×

Your guide to baby milestones

From baby’s first smile to first steps, we’re here to help you track and celebrate those milestones, both mini and major. Read up on expert-based advice for boosting your child’s development through play, plus essays about savoring every moment of your little one’s magical first year.

origin 7589 Motherly

Baby Milestones

1-month-old baby milestones

At 1 month old, your baby is still getting the hang of life "on the outside." Still in the thick of the fourth trimester, they are comforted by touch and the sound of your voice.

babytummytime Motherly

Baby Milestones

2-month-old baby milestones

Your 2-month-old may be working on opening and shutting their hands—and might soon be able to hold and shake toys like a rattle.

kissingtoes Motherly

Baby Milestones

3-month-old baby milestones

Your little one is now more alert and awake—and discovering their world.

4monthbaby Motherly

Baby Milestones

4-month-old baby milestones

Your little love is learning constantly—whether you two are on a walk around the block, snuggling up at bedtime or reading together.

5monthbaby Motherly

Baby Milestones

5-month-old baby milestones

While every baby is different, of course, babies at this age may start to follow more regular sleep patterns.

babyholdingstuffedanimal Motherly

Baby Milestones

6-month-old baby milestones

From baby’s first smile to first steps, we’re here to help you…

babygrabbingtoes Motherly

Baby Milestones

7-month-old baby milestones

Although your baby may not be on the move quite yet, now's the perfect time to start babyproofing.

baby8months Motherly

Baby Milestones

8-month-old baby milestones

Help your little one establish some healthy "downtime" practices by reading, letting them play independently, going on afternoon walks.

9monthbaby Motherly

Baby Milestones

9-month-old baby milestones

Your 9-month-old is really starting to become their own person—with their own (strong!) feelings, wants and needs.

origin 7594 Motherly

Baby Milestones

10-month-old baby milestones

Your busy babe is on the move, which means you're likely baby-proofing everything in sight.

origin 7597 Motherly

Baby Milestones

11-month-old baby milestones

Your baby's on the move—and that newfound mobility means they might be getting into things. A lot of things.

origin 7591 Motherly

Baby Milestones

12-month-old baby milestones

Your newly minted toddler is busy these days—but be sure to take some time to reflect on the milestones you've reached, too, right alongside your little one.

Explore More

origin 6918 Motherly

Baby Learn & Play

Singing to your baby is great for their brain development, says new study

And it doesn’t even matter if you’re off-key. 

origin 7235 Motherly

Toddler Milestones

Why isn’t my baby talking yet? 7 ways to encourage speech from a speech language pathologist

Worried about a possible speech delay? Deep breaths, mama. Here's what to know.

affectionate baby beagle bed bedtime carefree caucasian child childhood connection cuddling cute t20 ompjR8 Motherly

Life

It’s science: A major factor in child development? The mother’s mindset.

Your own growth mindset can protect your kids—even babies—from stress.

ms rachel parentese baby talk Motherly

Viral & Trending

Ms. Rachel explains the importance of speaking ‘parentese’ to littles: ‘This is not baby talk’

Parentese is shown to boost baby’s language development.

newborn baby sleeping on moms shoulder Motherly

Baby Health

The first year: Your baby’s health from A to Z

From colds and colic to rashes and vaccines, consider this your just-in-case guide.

one year old boy crawling on floor Motherly

Baby Health

The first 12 months: Your baby’s growth and weight

So much can change from month to month. Here’s what you can expect.

×