Baby Milestones & Development for Baby's First Year - Motherly
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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.

mom holding baby's head in her palms, celebrating 1-month 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.

cute baby laying on its stomach and making sustained eye contact, one of the 2-month 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.

mom kissing baby's toes in celebration of 3 month milestones

3-month-old baby milestones

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

happy bald baby doing tummy time - 4 month 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.

cute baby laying on back and reaching towards mama, one of the 5 month 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.

cute baby holding stuffed animal

6-month-old baby milestones

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

baby grabbing toes, one of the 7-month developmental milestones for baby

7-month-old baby milestones

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

baby peeking around the corner crawling, one of the 8-month milestones for baby

8-month-old baby milestones

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

baby kissing moms face - 9-month milestones for baby

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.

baby crawling towards balloon, one of the 10-month milestones

10-month-old baby milestones

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

happy child sitting on the sidewalk - 11-month 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.

baby walking with help, one of the more common 12-month 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.

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When the baby book is blank—remembering milestones you didn’t write down

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Baby Milestone Mother Milestone

Why every baby milestone is also a mother milestone

Your baby is learning to smile, roll, walk and talk. You are learning to trust yourself, set boundaries, ask for help and let go. Baby milestone is mothers milestone, too, they happen together.

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Parents swear this trick helped their babies walk—but here’s what actually makes it work

“This lime trick… has really nothing to do with the limes and more so everything to do with his ability to stand.”

Baby on a flight

​​This dad made his baby “apologize” to every passenger after an 8-hour flight

Dressed in all pink and grinning like she didn’t just maybe scream for half the flight, Ava faces the line of passengers deplaning from their London to Atlanta journey.

Baby reading

This baby is just 14 months old—but watch what happens when she picks up a book

Carrie writes on the video that they have been reading to Eliana since the day she was born, and now, she’s paying it forward.

Mom talking to her baby

This mom’s monologues to her baby aren’t just going viral—they might actually rewire baby’s brain

No sing-song voice. Just a constant, hilarious stream of consciousness, delivered to an adorable baby girl with all the intensity of a therapy session.

Down syndrome baby

Gen Z mom’s powerful message is changing how the world sees Down syndrome

Set to the song “Ordinary” by Alex Warren, the video has captured hearts with a montage of her baby, Addie—who was born with Down syndrome.

baby milestones

No one talks about this part of motherhood—until it hits you like this

Jacqueline Zorn, the new mom behind @pocketsofpennys, captured a moment so deeply relatable that it has racked up over 710K views views in just a week.

Baby's first carwash

This baby’s priceless reaction to his first car wash will leave you in awe

As the brushes spin and water cascades down the windows, his expression shifts from curiosity to awe to sheer delight.

Parents giving comfort taps to baby

This baby’s comfort taps might be the most powerful thing you see today

Mimicking parents’ actions isn’t just cute; it’s an essential part of early development.

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newborn baby sleeping on moms shoulder - baby health in first year

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

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one year old boy crawling on floor- guide to baby weight by month

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

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

mom teaches baby to walk on the bed - 15-month-old weight

15-month-old health & growth guide

All those big feelings you've been forewarned about? Now may be a good time to incorporate some baby sign language.

cute toddler crawling on bed - 2-year-old milestones

2-year-old milestones

Your toddler loves pushing buttons at this stage (literally and figuratively!).

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