Developmental Milestones in the First Year: Month-by-Month Guide
The first year of life is a period of extraordinary transformations. In just twelve months, a baby goes from relying completely on physical contact and basic feeding to actively interacting with their environment, sitting, babbling, and even taking their first steps. Each baby has their own rhythm, but there are developmental milestones that guide what we can expect at each stage.
This month-by-month guide will help you understand the physical, cognitive, and social changes that usually occur during the first year, always with a realistic, evidence-based look and focused on respecting the unique development of each child.
Child development is a progressive and fascinating process, full of small great achievements.
0 to 3 months: expanding senses and first bonds
During the first three months, the newborn begins to adapt to the extrauterine world. Development focuses on primitive reflexes, the establishment of the affective bond and the beginning of head control.
According to the Spanish Association of Pediatrics (AEP), at this stage babies can begin to:
- Follow objects with their eyes and turn their head towards sounds.
- Smiling in response to social stimuli around the second month.
- Briefly lifting the head when on your stomach
4 to 6 months: body control and more interaction
Between 4 and 6 months, the muscles of the neck and trunk are strengthened. The baby begins to explore with his hands and shows greater interest in his environment.
It is common at this age that:
- Roll over from face back to stomach.
- Start putting objects in your mouth.
- Make guttural sounds and laughter.
- Recognize familiar faces and show a preference for them.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it's also a good time to start simple games like "peek-a-boo"
7 to 9 months: Increased mobility and defined attachment
From 7 months, many babies begin to move around (crawling, crawling, or even rolling) and become more aware of their surroundings. Can:
- Sitting without support.
- Passing objects from one hand to the other.
- Showing anxiety in front of unknown people.
- Imitate simple sounds or gestures such as clapping.
It is also the time when the first babbling that mimics language, such as "ba-ba" or "da-da," can begin.
"Development does not follow a rigid schedule. The important thing is to observe a continuous progression and not so much to meet each milestone on an exact date."
10 to 12 months: first steps and intentional communication
By the end of the first year, many babies become autonomous little explorers. Although some still crawl, others are already standing up, taking small steps supported or even walking without help.
At this age they also tend to:
- Saying simple words with intention, such as "mama" or "water."
- Understand simple commands like "give me that."
- Point out what they want.
- Show interest in imitating everyday tasks (brushing, using a phone, etc.).
The WHO highlights the importance of affective stimulation and free play as key factors for healthy development
What to do if a baby seems to be "slower"?
Every baby is unique, and the ranges of development are wide. However, if you notice that your child is not showing progress or has lost skills that they had already acquired, it is important to discuss this with the pediatrician.
The most common warning signs include:
- Not staring or responding to sounds by 2-3 months.
- Not keeping the head up at 4-5 months.
- Do not sit alone at 9 months.
- Do not say a word or point to the year.
Professionals can assess whether it is simply an individual rhythm or if a more in-depth evaluation is necessary.
Close observation without judgment is key to accompanying development.
How to Encourage Development in a Respectful Way
The best stimulus for a baby is human interaction and free play. Avoid comparing, forcing learning or exposing them to screens before the age of 2, as recommended by the WHO. Some ideas to accompany each stage:
- Talk to them with affection and respond to their sounds.
- Offer them safe objects that they can handle.
- Play on the floor with him, promoting movement.
- Read stories to him from the first months.
This information is not a substitute for medical advice