Baby Development Month by Month: First Year Milestones
What your baby should do at 2, 4, 6, 9, and 12 months — and when to talk to the pediatrician.
Developmental milestones are not an exam your baby must pass at exactly a certain date. They're windows. A baby who walks at 10 months and one who walks at 14 months are both completely normal. What matters is the trend: are they progressing? Are they acquiring new skills month by month?
Key first-year milestones
2 months
Social smile (not just gas). Tracks objects with eyes. Lifts head 45° on tummy.
4 months
Laughs out loud. Grasps objects with hands. On tummy, lifts chest using arms.
6 months
Sits with support. Passes objects from hand to hand. Babbles ("baba", "dada").
9 months
Sits alone. Emerging pincer grasp. Understands "no". Stranger anxiety.
12 months
Walks alone (can take until 15 months, normal). Says 1-2 meaningful words. Points at things.
Red flags that always warrant a visit: not smiling by 3 months, not babbling by 6 months, losing skills they already had, or not pointing or following your gaze by 12 months.
Loss of skills is always a red flag, regardless of age. If your baby stopped doing something they already did, consult your pediatrician this week.
📲 Share this tip
Milestones are windows, not exact dates. What matters: is your baby progressing month by month?
mi·ma · bitácora de tu bebé
In mi·ma
mi·ma logs your baby's developmental milestones and tells you what to expect next month. If something stands out, you have the record ready for the pediatrician.
No credit card · Spanish and English
mi·ma is a support logbook for parents. This guide is informational and does not replace consultation with your pediatrician. For any concerns about your baby's health, consult a healthcare professional.
Sources
- · CDC — Developmental Milestones (2022)
- · AAP — Bright Futures Guidelines
- · WHO — Child Growth Standards