development Stages: The First Year
Written by Gina Shaw
From helpless newborn to active toddler: It takes just 12 short months for your baby to undergo this incredible transformation. Babies grow and change at an astounding pace, and every month brings new and exciting developments.
New moms and dads often wonder what to expect next and how to know if their baby’s development is on target. Instead of focusing too much on developmental milestones, however, it’s important to remember that babies all develop at their own pace. There’s a fairly wide “window” for when it is normal for a baby to reach a particular developmental stage.
“If your baby reaches one milestone sooner, she may reach another one later, because she’s so busy perfecting the other skill,” says Jennifer Shu, MD, pediatrician and co-author of Heading Home with Your Newborn.
Some babies may say their first word at eight months, while others don’t talk until a little after the one-year mark. And walking may start anytime between nine and 18 months.
Keeping those kinds of variations in mind, here’s what your baby may be doing during each three-month stage of the first year.
During this first development stage, babies’ bodies and brains are learning to live in the outside world. Between birth and three months, your baby may start to:
- Smile. Early on, it will be just to themselves. But within three months, they’ll be smiling in response to your smiles and trying to get you to smile back at them.
- Raise their head and chest when on their tummy.
- Track objects with their eyesand gradually decrease eye crossing.
- Open and shut their hands and bring hands to their mouth.
- Grip objects in their hands.
- Take swipes at or reach for dangling objects, though they usually won’t be able to get them yet.
During these months, babies are really learning to reach out and manipulate the world around them. They’re mastering the use of those amazing tools, their hands. And they’re discovering their voices. From 4 to 6 months old, your baby will probably:
- Roll over from front to back or back to front. Front-to-back usually comes first.
- Babble, making sounds that can sound like real language.
- Laugh.
- Reach out for and grab objects (watch out for your hair), and manipulate toys and other objects with their hands.
- Sit up with support and have great head control.
During the second half of this year, your little one becomes a baby on the go. After learning that they can get somewhere by rolling over, they’ll spend the next few months figuring out how to move forward or backward. If you haven’t baby-proofed yet, better get on it!
- During this time period, your baby may:
- Start to crawl. This can include scooting (propelling around on their bottom) or “army crawling” (dragging themselves on their tummy by arms and legs), as well as standard crawling on hands and knees. Some babies never crawl, moving directly to from scooting to walking.
- Sit without support.
- Respond to familiar words like their name. They may also respond to “No” by briefly stopping and looking at you, and may start babbling “Mama” and “Dada.”
- Clap and play games such as patty-cake and peekaboo.
- Learn to pull up to a standing position.
The last development stage in baby’s first year is quite a transition. They aren’t an infant anymore, and they might look and act more like a toddler. But they are still a baby in many ways. They are learning to:
- Begin feeding herself. Babies at this developmental stage master the “pincer grasp“ — meaning they can hold small objects such as O-shaped cereal between their thumb and forefinger.
- Cruise, or move around the room on their feet while holding onto the furniture.
- Say one or two words, and “Mama” and “Dada” become specific name for parents. The average is about three spoken words by the first birthday, but the range on this is enormous.
- Point at objects they want in order to get your attention.
- Begin “pretend play” by copying you or using objects correctly, such as pretending to talk on the phone.
- Take their first steps. This usually happens right around one year, but it can vary greatly.
What should you do if you think your baby is not meeting growth or developmental milestones, when they should? First, says Shu, trust your instincts. “If you really feel like something’s wrong, then talk to your doctor about it because if there is a problem, we want to catch it as soon as we can,” she says. “Early intervention is best, and you know your child better than anyone.”
Remember, however, that it is not exactly when your baby sits up by themselves or says their first words that is important; it’s that they are moving forward in their development. “Don’t look at the time as much as the progression, and see that your child is changing and growing,” says Shu. “It’s not a race. Nobody’s going to ask on a college application when your child first walked or said ‘da-da.’”
This table shows common developmental milestones that babies reach each month during their first year, in four major categories. Keep in mind that all babies are different and every baby grows at their own pace. There’s no precise time that most of these skills first appear. If your child hasn’t reached a milestone by the month it is listed on this chart, it is usually a perfectly normal variation in child development. Watch for progress, not deadlines.
| Gross Motor | Fine Motor | Language/ Cognitive | Social |
1 month | Moves head from side to side when on stomach | Strong grip | Stares at hands and fingers | Tracks movement with eyes |
2 months | Holds head and neck up briefly while on tummy | Opens and closes hands | Begins to play with fingers | Smiles responsively |
3 months | Reaches and grabs at objects | Grips objects in hands | Coos | Imitates you when you stick out your tongue |
4 months | Pushes up on arms when lying on tummy | Grabs objects — and gets them! | Laughs out loud | Enjoys play and may cry when playing stops |
5 months | Begins to roll over in one or the other direction | Is learning to transfer objects from one hand to the other | Blows “raspberries” (spit bubbles) | Reaches for mommy or daddy and cries if they’re out of sight |
6 months | Rolls over both ways | Uses hands to “rake” small objects | Babbles | Recognizes familiar faces –caregivers and friends as well as family |
7 months | Moves around –is starting to crawl, scoot, or “army crawl” | Is learning to use thumb and fingers | Babbles in a more complex way | Responds to other people’s expressions of emotion |
8 months | Sits well without support | Begins to clap hands | Responds to familiar words, looks when you say their name | Plays interactive games like peekaboo |
9 months | May try to climb/crawl up stairs | Uses the pincer grasp | Learns object permanence — that something exists even if they can’t see it | Is at the height of stranger anxiety |
10 months | Pulls up to stand | Stacks and sorts toys | Waves bye-bye and/or lifts up arms to communicate “up” | Learns to understand cause and effect (“I cry, Mommy comes”) |
11 months | Cruises, using furniture | Turns pages while you read | Says “mama” or “dada” for either parent | Uses mealtime games (dropping spoon, pushing food away) to test your reaction; expresses food preferences |
12 months | Stands unaided and may take first steps | Helps while getting dressed (pushes hands into sleeves) | Says an average of 2-3 words (often “mama” and “dada”) | Plays imitative games such as pretending to use the phone |
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Stages of development of a newborn | Multidisciplinary center Healthy child
From birth to 10 days of a child’s life.
- Keeps a moving object in the field of view (step tracking) – from a supine position, fixes with a glance for 5-10 seconds a moving object located in his field of view at a distance of 40-50 centimeters. Eye movements are spasmodic, sometimes accompanied by a turn of the head. General movements are inhibited.
- Starts and blinks at a sharp sound (auditory orienting reaction) – 2-3 claps are made to the right and left of the child, out of his field of vision.
From 10 to 20 days of a child’s life.
- Keeps an immovable object in the field of vision – fixes with a glance for 5-10 seconds an immovable object located in its field of vision at a distance of 40-50 centimeters. General movements are inhibited.
- Calms down with a strong sound (auditory concentration response) for 10-15 seconds.
1 month of a child’s life.
- Follows – smoothly traces a bright object that is in its field of view at a distance of 40-50 centimeters.
- Listens to the voice of an adult, the sound of a toy (prolonged auditory concentration)
- The first smile in response to the addressed speech.
- In the prone position, raises and holds the head for 5-20 seconds.
- Emits separate sounds in response to a conversation, sometimes the reaction is delayed by a few seconds.
2 months of a child’s life.
- Looks at a motionless object that attracts attention for a long time and follows a moving object for a long time (long-term visual concentration).
- Turning the head towards the sound stimulus, “search” movements of the head and eyes with a prolonged sound (search reaction).
- Smiles, turns head, holds eyes on another child for 15-30 seconds (long-term visual focus on another child).
- Spontaneously pronounces individual sounds.
3 months of a child’s life.
- Visual concentration in a vertical position – a child from a position in the arms of an adult follows for 30-40 seconds a stationary or moving object or the face of an adult talking to him.
- An “animation” complex appears in response to speech addressed to him, actively searches with his eyes for the source of the sound (another child making sounds)
- Randomly bumping into toys located at a distance of 10-15 centimeters above his chest, he revives, bumps again, tries to grab the toy and traces the movements of his hand with his eyes.
- Lying on his stomach, he leans on his forearms and raises his head up to 2-2.5 minutes. With support, he leans for 45-60 seconds on firm support with his legs bent at the hip joints, leaning on the entire foot. vertical position up to 1-1.5 minutes.
4 months of a child’s life.
- Recognizes the mother, rejoices – looks at the mother expectantly, as soon as she speaks – smiles joyfully, coos, reaches for the mother. When the mother leaves, she expresses displeasure.
- Turns his head towards an invisible sound source, finds it with his eyes and follows it for 5-10 seconds.
- During wakefulness, a “complex of revival” often and easily arises, laughs loudly in response to a verbal appeal, reaches out to another child.
- Examining, grasping and feeling toys that attract attention.
- Gulit.
- Grabs and holds mother’s breast or bottle during feeding.
5 months of a child’s life.
- Distinguishes close people from strangers (reacts differently to faces) – at the sight of the face of a loved one, a “complex of revival” arises, at the sight of a stranger, movements are slowed down, alertness appears, the child frowns and may cry.
- Recognizes the voice of mother and loved one. Distinguishes between strict and affectionate intonation of speech. Differentially reacts to it.
- Rejoices with another child, takes a toy from his hands, hums.
- Clearly picks up toys from an adult’s hands, often picks up toys with one hand, holds them in the hand for 1-2 minutes.
- Lies on the stomach for a long time, raising the body and leaning on the palms of straightened arms. Rolls from back to stomach. Stands upright and stable with support for 3-4 minutes.
- Long melodious humming
- Eats thick food from a spoon, opens mouth and removes food with lips, eats slowly.
6 months of a child’s life.
- Recognizes his own name (rejoices, turns towards the adult), distinguishes between his own and someone else’s name.
- Takes toys freely from different positions, plays, shifts toys from hand to hand.
- Rolls over from back to stomach. Moves slowly, moving hands or crawling a little, trying to get a toy.
- Beginning to babble (pronounces individual syllables, often once), listens to the adult and tries to repeat the syllables.
- Eats well from a spoon, drinks liquid food from a cup.
7 months of a child’s life.
- Actively manipulates toys.
- Crawls well and a lot in various directions
- To the question “Where?” finds a familiar object with a glance (repeatedly called and constantly in one place)
- He babbles for a long time, repeats the same syllables.
8 months of a child’s life.
- Observes the actions of another child, laughs, babbles.
- Imitates the actions of adults (rolls the ball, opens the lid, etc.)
- He sits, sits, lies down. He gets up, holding onto the barrier with his hands, stands and lowers himself. Steps over, holding on to the barrier.
- Performs previously learned actions – performs “patricks”, “give me a pen” without showing.
- Loudly, clearly, repeats various syllables.
- Holds and eats bread.
9 months of a child’s life.
- Acts a lot by imitation, uses objects differently.
- Passes from object to object, holding on to them with his hands (the objects should be at a distance of about 35 centimeters from each other).
- Knows his name and turns to the call. To the question “Where?” finds familiar objects in different places, regardless of their permanent location.
- Imitating an adult, repeats known syllables after him.
- Drinks from a cup, holding it with his hands.
- Neatness skills are being formed (calmly relates to the planting process).
10 months of a child’s life.
- Performs learned actions independently or at the request of an adult.
- With the help of an adult or holding onto the railing sideways, enters a low hill and descends with a side step
- On command “give” finds and gives familiar objects.
- Imitating an adult, repeats after him previously unknown syllables.
11 months of a child’s life.
- She rejoices at the appearance of other children, selectively reacts to them.
- Masters new actions, performs them by order and by imitation (puts a cube on a cube, removes and puts rings with large holes on the rod). Performs previously learned actions on verbal instructions (without showing).
- Stands independently, takes first independent steps.
- The first generalizations appear in understood speech (brings 2-3 toys of the same name – ball, car, doll)
- Pronounces the first designation words (lightweight words) – “kis-kis”, “av-av”, “give”.
12 months of a child’s life
- Distinguishes objects by shape (cubes, bricks, etc.), recognizes photographs of a familiar person (mother, father).
- Plays with other children looking for a hidden toy.
- Walks independently, without support, with alternating steps.
- Understands the word “not allowed”, stops the prohibited action.
- Easily imitates new syllables, pronounces 6-10 facilitated words.
- He himself drinks from a cup, takes the dishes with his hands and puts them on the table.
1 year 3 months of a child’s life.
- Increasing the stock of understood words, performs at least 3 instructions from an adult.
- Actively uses babble and light words.
- Oriented in the size of objects (more or less, with a difference exceeding 3 centimeters).
- Independently reproduces previously learned actions during the game.
- Walks for a long time without sitting down, changes position (squats, bends, turns, backs away).
- Eats solid food with a spoon by himself.
1 year 6 months of a child’s life.
- Summarizes objects according to essential features in understood speech (finds objects that are homogeneous in feature)
- The correct analogues of lightened words appear (car – instead of “beep”, etc.).
- Oriented in 3-4 contrasting forms of objects.
- Steps over low obstacles with a side step.
- Eats liquid food on his own with a spoon (holds the stalk on top in his fist).
1 year 9 months of a child’s life.
- Understands a simple adult story from a picture and answers questions.
- Uses words and two-word sentences.
- Oriented in 3-4 contrasting values of objects with a difference of 3 centimeters.
- Walks on a limited surface, raised slightly above the floor, without the help of an adult.
- Partially undresses with the help of an adult.
- Reproduces simple plot buildings – “gate”, “bench”, “house” of bricks, cubes.
2 years of a child’s life.
- Understands a short story by an adult without showing pictures about events in the child’s experience and answers questions.
- Uses three-word sentences, uses adjectives and pronouns.
- Steps over low obstacles in alternating steps.
- Oriented in 3-4 contrasting colors.
- Performs a series of several actions in succession, using items as intended (the beginning of a story game).
- Partially puts on clothes with the help of an adult.
2 years 6 months of a child’s life.
- Uses multi-word sentences with more than three words. The questions “Where?” and where?”.
- Matches basic geometric shapes (cube, ball, brick, prism, cylinder, cone) and objects of four primary colors according to the sample.
- The game has a plot character. The child independently makes simple plot constructions and names them.
- Fully dressable. Doesn’t know how to fasten buttons and tie shoelaces.
- Steps over an obstacle 20-30 centimeters high.
3 years of a child’s life.
- Begins to use complex subordinate clauses. The questions “Why?”, “When?”, “What?”
- Correctly uses various forms of objects (makes a mosaic).
- Elements of a role-playing game appear, names his role to the question “Who are you?”. Complex plot constructions appear, including many elements.
- Draws, sculpts simple objects and names them.
- Fully dressable. Can button up buttons and tie shoelaces with a little help from an adult.
- Uses napkin as needed, without prompting.
- Steps over an obstacle 30-35 centimeters high.
Child Development Calendar from the Health of the Nation
The Child Development Calendar from the Health of the Nation medical center is a convenient system that tells parents by months how the baby is developing.
Child development by months
Newborn
How does the baby behave in the first weeks of life? Should I be worried if he sleeps 18 hours a day? What you need to know about the features of feeding the crumbs, and what recommendations for care should be followed?
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1 month
What happens to a child at the age of one month, how his behavior changes. Features of development and the emergence of new actions. What you need to know about nutrition, daily care. Planned visits to doctors and testing.
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2 months
What happens in the life of a child at the age of 2 months? What behaviors should be taken into account? The appearance of the first emotions of the baby, the development of the vocal apparatus.
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3 months
What discoveries do parents expect when their child is 3 months old? The emergence of new skills, the first conscious manifestation of emotions and desires. What you need to know about the features of feeding?
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4 months
What happens to a 4 month old baby? The first serious games and interaction with the outside world. What you need to know about the features of feeding, and what recommendations for care should be followed?
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5 months
Transition period from horizontal position. What you need to know about the features of feeding crumbs? What should parents of a five-month-old baby be prepared for?
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6 months
What did the baby learn at 6 months of age? How critical is the discrepancy with accepted norms? What you need to know about the features of feeding crumbs, how to introduce the first complementary foods?
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7-9 months
What happens to a 7-9 month old baby? The baby begins to sit, crawl or even take the first steps.