Baby's First Year Developmental Milestones

As a father, it is important to track how your baby plays, learns, acts and speaks. This will give you a window into their overall growth.

While children are different, there are commonalities in what they should be able to do at certain ages. These Developmental Milestones are measured based on Language, Emotional, Physical & Cognitive (Learning, thinking & problem-solving) development.

Daddy’s Digest has put together a list of important milestones, so you can discuss your child’s progress with their doctor during regular visits.

Here is what your baby should be able to do by:

3 Months

Open & Shut Hands.
Raise Head & Chest While on Tummy.
Swipe at Dangling Objects.
Grasp or Shake Hand Toys.
Follow Moving Objects with Eyes.
Develop a Social Smile.
Recognize Familiar Objects & People.
Respond to Some Sounds and Enjoy Playing with People.

6 Months

Know familiar faces.
Responds to others’ emotions.
Likes to look at self in the mirror.
Respond to sounds by making sounds.
Babble and string vowels together.
Respond to own name.
Begin to pass things from one hand to another.
Make sounds to express pleasure and displeasure.
Bring things to mouth.
Show curiosity and reach for things.
Roll over in both directions.

9 Months

Watches the path of something as it falls.
Plays peek-a-boo.
Put things in the mouth.
Moves things smoothly from one hand to another.
Sits without support.
Crawls.
Makes a lot of different sounds.
May be clingy of familiar adults and afraid of strangers.
Has favorite toys.
Understands “no”.

12 Months/1 Year

Is shy or nervous with strangers.
Cries when a parent leaves.
Has favorite things and people.
Hands you a book when they want to hear a story.
Repeats sounds or actions to get attention.
Responds to simple spoken requests.
Says “mama” and “dada”.
Uses simple gestures, like shaking head “no” or waving “bye-bye”.

If you are looking for guidance on Helping Your Baby's Growth & Development or for more information on First Year Baby Development Concerns. Also refer to our Sleep, Feeding and Growth charts for a handy guide to the first year.

This information has been curated from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the CDC. Always consult with a qualified medical professional or childcare expert when taking important decisions regarding your child and their health.