Your baby’s first year is full of amazing growth, from their first smile to sitting up, crawling, and babbling. These milestones are signs of physical, cognitive, and social progress, reflecting how your little one learns about the world. Here’s a month-by-month guide to what you can expect in your baby’s development, along with tips on supporting their growth.
Adjusting to the World
In the first month, babies are just adjusting to the world outside the womb. They’re beginning to focus on faces and might even give you a fleeting smile.
Key Milestones:
- Physical: Reflexive movements like grasping.
- Cognitive: Briefly focusing on faces or objects close to them.
- Social: Recognizes familiar voices.
How to Support: Hold your baby close, talk to them gently, and encourage eye contact by bringing your face near theirs. Skin-to-skin contact is also soothing and beneficial for bonding.
The First Real Smile
Around two months, you’ll likely see your baby’s first real, responsive smile—a major social milestone.
Key Milestones:
- Physical: Begins lifting their head during tummy time.
- Cognitive: Recognizes familiar people and objects.
- Social: Smiles in response to you and other familiar faces.
How to Support:
Spend a few minutes each day on tummy time, which strengthens neck and shoulder muscles, preparing them for rolling and other milestones. Interact with smiles and gentle coos to encourage social bonding.